MONROE — The Monroe International Friendship Association's student exchange program is back after a four-year COVID hiatus Japan spent two weeks in Monroe County from July 29 to August 9 while students from Monroe County spent the same amount of time in Hofu The six students were kept busy with daily activities from tours of local community spots to painting they were privy to learn about the county's voting process since it was primary election day one of the students talked about an aspect of elections in Japan: the voting booths are metal boxes The students live with host families in the county living with one family for the first week and another for the second This gives them the opportunity to experience life in different parts of America "the real American life" as program member and translator Mie Opolski put it they get an exchange of seeing life in Monroe County not just one type of family that we have in our communities," said Monroe Mayor Robert Clark the exchange gives the students first-hand experience with life in America "I'm sure they have so many things they thought — Contact reporter Connor Veenstra at CVeenstra@gannett.com will further strengthen friendly exchanges the two cities held a signing ceremony for regular mutual exchanges at Hohoo City Hall on the same day we will deepen friendly relations and promote various projects for future-oriented exchange and development The two cities began exchanges in 1975 with the hosting of the first Chuncheon-Hohu Korea-Japan Friendly Athletics Exchange Competition the sister city was established in October 1991 and actively exchanged in various fields such as youth elementary and junior high school students exchanges have been cut off since July 2008 due to internal and external circumstances and Chuncheon City has been pushing for the resumption of exchanges in the 8th popular election "It is a new starting point to build the friendship of the past 50 years and open the next 50 years together," adding "I hope we will continue to be together as neighbors who share culture ※ This service is provided by machine translation tool has begun offering test-takers hachimaki headbands for free as good luck charms please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent The headbands are ones that were returned to the shrine by those who passed their exams last year The shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane test-takers preparing for their entrance exams visit the shrine to get a set of ema wooden votive tablets and a headband as a lucky charm for academic success The shrine asks those who passed their exams to return their headbands and some people do so as a way to express their gratitude The shrine washes and irons the returned headbands before giving them to those who wish to have them The headbands can also be mailed at the recipients’ own expense The shrine hopes that the headbands will help encourage test-takers in the final days before their exams four shrine maidens washed about 3,000 returned headbands and carefully hung them to dry on the grounds of the shrine The headbands have the word “endeavor” printed on them Some of them also have messages written by their former owners pass the exam,” among other words of encouragement “I hope that the wishes of the headbands’ previous owners will be passed on and that the efforts of [this year’s test-takers] will bear fruit,” said a 21-year-old shrine maiden Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun Copyright © ChemAnalyst - 2020 | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation announced today that the company began production of the Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover SUV yesterday at Hofu Plant No.1 in Yamaguchi The move strengthens the automaker's supply system for SUV vehicles demand for which continues to grow globally Hofu Plant becomes the third production facility to manufacture the CX-3 where production began in October last year Domestic production of the CX-3 has until now been confined to Ujina Plant No.1 which also produces the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-9 Moving a portion of CX-3 production to Hofu enhances the company's ability to supply these models and respond quickly and flexibly to growing demand for SUVs globally Bringing CX-3 production online at Hofu went smoothly thanks to Mazda's Bundled Product Planning*1 and Common Architecture Concept,*2 key components of the company's Monotsukuri Innovation initiatives in product planning and production Mazda is aiming to create a flexible production system capable of producing up to 50 percent crossover vehicles as the company works to meet its global sales goal of 1.65 million units as laid out in its Structural Reform Stage 2 medium-term business plan (covering the period from fiscal year ending (FYE) March 2017 through FYE March 2019) "We're aiming for a production system that gives us more flexibility in terms of plants and models so we can get our cars to customers around the world as quickly as possible," said Masatoshi Maruyama Managing Executive Officer in charge of global production "Achieving this will help create a stronger foundation for our business." Mazda will continue its efforts to enrich people's lives through a variety of touchpoints and become a brand with which customers feel a strong emotional connection Back Lists Futurity is your source of research news from leading universities "The Mapuche believe that part of growing up is learning not to be afraid, and this is something that is actively fostered," says Amy Halberstadt. (Credit: Getty Images) You are free to share this article under the Attribution 4.0 International license Western assumptions about the emotional capabilities of children might not do them credit a new study with the indigenous Mapuche people of southern Chile suggests The research also highlights the potential value of spending time outdoors to help kids regulate their emotions think children are less capable than they actually are,” says corresponding author Amy Halberstadt a professor of psychology at North Carolina State University “Our study shows that this is not universal “For example, our work with the Mapuche people makes clear that they have different expectations about their children’s ability to manage fear. And the role they feel nature plays in helping children maintain their emotional equilibrium is also distinct.” researchers conducted a survey of 271 parents and teachers in southern Chile Survey questions were developed based on interviews and focus groups The questions were aimed at gaining a better understanding of cultural differences regarding the beliefs that adults have about children and children’s emotions One finding was that Mapuche parents and teachers were significantly more likely than non-Mapuche to expect their children to be able to control fear we’re not talking about children being stoic about their fear,” Halberstadt says “We’re talking about an expectation that children understand a situation and either take action or accept the situation without becoming afraid.” “The Mapuche believe that part of growing up is learning not to be afraid and this is something that is actively fostered,” says coauthor Dejah Oertwig “Mapuche parents support the development of emotional skills like this one through the way they help children interpret the world around them.” The study finds that Mapuche also place a great deal of value on a child’s relationship with nature “The Mapuche believe children should respect, but not fear, nature,” Halberstadt says. “They also believe nature can help children become calm, cope with sadness in a positive way, and otherwise regulate negative emotions “Parents here in the US may want to view these approaches as possible strategies they can use at home,” Halberstadt says “I don’t think there are necessarily prescriptions for success in any one approach, but broadening our appreciation of what’s possible for kids could yield positive outcomes for young people. It might be a good idea to see if spending more time outside, and respecting and appreciating nature do help us regulate our own emotions or help our children find balance.” The paper appears in Emotion Science Enrique Riquelme of the Universidad Católica de Temuco was a coauthor of the paper Support for the study came from Chile’s FONDECYT Source: NC State Add your information below to receive daily updates Please sign in to your account to add a vehicle to favourite The 1982 Mazda 626 is not generally regarded as a hero in the Mazda line-up nor one particularly significant in Mazda’s history of motor vehicles With Mazda’s first-gen RX-7 in full swing and creating headlines and the 323 competing in world rally stages and rotary-powered Cosmo looking after passionate family drivers’ needs front-wheel drive 626 ushered in a new era for the medium-sized 626 So it’s a little surprising to see a pristine two-door 1982 Capella sitting in the foyer on the Mazda offices some 120km south-west of Mazda’s Hiroshima headquarters is the port city of Hofu and home of Mazda’s expanded manufacturing facility since 1982 comprising two sub-plants: Hofu 1 looks after Mazda 2/3 and CX-30 total production from the Hofu facility is 400,000 units per year Hofu 2’s first car was its the revolutionary Capella/626 front wheel-drive platforms which have become commonplace 30 years on that the Hofu 2 plant is also home to a throwback and home to the ‘rear-drive platform’ Mazda CX-60 both of which started manufacturing in January the Hofu plant proves a little surprising to see the high amount of human labour on the production line what Mazda calls “using the provision of skills of Takumi human production and craftsmanship for products that exceed expectations.” This also means that the human skills aspect is passed on from generation to generation AGVs (Automatic Guided Vehicles) are constantly roaming in outside and around the plant to effectively move parts to where they are needed such as bringing completed engine and axle assemblies to the bodies as they pass down the line and doing endless rotations of collecting engines from one side and transporting them to the bodies just 10-20 metres away with consideration to the differing types of engines and drivetrains and despite AGVs doing more than three-quarters of the heavy grunt work Mixing human skills with modern technology are values that are designed to enhance values in the CX-60 and CX-90 range by combining Jinba-Ittai ethos for wheel alignment with Kodo design for body surfaces and precision assembly The technology side comes to the fore with a high-rigidity inner frame outer skin welding and aluminium cast suspension Panel gaps are set to between 3mm and 4mm depending on where the gap on the body is has reduced from 4 to 3mm… the gaps on the bonnet sides The line is also a mixed model production multi-line enabling a range of models to pass down the same line at the same time: from large front-engined Seeing more than 2-3 of the same model of car consecutively proves quite uncommon The line is constantly moving at a crawling pace with 243 stations stretched out over almost 2km of line with each station offering a little less than two minutes to get the job done along with with minimal jobs per station allowing an employee to immediately recognise the model pick a part and either fit or prepare the fitment for the next station One of the few fully automated aspects is the glass handling and assembly from the sealant application to the location and fitting pressure The small and large Mazda products will start to provide the electrification from 2025 so not only is the plant in a transitional period but Mazda is committed to what it calls “Sustainable Zoom Zoom to 2030” using materials and techniques designed to flow into the next decade and beyond with hybrid variations for all powertrains With CX-60 and CX-90 already rolling down the Hofu line this year when they do arrive in New Zealand in the second-half of 2023 we'll know exactly the kind of crasftsmanship READ MORE: Sushi, Shinkansen and Mazda CX-60 first driveREAD MORE: Mazda CX-60 inline six is cleaner than CX-5’s four DRIVEN Car Guide is the first stop for any Kiwi looking to buy their next car and ask an expert - drivencarguide.co.nz has all you need to know to buy your next car A partnership forged between two communities thousands of miles apart reaches a milestone this year are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the sister city program which formed at a time when Americans were still leery of the Japanese in a post-World War II world The relationship created the Monroe International Friendship Association (MIFA) a cultural and student exchange program and lasting memories for more than 200 American and Japanese students who have experienced a new culture Clark said the sister city program between Monroe and Hofu started as a business relationship that quickly developed into more “It developed into a student exchange,” he said “We are offering students educational and cultural exchanges.” the mayor will welcome a group of 35 delegates from Hofu to mark the anniversary The delegation includes Kazushige Sugiyama Hofu City Schools superintendent; Isao Fujii Many of the delegates have never visited Monroe and some of them are families who have hosted American students the delegation will attend a MIFA dinner April 22 and a special ceremony at Monroe City Hall April 23 guests will attend a dinner with Clark where a re-signing ceremony honoring the partnership will take place The idea for a sister city began in the late 1980s Mazda was looking to build it automotive plant in Flat Rock and there was potential for Japanese auto suppliers to look at Monroe County to build plants to service the facility Myers & Associates in Novi was contracted by the city when a Sophia College project was proposed at the former St the former president of the AAI/Mazda plant came to Monroe and presented an official letter from Hofu city officials asking to explore a sister city relationship then president of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce A pen pal program formed between then Hollywood Elementary School and Matsuzaki Elementary School Several pieces of art work were exchanged between the two cities and exhibited The relationship was officially formalized during a ceremony May 29 A similar ceremony occurred that August when Hofu Vice Mayor Katsumi Toshihiro visited Monroe “I would have never believed 25 years ago we would be celebrating the anniversary,” Bagnall said The concept initially didn’t go over well in the community because people feared Japan “There was still a lot of bad blood when it came to Japan even in the ’90s,” he said “The Japanese companies were coming to the United States anyway and it was important to know what Japanese culture was all about.” The bonds developed and continued to include a student exchange students from Hofu come for three weeks to live Students from Monroe County are selected to do the same with host families in Japan Clark and Hofu Mayor Matsato Matsuura signed documents pledging the continuation of the sister city program representatives from Hofu and Monroe plan to sign a similar agreement including two years ago for the city’s 70th anniversary celebration more than 200 students from Japan and Monroe County have had the opportunity to be immersed in the other country “The exchange is beneficial because it opens up people’s eyes and makes the world a smaller place,” Steve said have participated in the exchange and the Steves have hosted a student nearly every year they have been involved with the program The exchange is open to any Monroe County high school student Interested students apply and interview with a committee who selected about five students annually to participate She visited a number of temples and shrines and enjoyed Japanese cuisine “We went to Miyajima where I remember petting the deer,” she said “We also went to Hiroshima and it was interesting to see their take on what happened versus what we learned in history class.” “I really liked Hofu,” the 2017 Bedford High School graduate said The community of Hofu is a lot more urbanized than Brakel’s hometown of Temperance He said he visited the Sea of Japan to learn to surf including older brother Wayne and parents Tim and Lisa The people of Japan are “really kind,” Brakel said “They go out of the way to help you,” he explained “I was in Hofu during the seasonal eel festival but one of the people at the festival got me Japanese fried chicken to eat.” The Bedford graduate thanked MIFA for allowing him to experience a different culture “It really helped open my eyes to the diverse world,” he said The University of Toledo graduate returned to Japan two years ago while working on his business administration degree “I don’t think I would have gotten as much out of the second trip if I hadn’t gone on the first one,” Wayne said The older Brakel said participating in the MIFA student exchange was life changing “As the world proceeds toward globalization in every field this program gives students an opportunity to open themselves up to other cultures they are not typically used to,” Brakel said Exchange cultivated confidence, resilience, former student says. Paula Wethington: Friendship, family spans continents By Jem Bendell Alarmed at the persistence of arguments against bold climate action I decided to turn my attention to climate communications and share with you what I believe to be three massive mistakes is the current climate of the Western Sahara As I understand it, humanity is already in a situation of global crisis and tragedy. In only 200 years, industrial activity has increased world temperatures by an amount equivalent to 20% of the total range experienced since the first homo-sapiens walked on Earth over 200,000 years ago That is an influx of energy that is messing with weather systems our planet has been warming 170 times faster than it was cooling over the previous 7,000 years rises will likely be hundreds of times faster than any period of warming in the last 65 million years Ecosystems cannot evolve fast enough to cope with that pace of change Let’s recognise and work with the fact that most people want to do the right thing if they aren’t forced by circumstance to do otherwise And let’s communicate better about why and how to reduce contributions to planetary heating before that devastating 2C degree global average is reached climate scientist at University of Reading – Hawkins 2018 visualisation update / Warming stripes for 1850-2018 using the WMO annual global temperature dataset. Archived from the original on 17 April 2019 "LICENSE / Creative Commons License / These blog pages & images are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License." (Direct link to image). https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80976980 Dr. Jem Bendell a full Professor of Sustainability Leadership and Founder of the Initiative for Leadership and Sustainability (IFLAS) at the University of Cumbria as well as Founder of the Deep Adaptation Forum and the co-Founder of the International Scholars’ Warning on Societal Disruption and Collapse By Rupert Read, Ed Jarvis The recent Climate Change Committee report on the UK government’s lack of preparedness for climate breakdown reveals negligence at a historic scale By Kurt Cobb, Resource Insights Our political discourse is actually far narrower than our total public discourse which makes addressing big problems such as climate change very difficult By Helena Norberg-Hodge, Henry Coleman, Local Futures we need to condemn globalization loud and clear And we need a cohesive strategy that moves us sensibly and sanely in the opposite direction Resilience is a program of Post Carbon Institute a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the world transition away from fossil fuels and build sustainable Reposting Policy | Privacy Policy Mazda Motor Corporation has unveiled the newly re-modelled H2 production line at the Hofu plant in south-western Japan. The H2 production line, which is currently manufacturing the Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5, has been upgraded to become capable of building models of the Large Product group offering a variety of choices of electrified powertrains This is made possible by an enhanced production system that will allow Mazda to adjust its production more easily to new models or shifting demands making it the latest example of Mazda’s unique Monotsukuri innovation approach vehicles with different platforms (large or small) powertrains (internal combustion or electric) and engine layouts (vertical or transverse) can be produced on the same line in the future if needed This mixed production approach is an important step towards fulfilling the brand’s plans going forward under Mazda’s unique multi-solution strategy Mazda recently announced the expansion of its SUV line-up starting from 2022 The heart of the remodelled assembly is a traverse dolly line meaning that the plant does not use fixed conveyor belts or hangers the vehicles are moved on palette platforms that are level with the ground and skate on dolly rollers These can be arranged more flexibly than a fixed system – if demand increases production capacity can easily be extended by adding more sections to the production line The dolly system also allows workers to move around the platforms freely and perform whichever tasks are required for the vehicle type in front of them Two automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that align themselves with the length of the vehicle being built at the current moment deliver the engine assembled with front suspension and rear suspension respectively or the battery in the case of an electrified vehicle “More than half of the facility is now arranged in such a non-fixed way,” explains Takeshi Mukai Senior Managing Executive Officer at Mazda Motor Corporation The introduction of a new flexible module line (FML) in the welding shop will allow Mazda to minimize lead times and investment costs especially when the company introduces new models into its line-up instead of repeating the scrap-and-build process every time a new model is introduced the only part that needs to be changed is the jig to fix the parts,” explains Takeshi Mukai While in the past it might have taken more time and considerable investment to retool a production line for a new vehicle type thanks to the upgrades to both body shop and vehicle assembly line the same process can now be handled in approximately one-fifth of the time and at 10% of the investment cost compared to conventional systems Mazda’s Hofu plant in Japan builds its 10 millionth car Mazda Starts Production at New Plant in Mexico Mazda – a flexible global automotive manufacturer Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the company will build its next midsize car (CD-car) for the North American market at its Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture as part of ongoing efforts to increase global manufacturing efficiencies production of the Mazda6 (known as Atenza in Japan) exists in three locations: at our Hofu Plant in Japan AutoAlliance International (AAI) in Michigan Our intention is to transfer production of our next CD-car for North America from AAI and consolidate it at Hofu in order to improve production and investment efficiencies and optimize our business,“ said Takashi Yamanouchi Representative Director and Chairman of the Board President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation “The decision was made after carefully assessing all risks and opportunities Mazda will strive to maintain and grow our business in America “The decision to relocate to Hofu and consolidate the production of the next CD-car makes the most sense for our business,” stated Mr to identify potential future opportunities for the plant Mazda and Ford have enjoyed a close relationship for over 30 years We have collaborated on projects where there are mutual benefits and both companies remain committed to continuing this strategic partnership.” The current North American Mazda6 will continue to be built at AAI until the end of its current cycle plan Mazda is conducting various studies with Ford on the future of AAI and will announce details at the appropriate time AAI was established as Mazda Motor Manufacturing (USA) Corporation in 1985 It became a joint venture between Mazda Motor Corporation and Ford Motor Company in 1992 when the name was changed to AutoAlliance International the facility has produced over 1.7 million Mazda vehicles and to date the facility has built over 500,000 units The Mazda6 went on sale in 2002 as the first of Mazda’s new generation products to personify the Zoom-Zoom brand message and it has continued to gain a strong following ever since ℹ️ By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to the use of cookies as described in our Privacy Policy. × Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today started production of the new Mazda CX-5 crossover at its Hofu Plant No 2 in Yamaguchi Prefecture to enable the company to meet the growing global demand for crossovers flexibly and rapidly Until now the CX-5 has been produced at the company’s Hiroshima Plant and at plants in China and Malaysia In his remarks upon the start of CX-5 production at the Hofu Plant Executive Officer assisting the officer in charge of global production and plant General Manager “I’m pleased that production of the CX-5 has begun at Hofu Plant We are keenly aware of our position as one of the parent factories in Mazda’s global manufacturing network and working to raise Mazda’s brand value we carefully craft each car with attention to detail pride and commitment in an effort to please our customers that are made with care here at the Hofu Plant will further enrich the lives of customers around the world we will continue to contribute to Japan’s monotsukuri and to regional development.” Mazda is working to meet a global sales volume target of 1.65 million units by the end of its three-year business plan In recent years global demand for crossovers has surged In order to meet this demand expeditiously the company has made its production system more flexible In December 2016 the Hofu Plant joined the Hiroshima plant in producing the CX-3 the system for production of crossovers at the Hiroshima Plant’s body factory was enhanced Moving forward Mazda hopes to help create a future in which people the earth and society can coexist with cars to enrich people’s lives through a car ownership experience that celebrates driving and to become a brand with which customers feel a strong emotional connection Back Lists Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation's Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture has reached a cumulative production volume of nine million units This milestone was achieved in the 28 years and two months since vehicle production commenced in September 1982 The cumulative volume rose from eight to nine million units in just 29 months due to high volumes of the Mazda Axela (known as the Mazda3 overseas) which commenced production in November 2008 At a commemoration ceremony held today at the Hofu Plant No.1 Mazda executive officer and the Hofu Plant's general manager "I would like to thank all our valued customers business partners and everyone in the Hofu community we would not be here today celebrating nine million units of production Advancing from eight to nine million units has been particularly challenging due to the harsh external business environment but thanks to all our employees and business affiliates working together under Monotsukuri Innovation we will accelerate the momentum we have built up as we strive for the next target of ten million vehicles." The Hofu Plant is one of Mazda's major passenger vehicle production facilities in Japan together with the Ujina Plant located near the company's headquarters in Hiroshima The total production capacity of Hofu Plant No.1 (H1) and Hofu Plant No.2 (H2) is approximately 481,000 units per year H1 produces the Mazda Axela and H2 produces both the Axela and Mazda Atenza (known as the Mazda6 overseas) Production in the first nine months of 2010 has been steady a 30 percent increase compared to the same period last year Mazda has long been dedicated to cultivating technological excellence in order to offer high-quality vehicles to customers in every corner of the globe With Monotsukuri Innovation (innovative manufacturing) Mazda's world-class production facilities will continue to offer products that delight people everywhere Back Lists Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today unveiled the all-new Mazda2 (known as Mazda Demio in Japan) which has been fully redesigned for the first time in seven years Mazda6 (Atenza in Japan) and Mazda3 (Axela) the all-new Mazda2 is the fourth in Mazda's line-up of next-generation models which adopt the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO-Soul of Motion design The all-new Mazda2 will be rolled out in global markets starting from Japan this autumn The all-new Mazda2 brings a level of functionality and added-values exceeding the expectations for a car of this class by evolving the concepts and technologies cultivated through the development of earlier next-generation products KODO design gives the car the look of a living creature and imparts a presence unrivalled in the class Developed based on the same engineering concepts as those in larger next-generation models allow the all-new Mazda2 to provide both outstanding safety and eco-performance and the brand's trademark driving pleasure The model also features a wide range of cutting-edge technologies such as the Mazda Connect* next-generation car connectivity system and a wide range of i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety features that aid the driver in recognizing and responding to hazards The all-new Mazda2 is available with the SKYACTIV-D 1.5 a new small-displacement clean diesel engine that offers excellent fuel economy and eco-performance while delivering torque comparable to a 2.5-liter gasoline engine Along with next-generation high-efficiency direct injection gasoline engines the clean diesel engine will allow Mazda to offer an engine line-up tailored to the needs of each market The Japanese market will get the SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter diesel and SKYACTIV-G 1.3-liter gasoline engines With total sales of over 2.4 million units the Mazda2 is one of Mazda's core products Starting with the launch of the original in 1996 the Mazda2 has brought new value to the subcompact segment every time it has been fully redesigned Mazda again offers customers around the world a new interpretation of the subcompact car Back Lists The expected tariff cost is significantly lower than the $4 billion to $5 billion crosstown rival General Motors estimates which Ford attributes to its higher mix of U.S.-built vehicles Kobe-based Tato Architects have remodelled a 40-year-old building in Japan for a brewery owner into their house and office with angled walls is inserted within the steel-frame of the existing structure and includes a warehouse and shop for the brewery company that specialises in traditional soy and miso products the building’s outer walls are clad in charred wood reclaimed by the client from old miso barrels The main outer frame and roof of the old building was kept as is partition walls and glazing were inserted within angled at 45 degrees against the existing grid The rotation was done to create ambiguity between the old and new layers of architecture along with creating angled sundry spaces under the eaves and courtyards “like wedged pieces of land between square fields” The public and private zones of the Hofu house and office are placed strategically according to functions Public areas such as the shop and warehouse face north toward the road outside followed by the office and prototyping room for product development in the middle The residence of the client is placed furthest to the south The inserted walls create two angular gardens one for the office spaces and a private one The private and semi-private rooms that look out to the garden are separated by sliding glass doors. The private residential design observes light coloured wood clad neatly across the floors along with unadorned décor and broad windows that bring the wind and sun in The angled walls produce geometric shadows that are thrown across the light filled courtyard pockets and the interiors of the House and Office in Hofu White dominates the interior design accentuated by features of wood and a bit of greenery provided by the pocket gardens Slight furniture and timber shelves are placed sparsely across the concrete flooring the layers of glass doors and walls create depth and gradation blurring the boundaries between spaces,” Shimada explains In more than half a decade of dedicated writing and research fueled by her education and experience in architecture ideating as well as aligning and editing content for STIR’s design and architecture verticals She also edits and oversees the day-to-day editorial operations for its launch platform Her keen interest in what demands design and creative plurality at large drives her professional pursuits She often tunes into a variety of media centred especially on maligned women true crime and what we get wrong about history From vernacular knowledge to modern sustainability Middle Eastern pavilions serve as living archives of architectural thought offering fresh frameworks for global adoption STIR engages with the curators of the Togo Oman and Qatar pavilions—debuting at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025—on representation the book presents a fictional story depicting algorithms exercising control over humans and how this affects the built environment Tipnis shares how the toolbox democratises the practice of restoration via DIY resources to repair tangible urban heritage made of common building materials Exclusive preview for subscribers. Learn More Make your fridays matter. Learn More © Copyright 2019-2025 STIR Design Private Limited Please confirm your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password All your bookmarks will be available across all your devices Password must be 8 characters long including one capital letter By creating an account, you acknowledge and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy by STIR Select the Conversation Category you would like to watch Please enter your details and click submit Single account access for STIRworld.com,STIRpad.com and exclusive STIRfri content Verification link sent to check your inbox or spam folder to complete sign up process by Jincy Iype | Published on : Jul 01 the longtime also-ran of Japanese automakers says it came up with innovations in nearly every step of auto manufacturing for a super-efficient assembly line that rolls off vehicles at a stunning rate of one every 54 seconds The revamped Hofu plant in Yamaguchi prefecture has defied skeptics who predicted the automaker’s demise after Ford Motor Co Mazda was not bought by a Chinese competitor Nor did it collapse under the burden of a soaring yen that made Japanese cars more expensive abroad Mazda is still riding on its reputation for producing cool gas-sipping models such as the Miata roadster without a single gas-electric hybrid in its lineup The Hofu plant can barely keep up with demand Its pace betters that of Toyota Motor Corp. which can roll out a vehicle at paces varying from 57 seconds to 115 seconds The key to what Mazda calls its innovation in “monozukuri,” or “making things,” apparent at the Hofu plant the main structure on which a car is built Platform-sharing is a standard profit-boosting device in the auto industry but is even more crucial for a smaller player such as Mazda allowing it to create several distinct models from what in basic ways is the same car After its partnership with Ford ended three years ago Mazda says it took the process a step further and unified platforms and parts at the design and development stage It believes it has elevated the standard for an assembly line that can produce multiple-size vehicles to a new level of leanness and efficiency Mazda officials said it will introduce all the innovations it came up with for the Hofu plant they call “the mother plant” at its new plant in Mexico “We see this as one step toward further growth,” said President Masamichi Kogai at a roll-off celebration The Hofu plant produced 350,000 vehicles last year down from its peak at above 500,000 in 2007 but that’s recovering this year to about 400,000 vehicles which had owned a third of Mazda and was its main partner for three decades gave up its top stakeholder position in Mazda in 2010 At a time when Japanese rivals are moving production abroad Mazda still produces 60 percent of its vehicles in Japan That has left Mazda vulnerable in periods when the yen is strong But the unfavorable currency rate has changed course since last year providing an unexpected lift for the Hiroshima-based automaker Mazda had honed in on cost cuts and efficiency partly because it wanted to be able to eke out profits even with a high yen Mazda is planning to raise overseas production to 50 percent of total output by the 2015 fiscal year It is also aiming to increase annual global sales to 1.7 million vehicles by 2017 It is well on its way to achieve its profit forecasts for the fiscal year ending March 2014 at $700 million Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible Get breaking news delivered to your inbox as it happens TDS Telecommunications continues expanding its high-speed all-fiber internet network into more Spokane-area neighborhoods © Copyright 2025, The Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy After almost 31 years Mazda has produced its 30 millionth car from the Hofu facility in Japan Mazda has announced that total production at its Hofu facility in Japan’s Yamaguchi prefecture, which builds the all-new Mazda6 and all-new Mazda3 came off the final assembly line yesterday (27 August) 30 years and 11 months after vehicle manufacturing first began at the Hofu Plant No 1 a line of 10 million cars would stretch approximately 16,000 miles – all the way from Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima to London and back again a special ceremony was held at Hofu Plant No 2 Executive Officer and General Manager of Hofu Plant to witness the 10 millionth vehicle coming off the assembly line Masamichi Kogai said; “The production of 10 million vehicles at Hofu Plant is a tremendous achievement and we could not have done it without the support of our customers  We see this fantastic achievement not as a destination but rather as a milestone on our road to further growth we are committed to continue delivering fantastic products that delight our customers.” Full-scale production at Hofu Plant No 1 started in September 1982  The Hofu Plant No 2 began operating in February 1992 with a flexible-production capability for vehicle bodies and modular assembly systems on a mixed-model assembly line to best respond to changes in consumer demand Today, the two plants manufacture Mazda’s two most popular models and have a combined annual production capacity of 482,100 units.  Currently, Hofu Plant No 1 produces the all-new Mazda3 (which will go on sale in the UK in January), and Hofu Plant No 2 makes the all-new Mazda6 Mazda celebrates 50 million vehicles made in Japan One-Millionth Mazda MX-5 returns to Japan after its world tour The pandemic has cultivated a movie ecosystem in which low-budget horror thrives, writes Annabel Nugent vlogger-centric film be able to lay claim to the box office No 1 spot in high summer I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In a summer that was supposed to see the release of A Quiet Place Part II, Antebellum, The New Mutants, Mulan, James Bond: No Time to Die, Black Widow, and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, it feels absurd that a low-budget, cheap-thrills horror The Wretched is the closest thing we have to a box office hit this season. Owing to pandemic-induced disturbances in the regularly scheduled programming, the film – which stars no notable names – perched at No 1 in the US box office for every weekend in May. As one of the few movies to have topped the box office for five weekends in a row, it ranked alongside Black Panther, Titanic, Avatar and The Sixth Sense. It’s fair to say the horror film is punching well above its weight. It’s not alone. The film’s success has been the harbinger for a small cadre of similar low-budget horrors – Becky, Followed, Relic – to also take turns wearing the coveted crown. Just this weekend, newly released horror The Rental, the directorial debut from Dave Franco starring Alison Brie, topped the US charts. Then again, it’s not hard to finish first when you’re the only one in the race. In response to the pandemic and subsequent cinema closures, every major studio is clambering to push back the release of its big-time movies, hoping to hang tight until the outside world has sorted itself out and they can be delivered into the most profitable environment possible. In the meantime, this tiny group of low-budget, low-stakes horror is doing a good job of filling the gap. And unlike Christopher Nolan’s flicks, it’s no big deal if you’re watching them on your laptop in three lunch-break-length instalments. In fact, right now it’s preferable. In a lockdown life characterised by uncertainty, upended summer holidays, and a rolling ticker tape of statistics nothing short of horrifying itself, we’ve been reaching for our box-sets: Friends, Seinfeld, The Office, Law & Order. When the outside world took on unknown terrain, the certainty afforded by our television screens (that the bad guy gets caught; Gareth gets pranked and Jerry’s girlfriends never last) is a foothold we can count on. But as the Groundhog Day-ness of lockdown becomes increasingly numbing, the gaping hole left by postponed summer blockbusters is starting to be felt more deeply. Movie-goers are itching for new content – but we’re not quite ready to let go of the comfort blanket knowledge that a kooky entrance from Kramer will always be met with a five-second studio laugh. New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. That’s not to say that the success of inexpensive horror movies exists only within a lockdown; as David Sims of The Atlantic pointed out, micro-budget movies like Don’t Breathe, Saw and Ouija turn over huge profits in normal circumstances too. Make no mistake though: even with the added psychological appeal of predictable horror at a time like this, the success of a film like Followed was still far-fetched. It needed the specific conditions produced by an unprecedented pandemic to flourish. In what other climate would a dirt-cheap, vlogger-centric horror movie be able to lay claim to the box office No1 slate in high summer? The freeze on blockbusters and the closing of cinema doors have given films like this further vital oxygen. Movies like The Wretched are usually released on a limited US theatrical run and available to rent online instantly, but now the pandemic has cultivated a movie ecosystem with the optimal conditions for them to thrive. Becky and Followed have also benefited from lockdown’s repercussions. Neither are great. It’s likely that without the extenuating circumstances, both would have gone silently into the straight-to-DVD night without so much as a bad review. But here we are, discussing them. Natalie Erika James’s forbidding horror debut is a slow burner in the best way, an intimate series of vignettes that build pace and power until it offers one of the most arresting climaxes in recent cinema. Relic is about more than jump scares, which is why it enjoyed three consecutive weekends as top dog at the US box office before being bumped by The Rental this past weekend. Besides Relic, though, these low-budget horror films will likely fade out of existence as soon as audiences get a whiff of Tenet or The New Mutants. But for now, in another absurd twist of events this year, The Wretched can exist on par (on some level at least) with Titanic, and a brilliant indie project such as Relic gets more airtime in the mainstream. Besides, any film news that isn’t solely the announcement of another delayed release is good news. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Japanese version PerformanceDrive Mazda has finished retooling one of its major production lines in Japan as it prepares to launch a wave of next-generation models including a new rear-wheel drive platform and all-new electrified powertrains The Hofu plant is the primary manufacturing hub for the Mazda6 and CX-5 It has just received a new design that will allow Mazda to begin production of new internal combustion and electrified powertrains That includes new ‘Large Product’ platform models, such as the next Mazda6 which is set to become rear-wheel drive, as well as the introduction of the highly-anticipated Skyactiv-X inline-six Mazda says its retooling of the Hofu plant means the company can accelerate its production numbers despite increased powertrain and platform variables powertrains (internal combustion or electric) and engine layouts (vertical or transverse) can be produced on the same line in the future if needed.” This is particularly important due to the fact that Mazda has confirmed that its all-popular SUV range is set to grow with models such as the CX-60 and CX80 in particular while there’s also a number of hybrid and pure EV systems coming in from 2022 It was made possible by a new transverse dolly line that effectively replaces any fixed conveyor belts the new system moves vehicles on palettes that skate on dolly rollers which means production line workers can move vehicles where needed and move freely around the production line itself “More than half of the facility is now arranged in such a non-fixed way,” says Takeshi Mukai Mazda’s senior managing executive officer said “By introducing the [flexible module line] the only part that needs to be changed is the jig to fix the parts,” Mukai said The retooling of the plant is an important move for Mazda as the company fast-tracks its production rates and engine options in line with the company’s “Sustainable Zoom Zoom” philosophy which was announced back in late June Mazda confirmed that 100 per cent of its lineup will feature an electrified powertrain by 2030 with updated Skyactiv platforms designed specifically for hybrid and battery electric vehicles its new Skyactiv platform will underpin five new hybrid models and three battery electric vehicles with more following suit in the years after It forecasts that by the end of the decade 25 per cent of Mazda’s sales will be made up of fully-electric vehicles MktoForms2.loadForm("//app-sn05.marketo.com" Mazda Motor Corporation held a ceremony on the 18th April to mark the start of mass-production of the all-new Mazda CX-60 SUV at Hofu Plant No and Mazda Workers’ Union Executive Committee President employee representatives expressed their commitment while a commemorative vehicle was introduced to the audience Attended by approximately 100 people involved in production the ceremony was a key company milestone with the CX-60 being Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid SUV The most important model it has introduced for over a decade Mazda’s new flagship represents everything that the company has built into its DNA over the last 100 years from outstanding exterior and interior design to the finest Japanese craftsmanship the latest innovations in human-centric technologies and a world-class powertrain The all-new Mazda CX-60 PHEV introduces full plug-in hybrid technology to the European SUV market with a powertrain that combines a Skyactiv-G 2.5 four-cylinder direct injection petrol with a large an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission This combination of engine and motor delivers a total system output of 327PS and abundant torque of 500 Nm making it the most powerful road car Mazda has ever produced the new Mazda PHEV displays outstanding environmental credentials: WLTP combined fuel consumption is just 188mpg and WLTP combined CO2 emissions only 33 g/km Mass production of European CX-60s started on the 15th March and the vessel carrying the first shipment of CX-60s is due to depart for Europe on the 26th April the first Mazda CX-60 models will arrive in the UK later this summer All-new Mazda CX-60 PHEV UK pricing and specification announced All-new Mazda CX-60 sees debut of ground-breaking new technology Japanese version Japanese version The 49th Hofu Yomiuri Marathon took place in Hofu marathon runner B.Ser-Od won the silver medal for the men’s 42 km race at the marathon Japanese marathon runner Yuki Kawauchi won 1st place with finishing time of 2:11:29 A total of over 3,000 athletes participated in the annual marathon organized by the Yomiuri Shimbun Japanese version Japanese version Mazda_CX-5 under production at its Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture Japan: Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that cumulative production in Japan reached 50 million units on May 15 The company held a commemorative ceremony recently at its Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture executive officers and union representatives were in attendance The 50 million-unit milestone was achieved 86 years and seven months after Mazda produced its first three-wheeled truck in October 1931 and now we’ve reached 50 million units of production in Japan it would take 50 years to reach this milestone showing just how long Mazda’s history is,” said Kogai at the ceremony Mazda will continue to build a strong brand through a variety of initiatives Our plants in Hofu and Hiroshima will continue to evolve and act as parent factories rapidly deploying their technologies and skills to our overseas plants I’d like us all to work together to ensure these plants continue to embody the kind of technical prowess that does justice to Japan’s proud history of Monotsukuri.” Mazda began its journey as an automaker in 1931 when it started producing three-wheeled trucks in Hiroshima In 1960 it commenced production of the R360 Coupe micro-mini marking a bold entry into the passenger car market Vehicle manufacture started at Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi in 1982 and domestic production duties have since been shared between the Hofu and Hiroshima Plants Mazda Motor Company took steps to increase its production flexibility for crossover models and create a framework capable of responding quickly to changes in demand Mazda aims to sell 1,660,000 cars this fiscal year and plans to establish a global production framework capable of manufacturing two million units annually by fiscal year ending March 2024 Mass-production of vehicles featuring next-generation technologies and design is slated to start in 2019 and Mazda will continue expanding its production framework in an effort to get cars to customers as quickly as possible the sole agent for Mazda vehicles in Qatar since 1971 have contributed significantly over the last 5 decades in establishing the premium Japanese brand through an efficient network of sales and aftersales facilities as well as a strong team of qualified and skilled personnel National Car Company offers the entire range of new generation Mazda sedans SUVs and pick-ups displayed in a state of the art showroom located in Fereej Al Nasr which is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 9 pm except on Fridays when the showroom is open during evening hours This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with TUKO. Enroll Now! Residents of Woodley Estate in Nairobi are distressed, fearing their homes will be destroyed after the county government demolished 43 households. Woodley Estate residents ask for assurance of new homes once construction is complete. Photo: John Kamau Presenter.Source: FacebookThrough their neighbourhood association, the residents failed to prevent the demolition of their houses, rendering them homeless. The demolition of 43 houses came following the expiry of a 90-day vacation notice issued by Nairobi county to pave the way for constructing 1,975 housing units over the next three years. They opposed the move, claiming a lack of involvement in the decision-making process before the demolition, as per a report by Citizen TV. Read also Vihiga county health experts down tools over delayed payment, lack of equipment: "We've tried our best" Following the first demolition phase, residents expected to be in the second lot have expressed fear, not knowing when the county government will send bulldozers to destroy their homes. Pauline Miduda, a resident, asked Governor Johnson Sakaja’s government to inform them when their houses will be demolished early enough to avoid suffering the fate of the 43 households. Another resident, David Kose, said there should be a good framework to handle the entire process peacefully. Read also William Ruto tells off critics finding fault with his gov't: "we'll succeed and ashame you" Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino criticised the government for demolishing houses in his constituency Babu expressed deep concern after more than 200 residents in the Mradi area of Embakasi East were left homeless in September 2024 The legislator condemned the government for carrying out the operation while at the same time constructing affordable housing current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke Motor News » vehicle type » SUV Mazda is one of the biggest car brands in the world The secret of his success lies in the fact that he does not follow the crowd he is not afraid to execute them to prove that he is right in a high percentage of cases The best example of there is no single way to do things is SKYACTIV technology that gives life to its new range of models we cannot overlook another detail: it has the best-selling roadster in the world in its range But this is only the tip of the iceberg because it has drawn up a plan that will position it at the height of the Bavarian premium firms The first model with which they have surprised us is the Mazda CX-60 an SUV that will surely delight the most dynamic drivers To announce the start of production of the Mazda CX-60 in plant number 2 of Hofu in Yamaguchi prefecture (Japan) the same one where it will be manufactured The reason for that has to do with Mazda's premium aspirations and the quality of the hub although the first units left the assembly line on March 15 To the approximately 100 people involved in the production attended Notable members include Hofu factory employees this is a model that has nothing to do with the ones it has sold up to now And not only at the level of "propaganda" but by providing it with revolutionary technology The most relevant data has to do with the fact that it is based on a new propulsion platform and that it will mount engines with six cylinders in line But there is more because there is no lack of a PHEV plug-in hybrid version or a quality If we go to the official press release published by the brand we can understand the importance of the CX-60… «The most important model that has presented for more than a decadeMazda's new flagship embodies everything the company has embedded in its DNA over the past 100 years latest innovations in technologies and a world-class powertrain« the first units will leave for Europe next April 26 on a ship that will set sail from the port of Nakanoseki Source - Mazda Mazda CX-60 Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id" "a63721ac692ff27ab750d3cb33e4a141" );document.getElementById("g3666f9531").setAttribute( "id"