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| Otomo no Yakamochi, one of the major poets in, and reputed compiler of, the Man'yoshu, spent about five years in Takaoka in the mid 8th century as the governor of Etchu Province (now Toyama Prefecture). During his gubernatorial stint in the province, he wrote many great “waka” poems. |
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| Zuiryuji Temple is the first architectural landmark in Toyama Prefecture to be named a national treasure, the temple was completed in 1663 after some 20 years of laborious construction. The commanding dignity of the gate and the well-kept lawn are two of features that most impress visitors. |
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As visitors come out of the Takaoka Station into the city center, they are greeted by a parade of signboards from aluminum makers. Among the many firms in this business in Takaoka is the Hokuriku branch of Sumitomo Light Metal Industries, Ltd., a leading aluminum rolling company. The branch, established in 1989, deals in a full line of aluminum products, including aluminum sheets used as construction materials, electronics parts, decoration materials for cars and extrusions for looms. Serving customers in the three Hokuriku prefectures including Toyama, the branch is contributing to the development of the aluminum industry in the region.
The Hokuriku branch is operated by two staff members headed by Masahiro Kaneko. Kaneko constantly travels around the Hokuriku region, making the rounds to visit valued customers while continually keeping an eye out for new ones. The other staff member primarily handles procurement operations and responds to inquiries. “Because a good network of roads links the prefectures together, it’s not difficult to travel long distances for business,” Kaneko says. “In fact, I rather enjoy driving past miles and miles of rice paddies and absorbing the magnificent view of the towering mountains in the distance.”
The Hokuriku region surrounding Takaoka encompasses three central prefectures along the coast of the Sea of Japan. In winter, the region is mostly blanketed with snow. “I love snow, so I really love the wintry scenes in this region,” says Kaneko. “The Sea of Japan offers a rich variety of sea food, and I can enjoy mountain climbing and golfing in this region all year round. It’s simply a wonderful town to live in. Of all the places I’ve lived and worked, I like Takaoka the best,” beams Kaneko.
The Hokuriku branch also serves as a major local supplier of information concerning the latest trends in the aluminum industry, and is seeing a rapid expansion in its product scope. The branch is trying to cultivate new markets for aluminum products in growth areas like electronics parts and information equipment. “We want to help our customers learn more about the special traits and potential of aluminum by cultivating new markets and drafting new business proposals,” says Kaneko. |
