A day of mixed emotions, the day graduating students leave Toyota Technical Skills Academy. As Chairman Akio Toyoda speaks of entrusting hopes, 234 graduates take their first new steps with gratitude in their hearts.
On February 27, 2026, the Toyota Technical Skills Academy graduation ceremony was held at the Main Hall at the Toyota Head Office in Toyota City, Aichi.
Watched over by guests, families, company stakeholders, and current students, 234 graduates (110 in the high school course, 124 in the professional course) took their first steps forward.
The words of the graduates as they look back on their time at the Academy reflect the journeys they have taken.
One student admired her senior in the kendo club, and her desire to emulate her became a driving force.
One student said she approached her studies while thinking of her hard-working father, who also works in the automotive industry.
In one case, a student played a baseball game against Toyota Technical Skills Academy and was so inspired by the captain’s presence that he decided to follow in his footsteps and enroll. In the video, he reunites with this person who had such a profound impact on the path of his life for the first time in several years.
It shows how small actions, which might not linger in memory, can unintentionally have a tremendous impact on someone’s life.
These encounters have illuminated the paths of these students.
The friendships and bonds they built while living in the dorms, along with the experiences they have stacked up throughout the days, have supported these young men and women.
Chairman Akio Toyoda offered these words to the graduates: “Never give up, consider others, and help one another with a kind spirit.” He also encouraged them, saying, “I hope you can all become not only people who are thanked, but people who can thank others.”
Read Chairman Toyoda’s full speech.
Immediately after the ceremony, Chairman Toyoda shared his feelings about once again being a “father” to the graduates and offered further reflections.
Chairman Toyoda
Today (February 27) is my father, Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda’s birthday. This morning, the Kawazu cherry blossoms were in full bloom at the Nanzan residence where he lived.
In the language of flowers, Kawazu cherry blossoms mean “entrust your hopes.” I attended today as the “father” of the students with the intention of entrusting them with my hopes.
Every year, I have to hold back tears as I listen to the graduate’s speech. I believe it’s my duty to support them as they grow into leaders in manufacturing, here in Japan and around the world.
With gratitude in their hearts and drawing strength from the encounters and experiences at Toyota Technical Skills Academy, the 234 graduates move forward to their next stage of their journey.
Here are some photos from the graduation ceremony.
