For the first time in three years, the long-awaited event for children began. As the curtain rose, the room burst into cheers and children’s laughter filled the air. Right before the event started, days of lingering rain stopped. It was a perfect summer day in the beautiful mountains.
At the end of July 2022, Komatsu Technocenter located in Izu, Shizuoka, held an event for children. The center usually functions as a place for business meetings, trainings, and machine demonstrations.
But twice a year, children from all over Japan come and see and touch the real machines. Since 1991, our equipment have been entertaining a great number of children.
It’s showtime. In the opening act, the excavator duo came out on stage. Applause and cheer broke out in the room as the two machines moved and danced to familiar tunes. They moved closer together, further apart, and suddenly started spinning like ballet dancers. Children were busy cheering and jumping for the great dance-off.
The show went on to a ground levelling competition between a bulldozer and a motor grader. Then four hydraulic excavators of different sizes compared their arm lengths. Children also learnt the meaning of the three-color lights of a dump truck; each indicates the loading status.
30 minutes passed in the blink of an eye. At the end of the show, all machines lined up, took a final bow, saying goodbye either by lifting their arms or flashing their lights. Children, all smiles, waved back.
Mie says, “I could see that at that moment, children a felt deep connection with the equipment."
The children, still buzzing over the performance, were then led to the ground.
The equipment from the show welcomed them with fun and easy-to-understand description panels beside them. After some learning, children hopped in the driver’s seat and played operator. The touch of a steering wheel and a stick, and the smell of the machine ― it was an unforgettable moment for all.
The event ended with another machine demonstration. Everyone was taking pictures and raising final questions until the last minute.
Yohei observes, “We design the program to give children a great time, but in fact, it also brings out the little child in adults.”
N.B. The machines on display were locked and stationary at all times with qualified personnel on site, to ensure utmost safety of visitors.
After the event, a few children left us with some exciting comments.
“I have toy machines but compared to them, the real machines up close were very big and powerful,” says Narumi (5). His father Tatsunori also went to an event at the Komatsu Kawasaki Plant when he was little.
Rikuya (12) is determined, “I want to be a construction equipment engineer when I grow up. Performance by many machines was simply outstanding.” His brother Kairi (4), completely enchanted, exclaims, “It’s just wow! Wow!”
“I would love to come again next year and sit in the driver’s seat of a bulldozer,” says Hibiki (6), with a sparkle in his eyes.
It was a perfect summer day. Children met Komatsu machines in real life.“When they see a Komatsu machine in their neighborhood, I hope they recall today’s excitement.” says Takuya.
Komatsu machines probably hope for the same; they are always here, counting the days to meet children again.
