Lexus: Nothing works without craftsmanship
TRADITION The lavishly Lexus-produced documentary "Takumi - a 60,000-hour story about the future of human craftsmanship" is now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video. The documentary by Clay Jeter provides insights into the world of Japanese master craftsmen and explores the question of what role human craftsmanship will play in a world that [...]
Clay Jeter's documentary provides insights into the world of Japanese master craftsmen and explores the question of what role human craftsmanship will play in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
The long road to the championship
The film follows four Japanese people who have dedicated their lives to their profession: a chef awarded two Michelin stars, an artist of traditional paper cutting, a master carpenter and a carpenter at one of the oldest construction companies in the world - all respected takumi who have made it to mastery in their field with countless repetitions.
People in a decisive role
The documentary also introduces one of the Takumis employed by Lexus: Katsuaki Suganuma has been with the company for 32 years and is responsible for final quality control in production.
Since then, he has witnessed many technical changes, but provides proof that people still play a crucial role in vehicle manufacturing.
A look behind the scenes of production
The documentary takes viewers behind the scenes at Lexus' four million square meter Tahara plant. The manufacturing plant in Japan's Aichi Prefecture is considered one of the most advanced in the world. Katsuaki Suganuma is one of the Takumi masters there, who are watchdogs over the production of a new Lexus model at every step of production.
Lexus' attitude toward craftsmanship runs through the entire company as a philosophy. It is the responsibility of the Takumi masters to pass it on to future generations.
