We are supporting the development of the next generation of engineers in Japan by providing our simulation tool to some of the Formula SAE teams.
For more details, please refer to the article.Supports Formula SAE Japan 2025
We visited FORTEK, the Formula team from Kobe University.
FORTEK is a powerhouse in the Formula SAE Japan competition, having won the championship in 2019 and also secured 3rd place last year. Yet the team humbly notes that those achievements may have been influenced by unexpected issues faced by other top teams. This year, they are aiming for a 'genuine' 3rd place finish —one that reflects their own performance alone.
We visited the team's warehouse, where the car is assembled, and their team room, which serves as the base for design and management. During our tour, we received detailed explanations of the team's activities from Mr. Muroya, a senior student, and other members. At the center of the warehouse, we saw this year’s competition car, already equipped with many of its components. With a test run scheduled on campus at the end of April, we observed team members working actively during lunch breaks and between classes.
One of the unique features of the vehicle is its suspension system, they say, which uses different rod mechanisms for the front and rear—either a push rod or a pull rod. This configuration is rarely seen among other teams and has been passed down through generations refind through trial and error by former members.
This year, the team faces a challenge with only three junior students serving as core members. However, with strong support by senior studensts like Mr. Muroya and the presence of twenty-one sophomore students who are expected to lead next year, the team clearly demonstrates organizational strength, which explains their consistent excellent performance over the years.
During our visit, we watched as the new students listened with sparkling eyes while the current members explained this year’s vehicle. We felt a strong sense that the day they will take over the organization is fast approaching. We will continue to support them and cheer them on as they take on new challenges.