Keiko Hisano, 25, is a production controller for Nakabo Japan Co. Ltd., an Osaka-based knitwear manufacturer that produces clothing for many famous brands. Hoping to eventually become a designer, she is happy now just to be at the base of the design pyramid, whether running up and down Omotesando with samples or managing supertight production schedules. Hisano isn't big on small talk, and is quick to point out that her biggest asset is speed: The faster she can finish her tasks, the more time she has left for practicing design. She says she is sure that after all the hardship, great things are in store for her.

I was lucky my mom was a housewife. She always said that when we kids walked in, she wanted to welcome us. She thought that was the most important thing for a child. But I always snuck in quietly, tiptoed up behind her back and surprised her.

Accidents happen, but many don't have to. When I was 18, three of us were in my friend's new car. He had just got his license two months earlier and we were celebrating. He was pretty drunk, and none of us had seatbelts on. When I glanced at the dashboard, I saw that he was doing 85 kph in a narrow alley. The next second we crashed into a brick wall. Miraculously we all survived. Since then I keep thinking that though the technology to protect dummies like us is available, our own will to do so is missing.