Follow Us on Social Media: Stay Connected with the Latest from Japanese Manufacturing

Have you ever wondered how the things you use every day are made? From the phone in your pocket to the toys on your shelf, so many products come from manufacturing plants all over the world. One of the biggest manufacturing powerhouses is Japan, known for innovation and quality. Did you know that many major Japanese companies have social media pages where they share news, photos, and videos straight from the factory floor? Following these accounts is a fun way for kids to get a behind-the-scenes look at how it all comes together.

Toyota is one of the largest automakers in the world. On Instagram, Toyota USA gives a sneak peek into their vehicle assembly lines. You can see brand new cars driving down the conveyor belt, or watch as robots weld doors and install engines with amazing precision. Toyota wants to inspire kids who might one day work in manufacturing. Their posts explain different careers like engineers, welders, and mechanics to get young minds interested in STEM. Kids can also learn cool facts, such as how Toyota plans to build self-driving cars of the future.

For gadget lovers, there’s Panasonic. This company manufactures everything from TVs to battery-powered tools. Their Instagram is like going on a tour of their high-tech factories. See cameras put together circuit-board by circuit-board, or check out the robotic arms that assemble laptops at lightning speed. One video showed how engineers developed a machine to production-line wind telephone coils faster than humans. Kids can get pumped about Panasonic’s goal to design ever-more innovative electronics.

Kids who like toys have to check out Tomy. As one of Japan’s largest toymakers, Tomy’s Instagram transports you straight inside a toy factory. Watch plush animals get their stitching and stuffing, see motorized cars roll off inspection lines, or peek over engineers’ shoulders as they dream up new playthings. One post let kids vote on their favorite new toy prototypes. Tomy wants to nurture the imagination of future toy designers. Their account inspires creative kids to think big about play.

For the little chefs and bakers, Sakura is a must-follow. They manufacture kitchen tools and bakeware used around the world. Step behind the scenes to find out how pots, pans and cookie cutters are expertly formed from raw materials on Sakura’s Instagram. See the high-pressure molding machines that shape thousands of items per hour without error. Sakura also shares kid-friendly recipes perfect for using new cooking gadgets. Following their account is sure to get any young cook excited to help in the kitchen.

Kids who love music will flip for the Yamaha account. As a top manufacturer of musical instruments, they give an exclusive look at how their world-famous drums, guitars and pianos are crafted. Instagram videos take viewers on guided tours of intricate production lines. Young musicians can watch in awe as raw wood transforms into polished soundboards, or strings are meticulously placed on necks. Yamaha hopes sharing their process inspires the next generation of musicians to follow their dreams. Kids will love gaining insight into how their favorite instruments are born.

No high-tech gadget is complete without rechargeable batteries. On Facebook, battery-maker Maxell gives a rare look into their battery plant. See molten metals deposited and wound into delicate battery layers on a massive scale. Maxell engineers also explain battery chemistry—how different materials store and release electricity. Their goal is to spark kids’ curiosity in science and sustainability. Following Maxell is sure to charge up any kid’s passion for solving energy challenges of the future through manufacturing innovation.

For kids who prefer four-legged friends, pet product brand Hartz has an entertaining TikTok account. Get a behind-the-scenes peek into their facility making dog toys, treats and flea/tick preventatives. Hartz aims to educate kids on responsible pet ownership. Fun videos show how quality ingredients are measured, treats are baked to perfection or new toy designs get tested by the quality control team (very energetic puppies!). Kids are inspired to consider careers caring for animals through manufacturing.

Overall, following leading Japanese manufacturing brands on social media is a fun, educational way for kids to learn more about the fascinating world of production and innovation. These accounts lift the curtain on how the things we use daily come to life through technology, teamwork and creativity. Kids may even find new interests in careers of the future within fields like robotics, engineering, packaging or product design. With so much to discover, kids are sure to stay connected to Japanese manufacturing simply by following these awesome company accounts.