Within Toyota, an "oyaji" or "ofukuro" may refer to an actual parent, such as in Akio's case, or it may refer to a senior employee who becomes your mentor and guide.
Hello, everyone. Morizo here again.
Executive Vice President Mitsuru Kawaii shared the following the other day:
"At Toyota, we live by the concept of ‘caring for others.’
This phrase is not used by the person taking care of someone else, but rather one used by people who have received the care from someone else. That feeling of someone looking after them and that they are here today because of someone’s help.
This should not change no matter what.”
This is what our predecessors have fought to protect all this time.
These important lessons were taught to us by our “oyajis (fathers)” and “ofukuros (mothers)” within the company.
Today is Father's Day, and I’d like to share something that I wrote three years ago.
“Oyaji”
Today is Father's Day.
Many of you have small children at home. What do they call you?
“Dad,” “Mom,” or maybe even “Daddy” or “Mommy.”
While there are many names that can be given to those who take care of you, at Toyota those types of people were at one time called “oyaji” by their friends.
For example, Advisor Fujio Cho called Taiichi Ohno “oyaji”, with the best of intentions in a friendly way. For me, Cho san and Naruse san are people who I similarly and lovingly call “oyaji.”
Of course, the Honorary Chairman Toyoda is my actual “oyaji”!
I wonder if I’m the only one who when I hear the words “oyaji” and “ofukuro,” I imagine someone with a caretaker/supportive nature?
If you do something wrong, you will be scolded.
If you cause problems for others, they will apologize alongside you.
Although they may not speak very much, they will always protect you.
I hope that the number of such “oyajis” and “ofukuros” will increase in our workplace as well.
*This content is a partial edit of the content posted on the company intranet on June 22, 2016.