Employee Voices
Q1.What is your main role, and what tasks do you enjoy or find challenging?
SOKEN covers a wide range of research fields, but what exactly do employees work on? We asked them about their favorite and most challenging tasks—perhaps their insights will help you imagine what it’s like to work here.
Bringing the World’s First Technologies to Life
I work on developing key technologies for next-generation electric drive systems, including batteries, inverters, and motors.
I enjoy the process of analysis and experimentation leading up to the creation of groundbreaking technologies. However, I find writing technical documents challenging. It's essential to convey information clearly and concisely without missing key points, and I often struggle with how to put complex ideas into words.
A Supportive Environment Where You Can Easily Ask for Advice
My main role is designing hardware for in-vehicle antennas used in data communication and radar detection.
I enjoy prototyping the antennas I design, testing their performance on vehicles, and refining them to propose new structures. On the other hand, I find developing and evaluating detection algorithms (software side) challenging. Fortunately, I can always seek advice from experienced colleagues in my department.
Opportunities to Contribute Beyond My Own Research
I collaborate with DENSO and Toyota on research projects related to carbon neutrality, working on performance improvements and exploring new technologies.
I particularly enjoy researching emerging technologies and engaging in discussions on projects outside my direct responsibility. However, I find repetitive tasks less appealing.
A Deep Sense of Achievement When Capturing Phenomena through My Designs
I work in 'visualization,' capturing various phenomena using cameras. This includes designing optical systems, testing jigs, and assembling components for visualization experiments.
My favorite part of the job is conducting visualization tests. On the other hand, I find it challenging to extract quantitative data from the recorded footage. I plan to improve my software knowledge to streamline data analysis more efficiently.
Q2.What’s the most memorable project you've worked on?
At SOKEN, the themes and technologies we work on evolve each year. We asked employees to share their most memorable projects—ones that left a lasting impact and gave them a strong sense of accomplishment.
Gaining a Broader Perspective and Discovering the Excitement of Innovation
One of my most memorable experiences was participating in the 'Ultimate BEV-WG' (Battery Electric Vehicle Working Group). This initiative brought together members from different teams to discuss and anticipate the future of BEVs and the technologies needed to anticipate their evolution.
Working primarily with young employees across departments, we brainstormed new ideas and explored future technologies. Through this experience, I realized the importance of broadening my perspective and found great excitement in thinking about new innovations.
Winning an Award at Denso’s Idea Contest!
I participated in “Muran” monozukuri ideas contest and collaborated with members to create a karakuri device that automatically draws sand pictures. Balancing this project with our daily work was tough, but seeing people enjoy our creation at the event made it all worthwhile. We even won the Karakuri Grand Prize! The best part? Using the prize money to celebrate with an incredible eel dinner.
A High-Stakes Exhibition with Last-Minute Refinements
One of my most intense experiences was the final month leading up to a major exhibition. Working across teams, we tirelessly refined our demo and made adjustments right up until the last moment. When the demo successfully came together on the exhibition day, it was incredibly rewarding to see our hard work take shape.
A Cross-Departmental Effort That Led to a Successful Global Presentation
With limited preparation time, we had to rapidly set up an experimental bench, conduct technical demonstrations, and deliver a presentation at DENSO’s overseas facility.
Thanks to the full support of SOKEN’s prototyping team, we quickly built the test setup, verified our technology, and successfully transported the equipment. The presentation itself was a true team effort, made possible by collaboration across multiple departments and locations. This experience left a lasting impression on me.
Q3.What are your career goals?
Everyone has different career aspirations. What goals and career visions do SOKEN employees have as they approach their daily work?
Becoming a Trusted Expert That Researchers Rely On
As a technician, I see researchers as my closest clients. Through various tasks, I strive to refine my skills so that they think, “I’ll ask them” or “I can count on them.” My goal is to meet a wide range of needs and become someone people trust. Building on that foundation, I aim to step into a leadership role, drive projects forward, and contribute to SOKEN’s technological and technical development.
Bridging Academic Knowledge with Real-World Applications
Carbon neutrality is a technical field where various technologies emerge suddenly and develop rapidly. Therefore, my major goal is to incorporate new academic advancements, refine them through research, and connect them to commercialization.
Becoming a Leading Expert in Antenna Hardware and Radio Wave Propagation
Although antenna and radio wave technology is a niche field, it plays a crucial role as the entry and exit point for communication and radar detection. Its importance will only grow in the future. I aim to be the go-to expert—someone people naturally turn to when they encounter challenges in this field.
Becoming a Leader Who Inspires Others
In the next 5 to 10 years, I want to be a leader who not only solves my own challenges but also helps those around me overcome theirs. To achieve this, I actively take on tasks beyond what I could manage alone, relying on the support of my team. This approach allows me to push my limits while developing the ability to motivate and lead others.
Q4.What’s a typical "SOKEN thing"?
Every company has its own unique culture, and SOKEN is no exception. What are some things that are uniquely SOKEN? Join us and see for yourself!
Close Collaboration across Departments
Near my electrification department are experts in vibration and noise analysis, thermal systems, vehicle control, and other specialties, so I often get immediate advice and help when facing challenges outside my expertise.
It's also an environment conducive to developing multi-domain technologies that span multiple fields. Additionally, being close to the prototype team makes it easy to consult on anything from simple mock-up production to large-scale experiments, allowing research to progress quickly.
Visualization Technology Is Soken's Foundation.
Whenever we encounter an unknown phenomenon or a "black box" scenario, our first question is always, "Can we visualize it?" Visualization technology is at the heart of our research, helping us uncover previously unknown insights. These discoveries often lead to innovative ideas and new advancements.
Soken Is the Unsung Hero...?
Many new DENSO employees assigned to SOKEN are initially unfamiliar with the company and find it somewhat surprising. Even after joining, I often get asked by DENSO colleagues what exactly we do at SOKEN.
While our research contributes significantly to commercialization and product development, much of our work focuses on measurement-based improvements and fundamental technologies. Since these efforts aren’t always in the spotlight, not many people outside the company are aware of them.
We're Surrounded by Aichi Pond and Nature.
Right in front of our company is Aichi Pond, so I often see regatta athletes training hard. Watching them motivates my own work.
The area is rich in nature—during the summer, I sometimes spot rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles in the parking lot, and in autumn, the air is filled with the sweet scent of fragrant osmanthus.
Q5.Who is SOKEN best suited for?
We asked employees what kind of people thrive at SOKEN. Take a look and see if any of these descriptions resonate with you.
Work Approach Similar to University Research Labs.
You’re entrusted with projects from the moment you join. You develop the ability to think independently and advance projects with your own hands. I often feel the environment is similar to university research labs, so it's suitable for those who were torn between pursuing a doctoral degree and entering the workforce.
Recommended for Generalists Who Want to Acquire Various Knowledge.
In research positions, the work often follows a generalist approach, requiring broad knowledge rather than deep specialization. Therefore, I think it's recommended for those who want to try different types of work and acquire many technical skills in the process.
The Perfect Environment for People with a Spirit of Challenge and Curiosity.
SOKEN is recommended for people who enjoy taking on new challenges. You progress by thinking for yourself—from experimental methods to solutions—and sometimes collaborating with others.
It's also an ideal environment for those interested in a wide range of fields, as diverse research is conducted and specialists in each field are available to learn from.
With many senior researchers still active, I think SOKEN is also an optimal workplace for those who want to continue research actively over the long term.
Having Foresight Is the Key to Enjoying Your Work
While we sometimes work with mass-produced products, our work is basically researching and developing products several years ahead. Those who stay attuned to current issues, anticipate future challenges, and recognize emerging needs—and who want to drive research and development on their own initiative while involving others—can work enjoyably here.
Q6.How do you spend your time after work and on days off?
Maintaining a good work-life balance is essential. Many SOKEN employees make the most of the company’s benefits to enjoy fulfilling off-time.
Joining Company Social Events
I usually spend my time hanging out with friends or relaxing at home. On weekends, I sometimes join small gatherings with colleagues and seniors for a drink after work.
There are also company-organized social events, such as team step-count challenges and regatta races on Aichi Pond with DENSO and Toyota Boshoku Corporation. I enjoy participating in these events as part of a team with my coworkers.
Adjusting Work Hours to Make Time for Self-Improvement.
Since I can adjust my work schedule in consultation with my supervisor, I can dedicate time after work to my hobbies or studying English for self-improvement.
SOKEN also provides self-learning programs, such as e-learning courses, allowing employees to enhance their skills for free or at a low cost.
On weekends, I often go golfing with my DENSO colleagues or have dinner with members from other departments.
Balancing Hobbies and Work with the Flextime System.
I love traveling and watching sports. I’ve taken both domestic and international trips, including a long vacation abroad to immerse myself in local food and culture for a refreshing experience.
For sports, I sometimes attend baseball and soccer games in person, but I especially enjoy watching overseas soccer and Formula 1 on TV. Since these events are often late at night, the flextime system has been a great help.
Refreshing at Nearby Campgrounds.
On weekends, I like to go camping to refresh myself in nature. One of my top recommendations is the Oku-Hida Campground in Gifu. The starry skies are breathtaking, there’s a hot spring on-site, and you can even enjoy river activities—perfect for relaxing both body and mind. I also love saunas and often use them as a way to unwind and recharge.
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