Solar Plexus KO! The Story of When I Collapsed at the Plant Factory

Hello everyone! I’m Shohei.
This column is written mainly based on my field experience.
After being on site for over 10 years, there are truly many things that happen. I’m writing about things I remember, as they come to mind.
Well, please read it casually, like “Oh, so that’s how other factories are.”

Smooth Morning, Beware of Complacency

In my third year working at the plant factory, my body still remembers the day I encountered a phenomenon never mentioned in safety training: the “seedling tray knockout.”

That day started perfectly. I woke up before my alarm went off, armed myself with more coffee than usual, and headed to work thinking, “I’ll do my best today!” It was right then that it happened.

By my third year, carrying seedling trays between cultivation racks had become an art form. I prided myself on holding trays horizontally with both hands, moving as gracefully and quickly as a waiter carrying a full-course dinner.

The Beginning of Tragedy, a Veteran’s Overconfidence

“Just 20 more trays and it’s lunch break.”

From the moment I had that thought, the prelude to misfortune began. As usual, I was carrying a seedling tray horizontally in front of my chest, jogging through the narrow passage between cultivation racks—yes, that cliff-like corridor just about 10 centimeters wider than my shoulders.

On both sides, beautifully aligned cultivation racks displayed their greenery, brightly illuminated by LEDs. The scent of plants and the faint smell of nutrient solution. In this everyday scene, I was overconfident in my skills.

“I could navigate this narrow space with my eyes closed.”

The height of arrogance. And it was right after that thought.

The Fateful Moment, an Unexpected Encounter

Crash!

A dull sound of collision echoed through the silent cultivation room. Not understanding what had happened, I felt as if time had stopped for a moment.

“Huh?”

The corner of the seedling tray I was carefully cradling in front of my chest had hit a cultivation rack. And following the laws of physics, the opposite corner… yes, it precisely pierced the most vulnerable part of my solar plexus.

The Moment of K.O., Starlight Brilliance

“Guhh!”

A comic-like sound escaped my throat. The impact felt like being hit in the vital point by a professional boxer. I was overwhelmed by the sensation that all my internal organs had simultaneously submitted their “letters of resignation.”

My field of vision narrowed, and stars began to twinkle. (No, those were the lights.) Unable to breathe, I could see myself collapsing to my knees in slow motion.

Lying on the cold concrete floor, strangely, the only thing remaining in my mind was professional pride wondering, “Did I drop the seedling tray?”

A Miserable Recovery

When I came to, I was still lying on the concrete floor in my sanitary uniform. Cold sweat on my forehead, legs trembling. My only consolation was that no one had witnessed my pathetic state.

“This is bad…”

I stood up unsteadily and, like a first-time drunk, made my way to the office while supporting myself against the wall. I couldn’t collapse in front of my colleagues. I had my reputation as a plant factory veteran to maintain.

As I lay down on the office sofa, a colleague approached with concern.

“Are you okay? You look pale.”

“Ah… I just had a heated battle with a seedling tray…”

Lessons and Hope for Tomorrow

Even now, years later, I feel a phantom pain in my solar plexus whenever I pass between cultivation racks (it might be psychological trauma).

Everyone, please remember that no matter how skilled you are at a task, never let your guard down. Always stay focused on your work so you don’t become a victim of the “seedling tray knockout” like me.

And if you ever see a colleague suddenly collapsed on the floor, they have probably received the same “blessing” from a seedling tray as I did. Please watch over them with compassionate eyes.

…Come to think of it, that seedling tray might still be somewhere in the factory, waiting for me. Today too, I head to the plant factory, remaining vigilant and protecting my solar plexus.

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