Leveraging expertise and know-how to provide technical support for public works projects

Shigeki Yatogo

Head Office Civil Engineering Department

Joined the company in December 2018

Our scope covers large-scale public works projects from planning to completion

Drawing on my years of experience at a construction firm, I now provide technical support commissioned by public agencies. Our clients include the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) for agricultural engineering, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for general civil engineering. My role involves managing the entire project lifecycle—from planning and budgeting to design and construction—specifically for large-scale projects that require deep expertise. It is, in essence, a specialized form of consulting where we represent the client's interests. With the rising demand for infrastructure renovation in the agricultural sector, I am currently focused on providing technical assistance for farmland irrigation and drainage projects.

The best for everyone involved in construction

I am in charge of managing three ongoing projects on 6000 hectares of farmland in the Nagaoka area: the construction of a new pipe channel with a diameter of 3.5m and a total length of 2600m using the shield tunneling method, repairing an old pipe channel, and updating pumps at a pumping station. My goal is to carry out construction that will make everyone involved happy, including not only the client, but also the contractor and the people who own the farmland there. For example, even a gradient of just 2cm can affect drainage and cause major problems for farmers. I strive to carry out construction work that does not overlook even the smallest details.

Our mission is to develop engineers who will take the next step

Currently, civil engineering is centered on renovation and repair work, but what is required here is not only to extend the lifespan of the target property, but also to promote labor-saving and mechanization in construction. In other words, it is important to be able to propose high-quality, highly efficient construction work. Our company specializes in i-construction, and we have "knowledge" about new construction methods and new materials, as well as the "experience and know-how" of each of our engineers. It is important to have both of these wheels in place, so we would like to focus on firmly passing on our know-how to young people.

Message

I am over 60 years old now and have changed jobs, but I am not only mentoring the next generation of engineers, but I also find my work fulfilling as an engineer.