JLPT N1 Reading Comprehension Lesson 27

When people hear the term 'small local factory,' they often assume that such facilities lack technical expertise and merely carry out work commissioned by large corporations. However, some small factories possess technical capabilities that surpass those of major enterprises. There are also numerous independent small factories around the world that produce products that can only be manufactured there. From whistles used in soccer matches to balls for various sports and surgical microscopes, they create products that even large corporations cannot replicate. Moreover, although not a product, there are companies that boast of being the world's best in technologies such as grinding power. Therefore, it is no surprise that small workshops in Osaka collaborated to successfully launch an artificial satellite called 'Maido 1' in 2009. It observed lightning and other phenomena in space for nine months. The launch of the artificial satellite was the realization of the dreams of those working in small workshops and encouraged many people. It was an event that demonstrated the high level of technological capability of small workshops. Small workshops boasting such advanced technology have supported Japan's industry for many years. However, due to the globalization of the economy and economic downturns, these small workshops are being forced to close one after another. If left unattended, the disappearance of small workshops is inevitable. It is not hard to imagine that this will lead to a loss of technology. Small workshops share information and cooperate with each other by region. However, self-help efforts have their limits. Urgent national support is awaited.