Isoda: Please tell us what aspects of the process of evolving "torteR" into "torteU" each of you were involved in.

Fujii (Developer): As work styles change, more and more offices are becoming casual. We felt that the type of chair people wanted was also changing.
For many years, the "torteR" has been a popular office chair produced at the Shiga factory, but from the creator's perspective, there were also areas where it could be improved.
Therefore, we developed the successor model "torteU," which inherits the functionality of "torteR" while combining "ease of assembly" and "a new design."

Kawaguchi (Engineer): I was in charge of all the plastic parts of "torteU."
Since it was decided that "torteR" would be discontinued, it was absolutely essential that the successor product, "torteU," be ready in time for the release date.
Having a set deadline allowed us to hone the coordination between planning, development, technology, quality assurance, and manufacturing, and I believe we were able to take on many challenges in such a short period of time.
Also, thanks to the task management sheet that showed the schedule progress of the entire team, not just my own department, it was great that I was able to proceed with my work while checking the impact of the previous and next processes.

Murata (Quality Assurance): My role is to check for any areas that need correction through testing, and ultimately to confirm that the quality meets standards and decide whether or not to ship the product.
It was really difficult to ask them to "fix this" when we were on a tight schedule, but by making a series of quality-enhancing changes, "torteU" has passed all tests compliant with JIS* S1043:2016 Level 2.

Kawasaki (Manufacturing): My role is to mass-produce on-site the products that the development, engineering, and quality assurance teams have designed so that they can be produced in the factory. I'm mainly in charge of plastic molding.

Having actually tried it myself, I feel that the torteU has a smarter design and is easier to assemble than the torteR. For example, attaching the back and seat of the torteR was a difficult task that required skill, but this has been improved in the torteU.
In addition, the armrest part under the seat cushion has also been slimmed down.

Isoda: "torteU" is a new product that has been upgraded based on both the feedback from the "torteR" manufacturing site and the needs of the times!

Isoda: "torteU" leaves an impression with its beautiful, upgraded design, but what kind of challenges were there behind the scenes?

Kawasaki (Manufacturing): When talking about "torteU," we can't leave out the use of natural colors. "torteR" had two base colors, but this time we've increased that to six. Because the molding process involves pouring colored resin into a mold, we have to reset the color remaining in the mold each time we change colors. Even if it means spending more than double the time on cleaning, I feel that it's worthwhile to create colors that match the needs of the times.

Kawaguchi (Technology): Not only have the number of colors increased, but even the casters and other parts have been unified in one color tone, which is a challenge unique to "torteU." We had to make repeated adjustments to get the colors of all the parts to match.
In particular, I had a hard time getting the color I wanted for the elbows, and for some reason they ended up gray instead of green.

The cause was that the temperature of the resin was too high. However, if the temperature was lowered, the glass that was mixed in to make the product sturdy would float to the surface, which would result in an unattractive appearance. After consulting with the resin manufacturer and adding two additives, we were finally able to reproduce the color we were looking for. I feel that the beauty of the chair has been raised several levels by unifying the armrests, cushions, and casters into one tone.

Murata (Quality Assurance): Aside from the color, there were many other adjustments and challenges. For example, after the mold was completed and we started molding, we discovered gaps between the resin and the cushion. It was small enough that you wouldn't notice it unless you looked closely, but we didn't compromise and worked with other members to correct the mold until all the gaps were gone. Compared to the initial stage, the beauty is clear!

Fujii (Development): We paid special attention to even the most unnoticeable places. For example, the legs. We designed them to be used in an office, and we paid particular attention to detail to achieve a balance between compactness and sturdiness. If you look closely, you'll notice that they are rounded.
In addition, the casters are one size smaller than the previous model and have been adjusted so that the metal parts are not exposed. These changes have led to the compact, smart and beautiful appearance of "torteU."

Isoda: No matter where you point, you'll find a particular point!

Isoda: As a creator, what is the most proud feature of "torteU" that you would like people to pay attention to?

Murata (Quality Assurance): We're proud of the fact that we hardly ever failed any strength tests. There are basic tests that are conducted on prototypes before the mold is made, and from the beginning, our development team worked hard to figure out how to maintain strength through trial and error, which was a major factor.

Kawasaki (Manufacturing): As a new attempt at "torteU," we created a wavy backrest. I'd never seen a design like this before, and I fell in love with it at first sight. I'd also like you to pay attention to the crushed mica* that appears on the backrest.
Up until now, if a pattern like this appeared, it would cause a big fuss at the manufacturing site, with the idea that "foreign matter has been mixed in," but "torteU" makes use of the randomly appearing starry sky-like pattern as part of its design. I think this is a very innovative idea, so I hope people will also take a look at "torteU" from behind.

Kawaguchi (Technology): I want people to pay attention to the fact that the elbow parts are the same shape on both sides. Not only is it beautiful as a design, it also makes assembly easier and prevents mistakes when delivered.

Fujii (Development): By working to reduce the weight and number of parts, we were able to achieve both environmental friendliness and ease of use. This reduces the burden on workers and makes the product easier to use on-site. I think "torteU" will continue to grow into a product that is loved both in the office where it is actually used and on manufacturing sites!

Please come and experience "torteU," which is slim, beautiful, and meets the needs of the times.