NAKASHIMA PROPELLER
We Go Beyond
Headquartered in Japan’s Setouchi region, the centre of thecountry’s shipbuilding industry, Nakashima Propeller is amanufacturer of marine propulsion equipment boasting a leading
share in marine propellers.
Having started as a foundry for fishing boat propellers, thecompany has continued to pursue innovation in the capabilityof propellers to deliver security, safety and comfort. It will becelebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.
A ship’s optimal state is found when it is viewed from thepropeller, the centre of propulsive functions. With this fresh
perspective, Nakashima Propeller seeks to offer a full range of■ OUR SERVICES
Nakashima Propeller designs and manufactures marine propellers(FPP and CPP), thrusters, energy-saving devices for the stern and
CFRP propellers.
We also offer a full range of after-sales service, including repairof damaged propellers, edge modification, fuel-saving polishing,support of propulsion equipment for ships in operation andoptimisation of propulsion performance for fuel efficiency.

Issue 8*We provide propellers for ULCS, VLCC, VLOC, VLGC, LNG/LPG-carriers, PCC, cruise
ships, working boats, coastal vessels, research vessels and coast guard vessels*Our services satisfy requirements for all major classification certificates (including
ice-class)services catering to each ship’s entire life
cycle while achieving fuel efficiency to
reduce the burden on the environment.
Nakashima Propeller works to contribute to
the world, beyond the realm of its industry.

■ OUR STRENGTHSJAPANESE QUALITY
Nakashima Propeller offers refined
in-house capabilities in design andmanufacturing. Using a high-performancecomputer with a 5000 core large-scale
processor, Nakashima’s craftsmen create
a blueprint based on data accumulated
from a world-class production historyof 1 million propellers. Moreover, with
its unique manufacturing skills that
integrate cutting-edge technology andexperienced craftsmanship, Nakashima isfully equipped to delicately reflect designin manufacturing and deliver reliable
Japanese-quality products.

CUSTOMISED PRODUCTION
The propeller is at the centre of optimising
propulsion performance—and a hundred
different vessels will have a hundred different propellers. Rather“World-recognised Japanese quality cannot be described solely in terms ofthan pursuing efficiency as a manufacturer, Nakashima takes pridemechanical precision or reproducibility. Lacquerware used at the dinner

in its commitment to build-to-order production, designing andtable, Japanese knives that are indispensable to create Japanesemanufacturing optimal propellers for each unique ship under andelicacies—only with the deep commitment and thorough experience ofintegrated production system.

the people who make them can the full potential of such products beunleashed. Our propellers embody the same spirit of Japanese quality.”

Nakashima People Vol. 8
Junko Ohkouchi

General Manager, Quality Control Department, Nakashima Propeller

Propelling,

At a time when the shipbuilding industry in Japan

immersion (at a time when there was no internet)

a newsletter fromwas dominated by men, Nakashima Propeller set

ultimately became a huge asset for my future

Okayama, Japan,

out to empower women. It hired Junko Ohkouchi as

career in sales.

spotlights the hidden

one of its first female employees in a non-clerical,

POSIDONIA - Greece

allure of propellers andhigh responsibility position.

requiring special craftsmanship is simplified and speedy production

METSTRADE - The Netherlands

aims to steer the world’s

without dispersion is achieved.

INTERNATIONAL WORKBOAT SHOW - USA

ships, and their world,

Junko has risen to the challenge, helping makecountries. In that sense I think I was something of

SMM HAMBURG - Germany

one step into the future

diversity one of Nakashima’s strengths and paving

a pioneer for the whole industry. Being given thethe way to the future for herself and the company.

autonomy to create the future while transforming

Nakashima Propeller promptly responds to propeller damage by

In the interview that follows, she discusses thedifference into strength really helped me advance.

sending repair engineers from its worldwide network to your site.

work that goes into delivering Nakashima quality

Today, the experience enables me to deal with

Nakashima takes into account various conditions such as the ship’s

to the world.

wide-ranging challenges and to develop new

CUTTING-EDGE USE OF SMART TECHNOLOGY—H. Kubo, General Manager, Innovation Section, Nakashima Propeller

Nakashima’s smart technology is able to define the shape ofthe high-efficiency propeller’s complex three-dimensional,
curved surface. By increasing the surface area of machining withadjustments such as modification of the trailing edge, a process

SERVICE ANY TIME, ANY PLACE

fuel efficiency, course and degradation due to ageing to propose
solutions such as edge modification, fuel-saving polishing andretrofit, providing detailed support throughout the ship’s entire
life cycle.

■ EVENTS

Please check individual websites for the latest updates from event organisers.

688-1, Joto-Kitagata, Higashi-ku, Okayama, 709-0625, JAPAN
+81 86 279 5111
npcwebmaster@nakashima.co.jp
https://propelling.jp
Japan・Singapore・Vietnam・Philippines ・China
Korea・Taiwan ・U.S.A.・Brazil・Turkey・U.K.・Namibia・UAE
Propelling, Issue 8 (31 July 2020)
Produced by Yaoyorozu-ING
Photo by Makoto Tomioka [ P2]
Copyright 2020 NAKASHIMA PROPELLER Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Once I finally began working in sales, I noticed that
I had very few female peers, even in otherstandards and systems.
Q. What has been your experience leading thepath for diversity at Nakashima?

Q. What does 'quality control' look like at

The company took an experimental approach to my

Nakashima Propeller?

career path. I initially wanted to work in overseas

Put simply, it is dynamic. We are having to thinksales, but was instead given the task of translating

and act across divisions that separate departments,

catalogues from overseas manufacturers. Looking

cultures, the tangible and the intangible, people

back, the knowledge I gained through thisand machines, technology and nature, and so on.

Propelling Issue 8“As an industry-leading company,
Nakashima has a unique rolein helping set global benchmarks”
Junko Ohkouchi

INTROSPECTION — JAPANESE INNOVATION

Inventing a Sustainable New Normal —Part 1‘New normal’ has become a common term over the years to

We should also keep in mind that viruses have flourished for an

describe the impact of socioeconomic upheavals. These have

impressive 3 billion years on Earth. Modern humans date to justincluded the IT bubble and global financial crisis, international

200,000 years ago. Our odds of defeating viruses are minuscule.

terrorism, and the current COVID-19 pandemic. This two-partarticle explores the limitations of today’s new normal and how

Yet we choose to keep tilting at windmills. A good example is thehumankind can identify and capitalise on opportunities by tacklingdevelopment of eco-goods, which are increasingly popular.

underlying challenges.

Shouldn’t we consume less things rather than more? Even the
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals are a rather poor

Avoiding Catastrophe

attempt at lightening humankind’s environmental footprint
because they are predicated on a modern socioeconomic model of

By the end of June this year, COVID-19 had brought about a death

consume, compete, and grow. The goals fail to properly appreciate

toll of more than 500,000 people. In an updated assessment inthat pursuing supposed eco-friendliness and innovations does not

All Nakashima’s propellers combine cutting-edge design

as to how to resolve issues that we think are completely new.

May, the Asia Development Bank estimated that the economic

address the core issue—we are diverting limited resources for no

and manufacturing capabilities with delicate manual

Above all, I am moved and inspired by the scenes conveyed

impact of the pandemic could reach almost 10% of global GDP

good reason. This makes it virtually impossible to materialise truly

craftsmanship, and are built to order, meaning eachby my predecessors’ handwriting on the discoloured pages.

under a six-month containment scenario. Among the unexpectedsustainable societies and resolve conflicts.

product has unique specifications. Since Nakashima’s

It’s easy to digitise textual information, but most important

outcomes of the pandemic thus far have been oil futures contract

proposition is to optimise a ship’s propulsion performance

to me and to Nakashima is to pass on its essential wisdom,

prices going negative at one point amid plunging demand, and air

One problem is that we have long neglected delving deep into what

including emotional intelligence sharpened by facing

pollution declining markedly in many regions owing to reduced

is intrinsically valuable to identify and address causes. We have

unprecedented challenges in a pre-IT era.

carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions.

opted instead to find solutions to symptoms through what arethroughout the propeller’s 20-to-30-year lifecycle, wehave to manage not only the quality of individual units butof our entire service. This includes everything frompreliminary proposals for usage to post-delivery

As our agendas involve ever more complex issues, it is also

maintenance and after-sales service.

crucial that we expand partnerships that bring together
various expertise. Increasingly diverse products andbasically band-aids in science and technology and medicine. With
Thus far, the new normal for many people has entailed complying

our limited approach to creativity and innovation in an effort towith socioeconomic activity constraints to contain the pandemic,

counter change, we have long been caught in an evolutionary

notably quasi or complete lockdowns, social distancing, andcul-de-sac from which we are likely to find it very difficult toteleworking. There could be significant upsides for the

extricate ourselves. Our responses thus far to COVID-19 are par forenvironment and human health from more localised infrastructure,

the human course, which is a concern.

Another important aspect of quality control is to build andcorporate cultures mean Nakashima must continue to draw

support a system that ensures Nakashima quality ison its capacity to harmonise and use diversity to support the

manufacturing, and services. A socioeconomic revitalisation under

maintained in all overseas operations while catering to adevelopment of innovative, state-of-the-art services.

the new normal could drive the dismantling of global supply chains

Humankind faces a plethora of risks and restrictions over the nextthat capitalism has conventionally employed to move goods anddecade. They include killer new viruses, frequent and massive

fuel consumerism.

natural disasters that are beyond our control, and conflicts andrange of differences in each locality.
In the end, this will add new layers to the work of quality

other manmade tragedies that hopelessly divide regions andAlso, as we face growing environmental and resource

control, with its responsibilities becoming heavier. I am

pressures, strategy demands that we look beyond ourdetermined to play an integral part in this process. My hope

There is of course the risk that humanity could revert to pastnations and derail or sidetrack civilised progress. We could

is to expand the possibilities of Nakashima and our industry

practices after the crisis passes, learning nothing and consuming

materialise progress, however, if we dedicate ourselves towhile helping to build a better relationship between people

more of everything. On top of that, the human-centric thought thatsustainable living.

and the sea. ■underpins modern civilisation limits people’s willingness to live incurrent way of working to anticipate future constraints
and adjust our standards accordingly. It’s not justimportant to do this for ourselves; as an industry-leading
company, Nakashima has a unique role in helping set
global benchmarks.
Q. What makes it possible to create such standards?

a way that would avert environmental crises, and to invest in

Adam Smith famously used the invisible hand as a metaphor for

localised infrastructure that would foster self-reliant communities.

the hidden forces that automatically propel free market economies
as a result of the actions of individuals. We are likewise collectively

Nakashima’s Aesthetics

Seeing the Invisible Hand in a Different Lightsubject to the control of the invisible hand of our planet’s
ecosystem. Our reckless behaviour and our reactions to the

I see introspection as being one way. We have a duty to passPursuing excellence holisticallythe wisdom we have accumulated over the past century toNakashima Propeller cultivates world-class quality by

essentially saying they will put up with the virus until they canfuture generations.

combining advanced technologies and traditional

vanquish it. In other words, they put people centre stage. For

The second and final installment of this article will explore

craftsmanship. This reflects our commitment to striking theviruses, however, we are merely part of a range of natural hosts inJapanese insights into nature 150 years ago through today that

optimum balance of maritime propulsion systems between

creating the world’s rich tapestry of life. A little gratitude toyield clues to inventing a sustainable new normal that empowers

performance, sustainability and the environment.

viruses seems overdue. We owe quite a lot of our DNA to viruses

us to escape our evolutionary cul-de-sac. ■For example, I have a notebook handed down to me from mypredecessors in which they detailed the causes and solutions
to problems they encountered. Quite often, this offers hints

Many speak about living with COVID-19, although they are

COVID-19 pandemic show that we have yet to grasp that reality.

that inserted themselves into our genomes millions of years ago.
This article was originally written in Japanese by Yaoyorozu-ING.

Propelling Issue 8“As an industry-leading company,
Nakashima has a unique rolein helping set global benchmarks”
Junko Ohkouchi

INTROSPECTION — JAPANESE INNOVATION

Inventing a Sustainable New Normal —Part 1‘New normal’ has become a common term over the years to

We should also keep in mind that viruses have flourished for an

describe the impact of socioeconomic upheavals. These have

impressive 3 billion years on Earth. Modern humans date to justincluded the IT bubble and global financial crisis, international

200,000 years ago. Our odds of defeating viruses are minuscule.

terrorism, and the current COVID-19 pandemic. This two-partarticle explores the limitations of today’s new normal and how

Yet we choose to keep tilting at windmills. A good example is thehumankind can identify and capitalise on opportunities by tacklingdevelopment of eco-goods, which are increasingly popular.

underlying challenges.

Shouldn’t we consume less things rather than more? Even the
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals are a rather poor

Avoiding Catastrophe

attempt at lightening humankind’s environmental footprint
because they are predicated on a modern socioeconomic model of

By the end of June this year, COVID-19 had brought about a death

consume, compete, and grow. The goals fail to properly appreciate

toll of more than 500,000 people. In an updated assessment inthat pursuing supposed eco-friendliness and innovations does not

All Nakashima’s propellers combine cutting-edge design

as to how to resolve issues that we think are completely new.

May, the Asia Development Bank estimated that the economic

address the core issue—we are diverting limited resources for no

and manufacturing capabilities with delicate manual

Above all, I am moved and inspired by the scenes conveyed

impact of the pandemic could reach almost 10% of global GDP

good reason. This makes it virtually impossible to materialise truly

craftsmanship, and are built to order, meaning eachby my predecessors’ handwriting on the discoloured pages.

under a six-month containment scenario. Among the unexpectedsustainable societies and resolve conflicts.

product has unique specifications. Since Nakashima’s

It’s easy to digitise textual information, but most important

outcomes of the pandemic thus far have been oil futures contract

proposition is to optimise a ship’s propulsion performance

to me and to Nakashima is to pass on its essential wisdom,

prices going negative at one point amid plunging demand, and air

One problem is that we have long neglected delving deep into what

including emotional intelligence sharpened by facing

pollution declining markedly in many regions owing to reduced

is intrinsically valuable to identify and address causes. We have

unprecedented challenges in a pre-IT era.

carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions.

opted instead to find solutions to symptoms through what arethroughout the propeller’s 20-to-30-year lifecycle, wehave to manage not only the quality of individual units butof our entire service. This includes everything frompreliminary proposals for usage to post-delivery

As our agendas involve ever more complex issues, it is also

maintenance and after-sales service.

crucial that we expand partnerships that bring together
various expertise. Increasingly diverse products andbasically band-aids in science and technology and medicine. With
Thus far, the new normal for many people has entailed complying

our limited approach to creativity and innovation in an effort towith socioeconomic activity constraints to contain the pandemic,

counter change, we have long been caught in an evolutionary

notably quasi or complete lockdowns, social distancing, andcul-de-sac from which we are likely to find it very difficult toteleworking. There could be significant upsides for the

extricate ourselves. Our responses thus far to COVID-19 are par forenvironment and human health from more localised infrastructure,

the human course, which is a concern.

Another important aspect of quality control is to build andcorporate cultures mean Nakashima must continue to draw

support a system that ensures Nakashima quality ison its capacity to harmonise and use diversity to support the

manufacturing, and services. A socioeconomic revitalisation under

maintained in all overseas operations while catering to adevelopment of innovative, state-of-the-art services.

the new normal could drive the dismantling of global supply chains

Humankind faces a plethora of risks and restrictions over the nextthat capitalism has conventionally employed to move goods anddecade. They include killer new viruses, frequent and massive

fuel consumerism.

natural disasters that are beyond our control, and conflicts andrange of differences in each locality.
In the end, this will add new layers to the work of quality

other manmade tragedies that hopelessly divide regions andAlso, as we face growing environmental and resource

control, with its responsibilities becoming heavier. I am

pressures, strategy demands that we look beyond ourdetermined to play an integral part in this process. My hope

There is of course the risk that humanity could revert to pastnations and derail or sidetrack civilised progress. We could

is to expand the possibilities of Nakashima and our industry

practices after the crisis passes, learning nothing and consuming

materialise progress, however, if we dedicate ourselves towhile helping to build a better relationship between people

more of everything. On top of that, the human-centric thought thatsustainable living.

and the sea. ■underpins modern civilisation limits people’s willingness to live incurrent way of working to anticipate future constraints
and adjust our standards accordingly. It’s not justimportant to do this for ourselves; as an industry-leading
company, Nakashima has a unique role in helping set
global benchmarks.
Q. What makes it possible to create such standards?

a way that would avert environmental crises, and to invest in

Adam Smith famously used the invisible hand as a metaphor for

localised infrastructure that would foster self-reliant communities.

the hidden forces that automatically propel free market economies
as a result of the actions of individuals. We are likewise collectively

Nakashima’s Aesthetics

Seeing the Invisible Hand in a Different Lightsubject to the control of the invisible hand of our planet’s
ecosystem. Our reckless behaviour and our reactions to the

I see introspection as being one way. We have a duty to passPursuing excellence holisticallythe wisdom we have accumulated over the past century toNakashima Propeller cultivates world-class quality by

essentially saying they will put up with the virus until they canfuture generations.

combining advanced technologies and traditional

vanquish it. In other words, they put people centre stage. For

The second and final installment of this article will explore

craftsmanship. This reflects our commitment to striking theviruses, however, we are merely part of a range of natural hosts inJapanese insights into nature 150 years ago through today that

optimum balance of maritime propulsion systems between

creating the world’s rich tapestry of life. A little gratitude toyield clues to inventing a sustainable new normal that empowers

performance, sustainability and the environment.

viruses seems overdue. We owe quite a lot of our DNA to viruses

us to escape our evolutionary cul-de-sac. ■For example, I have a notebook handed down to me from mypredecessors in which they detailed the causes and solutions
to problems they encountered. Quite often, this offers hints

Many speak about living with COVID-19, although they are

COVID-19 pandemic show that we have yet to grasp that reality.

that inserted themselves into our genomes millions of years ago.
This article was originally written in Japanese by Yaoyorozu-ING.

NAKASHIMA PROPELLER
We Go Beyond
Headquartered in Japan’s Setouchi region, the centre of thecountry’s shipbuilding industry, Nakashima Propeller is amanufacturer of marine propulsion equipment boasting a leading
share in marine propellers.
Having started as a foundry for fishing boat propellers, thecompany has continued to pursue innovation in the capabilityof propellers to deliver security, safety and comfort. It will becelebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.
A ship’s optimal state is found when it is viewed from thepropeller, the centre of propulsive functions. With this fresh
perspective, Nakashima Propeller seeks to offer a full range of■ OUR SERVICES
Nakashima Propeller designs and manufactures marine propellers(FPP and CPP), thrusters, energy-saving devices for the stern and
CFRP propellers.
We also offer a full range of after-sales service, including repairof damaged propellers, edge modification, fuel-saving polishing,support of propulsion equipment for ships in operation andoptimisation of propulsion performance for fuel efficiency.

Issue 8*We provide propellers for ULCS, VLCC, VLOC, VLGC, LNG/LPG-carriers, PCC, cruise
ships, working boats, coastal vessels, research vessels and coast guard vessels*Our services satisfy requirements for all major classification certificates (including
ice-class)services catering to each ship’s entire life
cycle while achieving fuel efficiency to
reduce the burden on the environment.
Nakashima Propeller works to contribute to
the world, beyond the realm of its industry.

■ OUR STRENGTHSJAPANESE QUALITY
Nakashima Propeller offers refined
in-house capabilities in design andmanufacturing. Using a high-performancecomputer with a 5000 core large-scale
processor, Nakashima’s craftsmen create
a blueprint based on data accumulated
from a world-class production historyof 1 million propellers. Moreover, with
its unique manufacturing skills that
integrate cutting-edge technology andexperienced craftsmanship, Nakashima isfully equipped to delicately reflect designin manufacturing and deliver reliable
Japanese-quality products.

CUSTOMISED PRODUCTION
The propeller is at the centre of optimising
propulsion performance—and a hundred
different vessels will have a hundred different propellers. Rather“World-recognised Japanese quality cannot be described solely in terms ofthan pursuing efficiency as a manufacturer, Nakashima takes pridemechanical precision or reproducibility. Lacquerware used at the dinner

in its commitment to build-to-order production, designing andtable, Japanese knives that are indispensable to create Japanesemanufacturing optimal propellers for each unique ship under andelicacies—only with the deep commitment and thorough experience ofintegrated production system.

the people who make them can the full potential of such products beunleashed. Our propellers embody the same spirit of Japanese quality.”

Nakashima People Vol. 8
Junko Ohkouchi

General Manager, Quality Control Department, Nakashima Propeller

Propelling,

At a time when the shipbuilding industry in Japan

immersion (at a time when there was no internet)

a newsletter fromwas dominated by men, Nakashima Propeller set

ultimately became a huge asset for my future

Okayama, Japan,

out to empower women. It hired Junko Ohkouchi as

career in sales.

spotlights the hidden

one of its first female employees in a non-clerical,

POSIDONIA - Greece

allure of propellers andhigh responsibility position.

requiring special craftsmanship is simplified and speedy production

METSTRADE - The Netherlands

aims to steer the world’s

without dispersion is achieved.

INTERNATIONAL WORKBOAT SHOW - USA

ships, and their world,

Junko has risen to the challenge, helping makecountries. In that sense I think I was something of

SMM HAMBURG - Germany

one step into the future

diversity one of Nakashima’s strengths and paving

a pioneer for the whole industry. Being given thethe way to the future for herself and the company.

autonomy to create the future while transforming

Nakashima Propeller promptly responds to propeller damage by

In the interview that follows, she discusses thedifference into strength really helped me advance.

sending repair engineers from its worldwide network to your site.

work that goes into delivering Nakashima quality

Today, the experience enables me to deal with

Nakashima takes into account various conditions such as the ship’s

to the world.

wide-ranging challenges and to develop new

CUTTING-EDGE USE OF SMART TECHNOLOGY—H. Kubo, General Manager, Innovation Section, Nakashima Propeller

Nakashima’s smart technology is able to define the shape ofthe high-efficiency propeller’s complex three-dimensional,
curved surface. By increasing the surface area of machining withadjustments such as modification of the trailing edge, a process

SERVICE ANY TIME, ANY PLACE

fuel efficiency, course and degradation due to ageing to propose
solutions such as edge modification, fuel-saving polishing andretrofit, providing detailed support throughout the ship’s entire
life cycle.

■ EVENTS

Please check individual websites for the latest updates from event organisers.

688-1, Joto-Kitagata, Higashi-ku, Okayama, 709-0625, JAPAN
+81 86 279 5111
npcwebmaster@nakashima.co.jp
https://propelling.jp
Japan・Singapore・Vietnam・Philippines ・China
Korea・Taiwan ・U.S.A.・Brazil・Turkey・U.K.・Namibia・UAE
Propelling, Issue 8 (31 July 2020)
Produced by Yaoyorozu-ING
Photo by Makoto Tomioka [ P2]
Copyright 2020 NAKASHIMA PROPELLER Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Once I finally began working in sales, I noticed that
I had very few female peers, even in otherstandards and systems.
Q. What has been your experience leading thepath for diversity at Nakashima?

Q. What does 'quality control' look like at

The company took an experimental approach to my

Nakashima Propeller?

career path. I initially wanted to work in overseas

Put simply, it is dynamic. We are having to thinksales, but was instead given the task of translating

and act across divisions that separate departments,

catalogues from overseas manufacturers. Looking

cultures, the tangible and the intangible, people

back, the knowledge I gained through thisand machines, technology and nature, and so on.