【Implementation Report】【Himeji】We Want Local Children to Feel the Fun of "Monozukuri"! All Students at Yagi Elementary School Completed a Colorful "Iron Whale Shark" Object with Handprints! Aiming for Installation in the School by Graduation Ceremony.

On Tuesday, January 20th, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, at Himeji City's Yagi Elementary School, the "Giant Iron Whale Shark" object, approximately 2.5 meters in length, designed and manufactured by our company's young employees, was beautifully completed by all students of Himeji City's Yagi Elementary School (approximately 90 students) who applied handprints with colorful paints.

We plan to bring it back to our company, apply a coating to prevent the paint from peeling, and redeliver it by late March, when the 6th graders will be graduating. We would appreciate it if you could cover the event at that time as well.

Background of the Project: It's Difficult for Our Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer to Recruit Young "Monozukuri" Talent

Our company, with factories in Akashi and Himeji, has been focusing on recruitment, mainly new graduates and those in their early careers, for about three years. However, in the face of severe declining birthrates, we are facing considerable challenges.

Therefore, to convey the enjoyment of actual "monozukuri" (manufacturing) to students and young job seekers, we launched a project to create a "Giant Iron Whale Shark" object using our company's high design capabilities and fabrication/welding technologies.

Furthermore, we were reminded of the long-standing issue of young people moving away from science and engineering. We thought it would be a wonderful memory for local children to experience the joy of "monozukuri" and to consider science and engineering fields when contemplating their future career paths. This led us to plan an event at an elementary school.

"Decorate the Whale Shark Together" Event Implementation Outline

● Date & Time: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 9:45 AM – 11:40 AM

● Location: Himeji City Yagi Elementary School (Address: Himeji City Yagi 24-2 / Phone: 092-245-0849) in front of the school gate

● Event Participants: All Yagi Elementary School students / Parents / Teachers and Staff / Sanwa Engineering personnel

The Day's Events

8:30 AM: The whale shark object arrived at Himeji City Yagi Elementary School, and event preparations began.

9:45 AM: Our company's president and Principal Fujihara gave greetings to the students and their parents.

9:50 AM: From 1st to 5th graders, each student sequentially chose their favorite color and applied their handprint.

11:30 AM: The 19 6th graders applied their handprints, marking the finish! Principal Fujihara delivered a message to the graduating students.

**Principal Fujihara's Message**

"The school emblem of Yagi Elementary School depicts eight people holding hands. That's why I decided to proceed with this handprint event, which perfectly suits Yagi Elementary School. Even after graduating, please continue to walk forward, hand in hand with many people."

**Voices from the Students**

"It was very fun. I'm happy we had this opportunity." "I put less paint on my hand to make the handprint come out well, and it worked!" "I want to press more prints." "It became colorful and cute." "I felt the joy of manufacturing." "I'm looking forward to seeing it displayed."

Media Inquiries

For those interested in covering the delivery, please contact us at the following number: (078) 941-2201 Sanwa Engineering Co., Ltd. General Affairs Department, Nakano/Takeuchi

Future Outlook

Sanwa Engineering aims to promote the joy of "monozukuri" with a long-term perspective through such event planning.

As a company rooted in and growing with its area, we will continue to actively engage in discovering the young talent who will lead the future of manufacturing in the Harima region and Japan.