Running for the Olympic Spotlight: Jyunnosuke Suemune's Ambition Unveiled

Toyota Employee Jyunnosuke Suemune Faces Uncertainty Amid Organizational Change

Jyunnosuke Suemune, a dedicated Toyota employee working in the painting section of the Tsutsumi Plant, is currently facing a sense of crisis due to an organizational change that may integrate the Paint and Plastics Molding Divisions. This potential integration could affect his running team membership, a passion he has pursued alongside his work at the plant.

Suemune, who hails from a small city in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, has always been ambitious. Inspired by a nearby Toyota plant during his childhood, he joined the company and now performs maintenance on spray guns and paints the right front inner section of cars. His ambition extends beyond his current role, as he aims to become a section leader, or 'kumicho', in the future.

One of Suemune's most notable achievements is his selection as a torchbearer for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay. Despite struggling with hearing impairment and being bullied as a child, Suemune has developed a new mindset of 'I can' through active communication and support from others. His initial intention to become a torchbearer was driven by a personal desire to shine in a big event and to convey the message that hard work and small accomplishments can lead to big opportunities.

Suemune's planned date to run as an Olympic torchbearer in Nagano Prefecture, Central Japan, is March 7, 2020. However, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay has been postponed. Despite the delay, the series of articles about the torchbearers will continue as scheduled.

In addition to his work and his Olympic aspirations, Suemune is also a dedicated runner. He aims to join the Paint Division's A team, the faster runners who compete in the annual 'Toyota Ekiden (in-house short marathon relay race)'. After being chosen as a torchbearer, Suemune has been motivated to improve his daily work and running skills.

Suemune's selection as a torchbearer has also raised the level of challenge he will take on next. It has increased interview opportunities and allowed him to interact with a greater variety of people. He values the friendships he has made through Toyota and the Ekiden event, which has expanded his horizons beyond what they were before.

Suemune paints car interiors with the drivers in mind, aiming to delight them with the best possible color. He admires his current section leader for his mindset to improve the assembly line and eliminate inefficiencies. Despite the potential organizational changes, Suemune remains determined to never give up and to continue challenging himself, both in his work and in his running.