*This article is translated using machine translation. Please be aware that the accuracy of the translation is not guaranteed. Some proper nouns might not be translated correctly.
This is the third installment of our relay-style column series, "Together with Our Customers." In this series, each featured employee selects the next person to be introduced, creating a continuous chain of stories. Our third guest is Yusuke Okawa, who is based in Vietnam.
Note: Company and position information is current as of September 2025.
I am currently based in Vietnam, where I am engaged in sales, service, and molding support for plastic injection molding machines. We operate two offices in Vietnam--our headquarters in Hanoi and a branch in Ho Chi Minh City. Our team includes both Japanese and local staff, each playing a vital role in solving customer challenges on a daily basis.
Vietnam's climate varies by region. Hanoi experiences four seasons, with summer temperatures exceeding 40°C and humidity reaching up to 95%, making it feel like stepping into a sauna. In contrast, winter temperatures can drop below 10°C, making thermal innerwear essential--even in Southeast Asia.
Ho Chi Minh City has only two seasons: rainy and dry. The weather is warm year-round with relatively low humidity, making it a comfortable place to live.
Vietnam's colonial history under France is still evident in its architecture, which retains a European charm. The famous Vietnamese sandwich, banh mi, is rooted in French baguettes, and the culinary scene reflects this influence. You can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines, including French, Vietnamese, and Japanese. Recently, upscale restaurants catering to affluent customers have been on the rise, offering luxurious experiences such as high-end sushi, eel specialties, and fine French dining. Treating ourselves to these places every few months is one of our family's little joys.
Vietnam's plastic molding industry is diverse, with local companies as well as Japanese, Chinese, and Korean firms actively operating here. This creates a business environment that demands global responsiveness. The market spans various sectors including automotive, office equipment, electronics, precision instruments, medical devices, daily goods, and apparel. One notable difference is the relatively low presence of container-type molded products compared to other Southeast Asian countries--paper-packaged items are more common even in convenience stores.
The supplier landscape is also evolving. Before 2020, Japanese companies often relied on Japanese suppliers. However, Vietnamese suppliers have recently gained prominence, showing remarkable improvements in technical capabilities. While cost-effective products are in high demand, rising labor and electricity costs are pushing companies to find new ways to reduce expenses.
Although concerns were raised during the U.S.-China trade tensions regarding suppliers for Apple and Samsung, Chinese and Korean companies are now largely back on track with their original plans. Vietnam's plastic market continues to show strong growth potential, and our company, along with others in the industry, is working hard to adapt to this rapidly changing environment.
Sumitomo molding machines are widely adopted in the Vietnamese market, with the number of units in operation steadily increasing each year. While our attentive sales follow-up and brand trust play a role, I believe the biggest factor is the quality of our after-sales service. From initial setup support to quick response during breakdowns, our service is highly rated locally, and we proudly consider ourselves No.1 in Vietnam.
Recently, there has been growing interest in "energy consumption reduction." Our technical sales staff visit customer sites to propose energy-saving solutions by reviewing molding conditions. We also work on reducing defect rates and offer year-round cost-saving strategies. Although Sumitomo machines are known for their higher initial investment, we have a solid framework to explain the total cost--including long-term running costs--in a clear and convincing manner.
What I value most in my work is "listening to the customer's voice." It may sound simple and obvious, but in the hustle of daily operations, it's easy to overlook. In my current position, I've come to realize how challenging it is to meet every customer's expectations. Sometimes we need to propose compromises due to delivery schedules or other constraints, but I strive to deliver the best possible performance within those limits.
As Vietnam's market continues to grow, I want to clearly define the direction Sumitomo molding machines should take and steadily work toward that goal. To achieve this, I will continue to take pride in listening to our customers and making their voices the foundation of our efforts.
I live in Vietnam with my family, and weekends are often spent accompanying my daughter to her extracurricular activities. Surprisingly, Vietnam offers a wide range of lessons taught by Japanese instructors, including soccer, basketball, karate, cheer dance, and abacus.
Vietnam's location along the South China Sea also allows us to enjoy beach resorts during long holidays. Being able to experience a tropical atmosphere just an hour's flight away is one of Vietnam's unique charms that we truly appreciate.
Next, I'd like to introduce Ms. Arakawa from SPM Thailand. As a female expatriate, she is well-versed in overseas trends and I believe her story will be especially inspiring for women considering a career abroad.