Meet Our People: Nobuko Kuribayashi

What has been your career so far, and what are your current responsibilities?

During my time at university, the Great East Japan Earthquake made me realize the importance of infrastructure. This inspired me to pursue a career in the electric power systems field, which led me to join Hitachi, Ltd. After joining Hitachi, I spent about four years engaged in the design of switchgear. Later, I transferred to a team responsible for customer engagement tasks, where I handled tasks such as preparing quotations and proposing specifications related to switchgear.

Currently, I work at Hitachi Energy Japan, where I am responsible for handling approval of product type for EconiQ®¹ Dead Tank Circuit Breakers. Approval of product type is a process in which customers review and approve a product so it can be registered as product type². Our role is to explain the product specifications and performance to facilitate this approval. In collaboration with overseas engineers in charge of the product, we organize and provide the necessary information to customers, and, if required, conduct additional tests to ensure that the product meets their requirements and is adopted.”

What projects or experiences have been most memorable in your career?

The approval of product type work I am currently engaged in is extremely challenging for me. Even though it may sound simple to review specifications, the standards and regulations differ between Japan and overseas, so I need to carefully check each specification while ensuring that overseas engineers fully understand them and take the necessary actions. This is often far from straightforward. Clear communication with overseas engineers is crucial, so I strive to maintain accurate alignment through a mix of online meetings and written correspondence, paying close attention to avoid any misunderstandings. When one customer finally accepted the review documents that we had spent nearly six months preparing for their approval of product type, I felt that I had achieved a significant personal milestone.

How do you feel about the atmosphere and culture within your team?

I feel that there is a strong culture of building trust through dialogue. Although most of my interactions with overseas team members are online on a daily basis, we make time to meet face-to-face when necessary to communicate directly. Hitachi Energy has offices in many countries and regions around the world, with members from diverse backgrounds. That’s why I believe there is a culture of deepening mutual understanding through dialogue, aligning perspectives, and working together on tasks.

What makes you proud to be a Hitachi Energy employee?

Hitachi Energy has a diverse team spread across the globe, working closely together to deliver projects. Collaborating with colleagues who have different cultures, values, and perspectives can be challenging at times, but I believe that diversity brings unique strengths and creates real value. That is one of the most rewarding aspects of working at Hitachi Energy.

In addition, I take pride in being part of a company that is a leader in the power grids sector. Through our globally proven products and cutting-edge, high-value solutions, we are able to contribute to our customers’ success—and that is something I am truly proud of.

#MeetOurPeople #ProudToBeHitachiEnergy