The AIWA brand has earned a place in the hearts of millions of homes through its dedication to quality, advanced technology and exceptional design. A key pillar of this excellence is the Research & Development (R&D) and Quality Control office in Tokyo, where the ideas that define the AIWA brand are brought to life.
In this exclusive interview, we spoke with Mr. Masakatsu Tokagi, Director of R&D and Quality Control, who leads a team dedicated to ensuring that every AIWA product meet the highest standards of performance and durability. The combination of technological innovation, functional design and the Japanese tradition of excellence is what makes AIWA a unique brand.
AIWA Innovation Center: Interview with Mr. Masakatsu Tokagi, Director of R&D and Quality Control in Tokyo
Interviewer:Mr. Tokagi, could you describe your role at AIWA’s Tokyo office and why this location is so important to the company?
Mr. Tokagi:
My main responsibility is to oversee the complete product development cycle and ensure that all our products meet AIWA's strict quality standards.
The choice of Tokyo for our R&D and Quality Control office is no coincidence. Tokyo is a global hub of innovation and technology, which allows us to have access to the latest technological trends, top-quality materials and, above all, a highly qualified workforce. The city is the ideal environment for carrying out our research and development activities.
Tokyo, where tradition meets the most advanced technology
Interviewer:What are the key steps in the product development process within the Tokyo office?
Mr. Tokagi:
The product development process at AIWA is rigorous and meticulous. It all starts with in-depth market research to understand our customers’ needs.
From there, we generate design concepts that then move to prototyping. This phase includes advanced simulations and real-world testing to refine the design.
Once refined, each product undergoes strict quality controls in our specialized laboratories. Only after passing these tests does the product move on to mass production.
This process ensures that products are not only innovative, but also extremely reliable and durable, characteristics for which the AIWA Family is recognized worldwide.
Research and development and quality as a starting point
Interviewer:AIWA is known for its commitment to quality. How does the company ensure that all of its products maintain high standards?
Mr. Tokagi:
Quality is paramount in every aspect of our work. From the beginning of the design process to final production, our Quality Control team carries out rigorous testing at every stage.
We use advanced equipment and modern testing methodologies to ensure our products meet the most stringent durability and performance standards.
An important part of this process is the safety and durability testing we carry out in our laboratories. Before a product reaches our customers, it has gone through an exhaustive verification and control process, ensuring that any potential faults are resolved before it goes into production.
Innovative Projects: The EVO Series
Interviewer:Could you give us a specific example of how you apply quality control on an AIWA product?
Mr. Tokagi:
Of course. A good example is the creation of the Zenkaisui EVO vacuum cleaner series , a product that has gained popularity in many homes.
To ensure it meets our demanding quality standards, we subject it to multiple tests: we check its suction power, battery life and filtration efficiency.
We also perform motor endurance testing and drop testing, simulating the normal wear and tear that occurs with everyday use.
Thanks to these tests, we can assure that the Zenkaisui EVO not only offers optimal performance, but also has a long service life.
Technology at the service of the customer
Interviewer:Let's talk about technology. What kind of technologies and equipment does AIWA use in its R&D and Quality Control processes?
Mr. Tokagi:
Our Tokyo office is equipped with the most advanced technologies. We use state-of-the-art CAD software to design detailed and precise products.
We also have 3D printers for rapid and accurate prototyping, which significantly speeds up the development process.
In addition, in our testing laboratories we have specialized machines to perform complex analyses and simulations that allow us to test the durability and performance of each product.
These technologies allow us not only to innovate, but also to ensure that each product maintains the quality that our customers expect from the products we develop at AIWA.
Team play as a differentiating element
Interviewer:What role does collaboration play within the AIWA team?
Mr. Tokagi:
Collaboration is vital in our daily work. At our Tokyo office, engineers, designers and quality control specialists work as a team, sharing knowledge and experience. This synergy allows us to continuously improve and generate innovative ideas.
We also host regular training sessions and workshops to keep our team up to date with the latest technological trends and quality regulations. This collaborative approach is key to staying at the forefront of the industry.
At AIWA, we are very focused on three key areas: sustainability, smart technology and improving user experience.
Vision of the Future: Sustainability, Innovation and Quality
Interviewer:Finally, what are AIWA’s main priorities for the future?
Mr. Tokagi:
At AIWA, we are highly focused on three key areas: sustainability, smart technology and improving user experience. We are focusing on developing eco-friendly products that not only offer high performance but also have a lower environmental impact.
Furthermore, the integration of smart technology is another priority, as we want our products to make our customers' lives easier.
In terms of design, we remain committed to creating products that are intuitive and user-centric.
Our Tokyo office will remain at the heart of these innovations and will continue to lead our efforts towards a more sustainable and technological future.
AIWA: Tradition, innovation and technology
Interviewer:Thank you very much, Mr. Tokagi, for providing us with these valuable insights into the R&D and Quality Control processes at AIWA.
Mr. Tokagi:
It has been a pleasure. At AIWA we are proud of our legacy and of continuing to innovate without losing sight of the tradition of quality that defines us.
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With this article we want to highlight AIWA's dedication to leading the small appliance industry, offering an unrivaled combination of Japanese tradition, technological innovation and elegant design. With a growing global presence, AIWA continues to demonstrate its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, establishing itself as a trusted brand in the home appliance market.