Real talk from science and engineering employees REAL TALK
Each perspective,
Different ways of working
A cross-talk session featuring science and engineering employees involved in the radio tower project that provides the technical support for TOKYO SKYTREE.
From what led them to join the company, to their job responsibilities, what they find rewarding, and their outlook for the Future.
We'll bring you honest opinions from each individual's perspective.
*Affiliation information is as of the time of the interview.
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YS-san
Radio Tower Business Division
New graduate hired in 2016 (graduated from the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering)
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KK
Radio Tower Business Division
Hired mid-career in 2019 (graduated from the Department of Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering)
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KH
Radio Tower Business Division
Hired mid-career in 2019 (Department of Physics and Information Systems, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Information and Electrical Engineering)
SECTION_01
Three people belonging to the Radio Tower Business Division share their individual experiences and feelings while working.
First, as an introduction, could you tell us about your daily work and what you studied during your student days?
YS-san
My job involves considering the long-term maintenance and repair management of facilities and determining the budget for that. I'm also responsible for planning annual construction and maintenance projects, improvement work, and renovations. In college, I majored in electrical engineering, so I have a basic understanding of electricity, and when I joined the research lab, I focused on power-related research, specifically solar power generation. For example, I studied what kind of systems are needed to further promote solar power generation. My studies were more in line with economics than pure science.
KK
Wow, the content was really diverse!
My current responsibilities involve managing the facilities. Since it's been 10 years since we opened, I'm responsible for ordering and planning repair work for various air conditioning and lighting equipment that have become worn out, as well as coordinating with the site staff. I also handle fire prevention and disaster management, conducting drills and reviewing existing plans. During my student days, I was in the Department of Electronic Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering. My research topic was in the field of materials science, specifically how to combine metals such as iron and copper to create good magnets.
KH
I am in charge of the maintenance and management of radio towers. Specifically, I inspect the structure of the radio towers and perform maintenance and inspections on the antennas and the masts that support them. I also handle safety management of the radio towers and the development of disaster response plans. During my student days, I majored in electromagnetism in the Department of Physical Information Systems at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. I studied how radio waves propagate, antenna design and characteristics, and more.
What was your first encounter with the Skytree, and what was the deciding factor in your decision to join the company?
KH
I first went up the Skytree about a year after it opened, and I was impressed by how cutting-edge and dazzling it was. Initially, I worked for an infrastructure company, but my job was more behind the scenes and not one that received much attention. When I considered changing jobs and thought about the Skytree, I realized it had the latest technology, and it also had an infrastructure aspect to it. I felt it was a highly motivating job where I could utilize what I had learned and connect directly with customers, which was the deciding factor in my joining the company.
KK
Since I'm from a rural area, I saw the construction of the Skytree on the news. When I came here as a tourist, I was honestly surprised by its size. I also joined the company mid-career, and the deciding factor for my career change was that I felt I could gain a variety of experiences working in a large-scale facility. In my previous job, I moved from site to site, which was educational in its own way, but I thought that thinking about what could be done within one large facility like the "Skytree" would be a valuable learning experience.
YS-san
I often went mountain climbing, so every time I passed by the Skytree on the train on my way to the mountains, I could see it getting bigger little by little. That was my first encounter with it, and it left a lasting impression on me. The Skytree opened when I was a freshman in college, and I thought it was an interesting facility. What made me decide to join the company was that it was overwhelmingly different from other companies, having "the world's best that everyone knows." I thought it would be interesting to work in a place that is "the world's best" that even my grandmother would recognize, so I decided to join the company.
Please tell us about any moments that have made you happy or given you a sense of fulfillment since joining the company.
YS-san
The first thing that comes to mind as something I was happy about was cooperating with a TV interview. I was incredibly happy to have the opportunity to ask questions in a quiz segment about someone I admire.
KH
That's wonderful! I also had the opportunity to appear on TV for about 15 minutes, and many people around me told me, "You were on TV!"Individual, I think it was great to be able to do work that allowed people to get to know me and see me.
KK
It really does have a big impact, doesn't it? For me, it was when I was in charge of the renovation work on the 4th floor. We were doing the work amidst the many closures and irregularities due to the pandemic. There were also very few customers, so I was worried whether anyone would even come to see it. But somehow we managed to complete it successfully, and I was happy that various people just glanced at it and said, "Wow, they've finished this." It was tough, but I felt a great sense of accomplishment.
KH
The Radio Tower Business Division has a variety of missions, such as on-site renovation work and future lighting updates. We often think about things that will make everyone happy and benefit the company. That's quite fun, and when we come up with an idea and make it happen, it's enjoyable to see the immediate reaction, which I think is a great motivator. I think the fact that we can do these things as part of our work is one of the good things about the Radio Tower Business Division and our company.
"You have a lot of work and achievements that really catch the customer's eye," the three of them said excitedly.
Conversely, could you tell me about any difficult experiences or opportunities where you feel you grew as a person?
YS-san
I tend to forget things once they're over, haha. The pandemic was definitely a tough time. With a limited budget, we had to carefully review what needed repairing and what could be carried over to the following year. It was challenging to re-examine what maintenance was truly necessary for the Skytree and then tackle that challenge.
KK
That's right, it's hard to know what's right.
KH
Elevator maintenance is a tricky task. We have to avoid stopping them as much as possible, otherwise it will affect our business and sales. So, we have to consult with various departments to create a schedule that minimizes disruption. Balancing maintenance and business operations is necessary, but it's a lot of work.
YS-san
I think the Skytree is unique compared to other commercial facilities. The Observation deck is open all year round, but there are set Opening hours, and separately it also functions as a radio tower that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since it has to keep both functions running without interruption, checking the process for each one is very difficult, so it may have challenges that ordinary commercial facilities don't face.
KH
That's right. We have to consider not only the operation of the Skytree, but also the needs of the companies that are located there, so there are many constraints. That's why it's necessary to communicate with various parties and coordinate while working.
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What kind of person can thrive at Tobu Tower Skytree? This is for those who wish to join the company.
What kind of person do you think would be able to excel in this area, such as "Someone who has studied XX can really shine in this part"?
KK
It's okay if you're not that specialized. There's no rule that says you can't succeed in a particular field of study.
KH
I am in charge of the maintenance and management of radio towers. Specifically, I inspect the structure of the radio towers and perform maintenance and inspections on the antennas and the masts that support them. I also handle safety management of the radio towers and the development of disaster response plans. During my student days, I majored in electromagnetism in the Department of Physical Information Systems at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. I studied how radio waves propagate, antenna design and characteristics, and more.
YS-san
Yes, I think it's fine to have studied anything, but I think people who have put in the effort to study will be able to work well. More important than the content of what you've studied is whether you've put in the effort. Also, I think it's important to have a wide range of interests. Just because you're an electrical engineering student doesn't mean that you'll only be doing electrical work after joining our company, so I think it's good to be interested in other fields as well, and find what you're good at by trying various things. I think our company is looking for multi-talented people, so I think it's good to have people who don't unnecessarily restrict themselves.
"Rather than specializing in one area, we want them to absorb a wide range of knowledge and use it to their advantage," the three said.
Because the work is so broad, encompassing architecture, facilities, electrical engineering, and more, it's an environment where people from various academic backgrounds can thrive.
KH
That's right. Besides technical matters, the radio tower business division's work also includes sales and contract negotiations with tenants, so having a broad range of knowledge is beneficial.
KK
There's also cost management to consider. Buildings are essentially living things, or rather, they're operating businesses, so it's not just about architecture; it also involves electrical and mechanical aspects, and you naturally end up being responsible for a wide range of fields.
YS-san
It's perfectly fine for people to want to specialize in something; for example, we'd love to hear from someone who's passionate about lighting and wants to change the lighting at the Skytree! (laughs) Within that framework, there are things that need to be done, and I think this is also a place where you can realize things that you think would be beneficial.
KH
That's right, it's been 10 years since we opened, so there are a lot of things we need to do. We're looking for people who have a strong desire to take on all of that and say, "I want to do it!"
Is there anything you would like to try at this company in the future?
YS-san
As someone in charge of elevators, I'd like to change the design and interior of the Elevator leading to the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria , as they haven't changed in the 10 years since the park opened. Elevator are a place that visitors will definitely use. I think the reason they haven't been touched is because the current ones are so wonderful, so it would be great if we could come up with something even better.
KH
Also, it would be great if the elevators were more resistant to wind.
YS-san
That's right. Elevator are like a lifeline, so I think it would be even better if we could make them more wind-resistant and easier to maintain so that more people can enjoy them.
KH
Speaking from a sales perspective, we started an exhibition last year at the Observation deck featuring research utilizing the Skytree. We want to expand that further and add more exhibits from various researchers. Also, I think a research museum zone where children can play would be enjoyable for visitors and help them learn about the Skytree, so we would like to work on that.
YS-san
It would be fun if there was some kind of special effect to match the electric current when lightning struck the Skytree, wouldn't it? (laughs)
KK
This facility offers opportunities to consider even the most unexpected ideas. I haven't yet been involved in the interior design of the Observation deck, so I'd like to try that. I want to create a facility where customers can experience new enjoyment and wonder every time they visit.
When the conversation turned to things they wanted to try, the three of them naturally became very enthusiastic.
Finally, do you have a message for the students?
KK
My biggest regret from my first job search was making a hasty decision without doing enough research or trying to figure out what I really wanted to do. Of course, I gained valuable experience at the company I joined, but honestly, I couldn't stay there for long. I have a younger brother who's the same age as you, and I've been giving him a lot of job-hunting advice, haha. I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did. Even if you haven't found what you want to do yet, I hope you'll do some research, go and experience things that interest you, and try out different things. I hope you'll take your time and think things through without rushing. I'm rooting for you!
YS-san
My job search was quite long, lasting about six months. I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do, so I applied to various companies without narrowing down my focus to a specific industry.
I think job hunting is about re-evaluating what you want to do and what you're capable of, so it might take some people six months, while others might finish in just a few months. But if you work hard, you'll eventually find a company that suits you, and it would be ideal if you could get into such a company. First, find a company you want to work for, and then work hard towards that goal. I'm rooting for you.
KH
It's unlikely that everything you're studying will be directly applicable to your work. However, it's also not necessarily true that everything you're currently doing is a perfect fit for you. Take the time to explore the characteristics of various companies and discover what you want to do and what you think you're capable of doing. Above all, I believe that "interest" is the driving force behind work, so it's best to find a company where you can work with interest and approach your job with that mindset. Job hunting is a valuable opportunity to learn about society. It's an opportunity for personal growth and something that will affect your entire life, so think carefully and approach it with dedication. I look forward to working with you all.
What did you think of the candid conversation between the three people working at the Radio Tower Business Division?
The in-depth discussion about work, something only possible because we were in the same department, was very impressive.
Having a wide variety of tasks within a single department is something unique to our company!
Being able to work on things outside of your area of expertise expands your possibilities.
We hope this will spark some interest in the employees of Tobu Tower Skytree!