Topping-Out Ceremony Marks a New Milestone for Our Future Headquarters and Community Collaboration Center
Creating a Place That Connects with the Community

Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture: Since the day we stood on this site and pledged, during the groundbreaking ceremony, to deepen our roots in the local community, the seasons have turned. Today, beneath a clear summer sky, the framework of our new facilities has risen proudly into view.

On August 6, 2026, Orbray held a topping-out ceremony for its new headquarters and Community Collaboration Center, both currently under construction.

A topping-out ceremony marks the completion of a building's structural framework, when its pillars and beams come together and its overall form becomes visible. More than simply another step in the construction process, this was also the moment when the future we have long envisioned finally began to take perceptible shape.

We would like to share highlights from the ceremony and the new connections with the local community that are already beginning to emerge alongside the buildings themselves.

Gratitude to the Partners Building This Future Together

The ceremony was attended by Orbray employees, local guests, and representatives of Takaku Construction, who have been advancing the project day by day on site.

Thanks to the thoughtful arrangements made by Takaku Construction, the ceremony was conducted with traditional formality and proceeded smoothly, allowing us to safely celebrate this important milestone.

In her remarks, President Namiki first expressed her sincere gratitude for reaching this stage of the project. Looking at the structure that had finally materialized since the groundbreaking ceremony, she reflected on the dedication and care that had enabled construction to progress safely.

"The project is finally becoming a reality."

Her words conveyed not only appreciation for everyone involved but also a deep sense of fulfillment as the vision gradually transforms into actuality.

As the beams and columns came together to create the building's outline, the day symbolized another step forward in Orbray's commitment to what we call our "Second Founding" — a renewed vision for the future, which is steadily coming to fruition.

A Hub Where Technology and Community Meet

For us, these new facilities represent far more than physical structures.

During her address, President Namiki emphasized the broader role they are intended to play:

"Our new headquarters and Community Collaboration Center represent far more than a workplace for our employees. We are delighted to be creating opportunities to connect with local residents and inspire future generations through the excitement of manufacturing and the possibilities of technology."

For decades, Orbray has cultivated expertise in precision jewel processing through cutting, grinding, and polishing. Looking toward the next century, we seek to employ these technologies in wider applications and create new opportunities for community engagement.

That vision is why the Community Collaboration Center will stand alongside our new headquarters, literally and emblematically.

We are creating a place where children can experience the joy of manufacturing, where local residents can gather comfortably, and where meaningful exchanges can take place. Standing beneath the newly erected beams, we could already imagine the vibrant energy this space will one day hold.

The Joy of Mochimaki Amid the Excitement of Yuzawa Summer

The topping-out ceremony coincided with one of Yuzawa City's most beloved annual events, the Tanabata Picture Lantern Festival.

Wishing to honor the spirit of the festival, President Namiki attended the ceremony dressed in a traditional summer kimono, a century-old one, inherited from her great-grandmother. It was made using a technique called yuki-tsumugi, which is now an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan and recognized by UNESCO as representative of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Traditional yuki-tsumugi textiles are renowned for the painstaking handcrafting involved in their production, from hand-spun fibers and intricate pattern preparation to hand dyeing and weaving.

President Namiki later shared that wearing this adored kimono was her way of bringing her grandfather with her to this special occasion. Preserving treasured traditions and passing them on to future generations is a value she holds dear. This sentiment reflects Orbray's own commitment to respecting local culture and heritage while building a future together with the people of Yuzawa.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the traditional mochimaki, or rice-cake throwing event.

Traditionally, mochimaki celebrates the completion of a building's framework, offers prayers for continued safety during construction, and shares good fortune with the community.

Children, parents, and elderly residents from the neighborhood gathered to take part, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

This time, the rice cakes were accompanied by five-yen and fifty-yen coins.

"Please use them at the festival," President Namiki said with a smile.

The gesture was met with warm laughter and smiles, creating a moment of genuine human connection that transcended the boundaries between company and community.

For President Namiki, the opportunity to speak directly with local residents and share those smiles was particularly meaningful. Even before the buildings are completed, it was clear that this place is already becoming part of the community.

A Place That Will Grow Together with the Community

After the mochimaki event, one memorable scene stood out.

Residents gathered in front of the newly framed Community Collaboration Center, happily posing for commemorative photos.

Although only the structural framework exists, the facility is already beginning to be understood in the community's collective consciousness as a new gathering place for the town.

Watching this relationship develop reminded us that our vision and ambition are supported by the expectations, encouragement, and goodwill of the local residents.

President Namiki shared her hopes for the future:

"I hope these facilities will become a symbol of Orbray's next chapter, cherished by the community as a place where people gather, connect, and grow together."

With every stage of construction, that aspiration feels increasingly achievable.

A building is only a physical structure until it is brought to life by the passion of the people who gather there and their shared commitment to moving forward together.

Taking the Next Step Toward the Future

With the topping-out ceremony now complete, the project enters its next phase.

The framework is in place, and the facilities will gradually take on their full form and function. Yet no matter how impressive the structures become, Orbray's guiding spirit of issha ikka ("One Company, One Family") and our gratitude toward the local community will remain constant.

We are excited to imagine the conversations that may take place here after the facilities open, and the dreams that future generations of children may discover within them.

As a member of the Yuzawa community, Orbray will continue taking steady steps forward to ensure that these facilities become places that people enjoy and appreciate for years to come.

The topping-out ceremony marks an important new milestone, and we look forward to sharing more updates as construction progresses.

We hope you will join us in anticipating the completion of our new headquarters and Community Collaboration Center.