The goal of the initiative of manufacturing is now in sight. Nambara has prepared five colors associated with the sea, such as “ocean blue” and “coral white,” to make the most of the design of Hotamet, which is instantly recognizable as a seashell. The white bumps were left on the surface to give the feel of seashells. He said, “I put strong emphasis on how it would look from the user’s point of view, rather than the manufacturer’s point of view.”

There was an event that gave Nambara the push he needed. In April 2023, the amended Road Traffic Act came into effect, making it mandatory for all cyclists to wear helmets as much as possible. Unexpectedly, inquiries began pouring in, “Can Hotamet be used on bicycles?” The answer is of course. While anti-disaster helmets are used to protect the head from falling objects, bicycle helmets are required to be strong in all directions in case the person falls. Nambara is confident in its strength. A bicycle helmet can be used on a daily basis, making it more likely to be accepted by more people. This was an opportunity for Nambara, who had always been worried about whether consumers would be interested in Hotamet. When he put the bicycle helmets up for sale online, they quickly became popular along with the anti-disaster helmets. The anti-disaster helmets will be readily available in the Future Life Village during the Expo. The newly added bicycle version will also be delivered. Staff members test-riding the vehicles of the future will wear them.

The project was selected for the Co-Design Challenge and is expanding horizontally. As the material became known overseas under the name “SHELLTEC,” organizations in South Korea, China, and the United States contacted the company, wanting to collaborate. Countries with a culture of eating shellfish, just like Japan, have been looking for ways to use discarded shells. This is truly becoming a step toward solving social issues around the world. Vertical expansion can also be seen. There have been a series of requests for co-creation from the general merchandise, consumer electronics, and automobile industries, all of which value the company’s unique technological capabilities. If the material could be used in a variety of fields, the number of recycled shells is sure to increase dramatically. “We want to solve problems not only in Sarufutsu Village, but all over Japan,” says Nambara enthusiastically.

He feels that the Expo, which will be held in Kansai, his hometown, is a “dream opportunity” that will demonstrate the potential of manufacturing. “We, small and medium-sized enterprises, will participate in the Expo as supporters, and are working together to make it happen. It’s very meaningful,” says Nambara. The team hopes that this will encourage the people in small factories across Japan, and together with colleagues, they will continue to move forward and forward.