Immigrant Special – Interview with MK
The earthquake prompted me to move to Hakodate.
A new life and career with my family.
The earthquake prompted me to move to Hakodate.
A new life and career with my family.
A new challenge as a firearms officer in the Weapons Division
MK (Firearms Section, Weapons Division, Ship Repair Department) is originally from Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. He moved to Hakodate after the Great East Japan Earthquake and changed jobs to Hakodate Dock. He is currently involved in the maintenance of ASROC launchers and other equipment, while enjoying life in Hakodate with his family.
Q: Where are you from?
A: Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture.
Q: What led you to join Hakodate Dock?
A: I used to work at a local smelter, working as a boiler operator who used waste heat from the copper refining process to generate electricity, but the Great East Japan Earthquake made me consider changing jobs. My sister-in-law and her husband were in Hakodate, so my wife and children moved there first, and after completing the necessary procedures for work and housing, I moved there two years later. After that, I learned from a distant relative that Hakodate Dock was hiring, so I applied.
Q: What was your impression of Hakodate Dock and the shipbuilding industry before joining the company?
A: To be honest, I didn't have much knowledge or information about the shipbuilding industry, but Hakodate Dock is a well-established company with a large number of employees and a long history, so I thought I would feel safe joining the company.
From a job of just finding things to a job of fixing things with your own hands
Fixing something that isn't normal with your own hands is a new and rewarding experience.
Q: Please tell us about your current job..
A: We perform maintenance work on the artillery batteries and missile launchers equipped on destroyers. I am mainly in charge of maintaining the ASROC launchers, and I am responsible for everything from unloading them from the ship, to maintenance and adjustment, and even recovery.
Q: When do you feel a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction in your work?
A: At my previous company, I was the one who would detect abnormalities in boilers and other equipment and have someone else fix them, but now my job is the opposite, repairing the parts that are not working properly with my own hands and making them work again, so I feel a fresh sense of accomplishment when I manage to repair something successfully.
Q: How do you feel about the atmosphere and work environment at your workplace??
A: I was hired mid-career, so I'm a little older than my coworkers, but everyone treats me like I'm pretty much the same age (laughs). I enjoy working in a friendly atmosphere. I also think the employee benefits are excellent. In particular, my wife can't take weekends off due to her job, so the lack of work on holidays and the ease of taking paid leave are very helpful for our family.
Enjoy a comfortable life in Hakodate with your family
Enjoy a comfortable life in Hakodate with your family
"There's less pollen and the summers are cooler.
That alone makes me feel glad that I moved here."
Q: What do you like about living in Hakodate?
A: First of all, there's very little pollen (laughs). I don't think I've had any hay fever since I came here. And most importantly, the summers are cool and very comfortable. There are delicious local specialties like fried Mexicali, but the squid in Hakodate is crystal clear and amazing. Genghis Khan is also delicious, and the food is fantastic. I don't feel particularly inconvenienced when it comes to shopping, so I think it's a very easy city to live in.
Q: How do you spend your days off and what are your favorite spots?
A: My sons play soccer, so I mainly go to watch their practice and cheer them on at games. Also, my brother-in-law runs a ramen shop, and he recently opened a new one. It has an unusual name, "Yamazaki Clothing Store," but it specializes in salt ramen (laughs). Their premium ramen is excellent, so I often go there to eat. I recommend that you all try it!
Although he was confused about life in a snowy country, he overcame it with his family.
"It hardly ever snowed in Fukushima, so shoveling snow every day was hard work, but I got used to it (laughs)."
Q: What were your fears or difficulties when you moved here?
A: It must be the snow. It hardly ever snows in Fukushima, so shoveling it away every day is a struggle.
Q: How did you overcome that?
A: You just have to get used to it (laughs). You get used to it (laughs).
The people of Hakodate are very kind and welcoming!
Q: Please give a message to those who are interested in Hakodate Dock or moving to Hakodate.
A: The people of Hakodate are very kind and will welcome you warmly, so there's nothing to worry about. And one thing I especially want to emphasize to you is that Hakodate is actually a very accessible city! The city is close to the airport, and you can easily use the Shinkansen and ferry. In other words, a big attraction is that it's surprisingly easy to get to your hometown when you want to visit your family or friends. And above all, the food is delicious! I encourage you to consider moving to Hakodate!
Shooting cooperation:"Yamazaki Clothing Store"
16-3 Suehirocho, Hakodate City / Tel: 0138-84-6897