"Signing this term sheet is a milestone step towards financing the construction of our polysilicon plant, " said DustinShindoDustin Shindo, Hoku's chief executive.

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And for his company's twin CD-ROM portfolio of designs, Shindo presents the discs as "eyes" on the blown-up image of a face.

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Shindo confesses he feels "more like a small-town inventor than anything else" -- someone who creates little devices that make us smile and wonder.

CNN: JAPAN'S HIDDEN PERSUADERS

"Signing this term sheet is a milestone step towards financing the construction of our polysilicon plant, " said Dustin Shindo , Hoku's chief executive.

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By replacing the opaque plastic "tray" inside the CD case with clear material, for example, Shindo has been able to utilize even that tiny space.

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Shindo, 50, is inspired by the senses rather than technology.

CNN: JAPAN'S HIDDEN PERSUADERS

Those constraints pushed Shindo into new directions.

CNN: JAPAN'S HIDDEN PERSUADERS