Imagine a place where skill meets passion, where every meticulous effort contributes to a legacy of excellence. That's exactly what Japan's National Skills Competition is for Nissan. This annual event isn't just a showcase of technical prowess; it's a celebration of the grit, passion and precision that drives Nissan's culture.

At Nissan, cars are more than machines — they're masterpieces of innovation and skill. And the National Skills Competition? It's where our craftsmanship and creativity take the spotlight, shining in a broad range of competition categories, from Electronics to Autobody Repair to Mechatronics. This isn't just a competition; it's a journey — a rite of passage for technicians determined to reach the pinnacle of their craft.

From skills to innovation: the champions behind Nissan’s future2:38

The path to perfection: developing body and mind

Preparation for the National Skills Competition isn't for the faint-hearted. It's a grueling, multiyear commitment that transforms not just skill sets but mindsets. Among the teams rising to the challenge is Nissan's team in the Metal Forming category, dedicated to achieving excellence in automotive sheet metal work.

Their mornings begin with running drills and rope exercises to build stamina and discipline. Then comes the core of the training: eight-hour days spent shaping metal, mastering precision tools and experimenting with cutting-edge techniques.

Then comes the core of the training: eight-hour days spent shaping metal

But technical expertise is just one necessary element. Mental toughness is equally vital. Trainees embrace meditation and mindfulness to stay laser-focused, learning to tackle challenges with calmness and clarity. It's this balance of physical, mental and technical preparation that molds them into true masters of their craft.

The spirit of craftsmanship

One of the skilled employees from the Metal Forming team to emerge from this process is Ryuya Ikeda. Back in 2014, Ikeda entered the Automotive Metalwork category with determination as his most important tool. What followed was a journey of relentless effort and transformation.

"Every hit of the hammer was a step toward perfection," Ikeda recalls. "Some days, I'd hammer 300 times a minute to shape the sheet metal just right. It wasn't just about getting it done — it was about getting it perfect."

That dedication earned him silver in his second year, gold in his third and the prestigious Fighting Spirit Award when he competed internationally in his fourth year. Now a mentor, Ikeda passes on the lessons he learned, helping the next generation of Nissan craftsmen push their own boundaries.

Driving innovation, honoring tradition

The impact of the Skills Competition doesn't end with its participants. Alumni like Ikeda return to Nissan armed with expertise that fuels innovation. Whether assisting in the development of technologies like dual-sided dieless forming machines or creating prototypes, their work sets new standards in automotive manufacturing.

For Ikeda, excellence is a lifelong pursuit. "It's not about what you've done, but what you can do next," he says. That spirit of constant improvement resonates across Nissan's production lines, ensuring the company stays at the forefront of quality and precision.

A legacy of passion and progress

At its core, the passion that Nissan brings to the National Skills Competition is a reflection of Nissan's commitment to its people. It's a tradition that blends creativity, resilience and a relentless drive to innovate. By investing in the growth of its technicians, Nissan ensures that every vehicle is a symbol of the craftsmanship, care, and passion behind it.

This is the Nissan way: a celebration of skill, a dedication to progress and a future built on the foundation of excellence.