One Team
Interview with Sumitomo Electric
In the Optical Connector Products Department, the Lynx-CustomFit™ series is developed by a team focused on achieving field-assembly quality that matches factory-made connectors. Each connector includes many small improvements—some almost invisible—and has earned high recognition in the United States.
Inspired by the Japanese spirit of Shuhari—learning, breaking, and creating—the team keeps pushing limits and exploring new possibilities. We believe the true excitement of manufacturing comes when you think, “Maybe we can make something completely new.”
With this curiosity and challenge in mind, we continue shaping the future of craftsmanship.
Because the performance of field-assembly connectors depends not only on the product itself but also on the assembly process, we’ve focused on developing optical connectors that are not just high in quality, but are also easy to assemble with the utmost accuracy. While field-assembled connectors are often seen as less reliable than factory-assembled ones, we’ve always promised to deliver products that make no compromises, on a par with factory-assembled connectors.
Factory-assembled connectors are produced by expert technicians using dedicated equipment in controlled environments, with every unit undergoing 100% inspection. Competing with that level of quality through on-site assembly is no easy task. But through relentless refinement and iteration, we’ve built Lynx-CustomFit™ into a product that stands proudly on equal ground.
In April 2025, Lynx-CustomFit™ was honoured by LIGHTWAVE + BTR, a major telecommunications media outlet in the United States. To us, that award was a strong validation that our efforts are being recognised by the market itself.
At the same time, it renewed our resolve to continue providing products that support high-speed, reliable optical communications infrastructure, making a modest yet meaningful contribution to the industry.
If we were to draw an analogy from food, we’re not aiming for fast food or slow food—we strive to deliver "Proper Food": something reliable, well-made, and accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Our goal is to become a kind of “global central kitchen” for optical connectors, quietly powering the world with one dependable product at a time.
When I first met with the Head of Sales from our U.S. subsidiary during his visit to Japan, I asked him a straightforward question:
“Why do customers choose our products?”
His answer was clear:
“Because compared to competitors, our connectors deliver lower optical loss and higher assembly success rates.”
That moment made me take a closer look at our own products with fresh eyes. I realised that even in such a compact connector, a great deal of ingenuity had been built into every detail.
That’s when it clicked. This is exactly why our products are chosen—because of those extra touches. It’s what makes them truly deserving of being called "Proper Food", crafted with care and intention.
Later, when I had the opportunity to visit our U.S. office, I shared those details—what I call the “extra touches”—through illustrations and photos. I wanted the team to better understand what goes into every product we make. At the end of my session, I stated:
“Raise your hand if you just learned something new today.”
Every single one of the nearly 30 staff members’ hands went up. It was a reminder that these product qualities are difficult to explain with words alone. That’s why I decided to take the time to create clear, visual documentation that could convey the message effectively.
That material is now featured on our product website and continues to serve as a tool to deepen understanding of what makes Lynx-CustomFit™ truly exceptional.
I lead with three essential perspectives in mind:
The bird’s-eye view, the insect’s-eye view, and the fish’s-eye view, or in other words, a clear understanding of our ultimate goals, what’s happening on the ground, and how external conditions are shifting. My responsibility is to bridge the gaps between these perspectives and align the team around a shared direction.
Since taking over this product in 2020, I’ve faced numerous challenges, particularly during the early stages of the pandemic. Restrictions made it difficult to grasp the realities within the sectors of design, manufacturing, and sales. But as communication between departments gradually resumed, a new idea emerged from our sales division: Let’s completely remodel the product.
Naturally, that suggestion sparked concerns and raised a number of questions. Even I didn’t have all the answers at the time. But precisely because we worked in an organization where many tasks were done as a matter of routine, I strongly felt that reexamining those everyday tasks could become a source of new strength.
To encourage the team, I used a metaphor:
“You can’t win a race by just hitting the cruise control button and coasting around the track. If you want to compete, you have to slam both the accelerator and brake pedals when needed, and do this with full commitment.”
Strangely enough, once we opened up dialogues across departments, something shifted. The entire team began to lean in, tackle the challenges, and move forward together. That’s how today’s Lynx-CustomFit™ came to be.
Whenever we set out to do something different, we inevitably face obstacles. Sometimes we overcome them, other times we stumble. But through those experiences, we grow. And that growth fuels the confidence to take on even greater challenges the next time around.
For me, that’s what leadership is all about.
When I first took over the Lynx-CustomFit™ project, I was genuinely impressed by how much wisdom and ingenuity had already been poured into it by those who came before me. I felt a deep sense of responsibility to not only preserve the product, but to nurture and evolve it further. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Shuhari—learning, breaking away, and innovating—I now hope to expand the application of this product into new domains. Some of those ideas are already in motion.
According to a personality assessment I once took, my strongest intrinsic motivator is “problem solving”, and I’d say that’s spot on. What I enjoy most is working with team members to tackle complex issues. We debate, we struggle, and then a sudden breakthrough comes and everything clicks into place. Being part of that shared journey and watching the team grow stronger with each experience is deeply rewarding.
I believe Lynx-CustomFit™ still has enormous untapped potential. Whether we succeed or fail, we won’t know until we try. But the mere thought that “maybe we can create something entirely new” fills me with excitement. I want to hold on to that feeling and carry it into every new challenge we take on.
That spirit of curiosity and boldness is the essence of craftsmanship—and to me, it’s the real joy of this work.
Optical Connector Products Department, Lightwave Network Products Division,
Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
General Manager
