A Serious Battle of Grip Strength! A Tale of Power and Pride Shown by the ‘Tough Guys of the Front Lines’

~ A Three-Generation Battle of Seniors, Middles, and Youths — Who Will Take the Crown? ~

“How strong are the ‘tough guys’ working in the factory?”
The internal company event born from that very question: the Grip Strength Competition.

Seniors (60+), Middles (mostly in their 40s), Youths (mostly in their 20s) — 12 elite members gathered across generations to wage a heated battle, using nothing but their own grip strength as a weapon!

---

[Senior Division] Experience Turns Into Strength! A Series Of Phenomenal Records From Those In Their 60s!

Four participants aged 60 to 69. With records easily surpassing the national average grip strength of 41kg, the venue was filled with excitement right from the start!

The proceedings were led by Manager Matsukawa of the Operations Department.
“Now, first up to the challenge is Mr. Mizuguchi! His record is… 37.3kg!!”

Applause and cheers erupted from the audience as Mr. Iwai followed with a solid 41.3kg!

Next up is Mr. Kakinokihara!
“I’ll do my best to keep my blood vessels from bursting!”
Amidst this slightly concerning comment (laughs), he gives the dynamometer a long, firm squeeze with his left hand!

Tension and anticipation centered on the red dynamometer.
The result is… 48.9kg!!!
A wave of “Whoa!” echoed through the venue!

Mr. Masui, who followed, also achieved a strong record of 43.8kg, but Mr. Kakinokihara remained in the lead in the “battle for the top spot.”

Finally, the last challenger, Nagayoshi, made his appearance!

Tension and anticipation centered on the red dynamometer.
The result is… 44.1kg!!!

Shouts of “Whoaaaaa!!” echoed through the venue!
Mr. Kakinokihara has magnificently secured the championship for the Senior Division!

---

[Middle Division] The 40s In Their Prime, Showcasing Overwhelming “Maturity of Power”!

Next to appear was the Middle Division, consisting of those in their 40s.
Average grip strength is about 45.3kg. They showcase the “practical strength” forged daily on the front lines!

The first batter was Mr. Yamaguchi. As he poured all the power surging through his arms into the dynamometer… A stunning record of 63.6kg right out of the gate! The venue erupted in a stir!

Mr. Kikumoto followed with 60.0kg, and Mr. Suenaga also fought hard with 59.7kg—though perhaps due to a machine glitch or not knowing how to use it—but fell short of Mr. Yamaguchi’s record…

And finally appearing at the very end is the “mood maker” who has energized the venue the most during this tournament, Mr. Hamada!

“This man is no ordinary challenger…” Everyone held their breath as he picked up the dynamometer with a grin—Squeeze!

The record is…
66.0kg!!!!?!?

After a moment of silence, a thunderous cheer erupted, like the rumbling of the earth!!
Could the final Middle Division record actually be a new tournament record!?
Mr. Hamada, the undisputed champion!!

---

【Youth Division】 A Fusion Of Youth And Power. Finally, The Tournament Record Is Broken!

And finally, the ultimate showdown—the Youth Division, centered on those in their 20s!

The national average is 45.3kg, the same as the Middle Division. How far will the momentum of youth push this record…!

The first challenger, Mr. Hirokawa, achieved a solid record of 51.4kg.
Mr. Kumegawa also put up a good fight with 62.8kg, but with Mr. Hamada’s record lingering in everyone’s minds, the venue was filled with a sense of “You can go even higher!”

Then Mr. Morita made his appearance.
Manager Matsukawa also has high expectations, saying “Isn’t he the favorite?”
Despite his slender build, he has muscles of steel visible even through his shirt!

He poured in his strength.
The red dynamometer strained.
The crowd held its breath.

The record is…
An incredible 71.5kg!!!!!

The venue erupted in excitement!
Surprise and applause for the unexpected 70kg+ result, along with a stir of slight jealousy from the Middle Division (lol).

Finally, the last challenger Mr. Yamanouchi—with the most massive physique in the tournament!!
He squeezed the dynamometer with all his might, but his hand slipped!

He achieved a strong record of 57.1kg, but fell just short of Mr. Morita──

The winner of the Youth Division, and this time’s…
🎉 Overall Champion is Mr. Morita!! 🎉

---

After the event concluded…

Who could have predicted that a small measuring device like a hand dynamometer would give rise to such immense drama?

Competing, laughing, marveling, and praising one another across generations.
What we witnessed there was truly the power of “people.”
In the OPK workplaces, there are still many “passionate men”!

It’s said that new challengers are already preparing to take on this record…!?

Who will be the next “Grip Strength King”!?
Please look forward to our next event!

---

Results of This Tournament
— Youth Division —
1st Place: Mr. Morita … 71.5kg　【Overall Champion: Gold Medal】
2nd Place: Mr. Kumegawa … 62.8kg
3rd Place: Mr. Yamanouchi … 57.1kg
4th Place: Mr. Hirokawa … 51.4kg

— Middle Division —
1st Place: Mr. Hamada … 66.0kg　【Silver Medal】
2nd Place: Mr. Yamaguchi … 63.6kg　【Bronze Medal】
3rd Place: Mr. Kikumoto … 60.0kg
4th Place: Mr. Suenaga … 59.7kg

— Senior Division —
1st Place: Mr. Kakinokihara … 48.9kg
2nd Place: Mr. Nagayoshi … 44.1kg
3nd Place: Mr. Masui … 43.8kg
4rd Place: Mr. Iwai … 41.3kg
5th Place: Mr. Mizuguchi … 37.3kg

---

Written by:
Okudaya Giken Co., Ltd.
OKUDAYA CONNECT Editorial Department