![](/en/newscast/upload_images/newscast_018_1280_720_banner.jpg)
On Akio Toyoda's final day as president, Toyota Times was with him as he shared his thoughts in the place where it all started.
![](/en/newscast/upload_images/newscast_018_1280_720_banner.jpg)
On March 31, 2023, Akio Toyoda spent his last day as president of Toyota.
Since his appointment in 2009, Akio has been ever-present at Toyota’s frontline facilities, seeking to be “the most genba-oriented president.” Also calling himself the “Rearguard President,” he watched over Toyota for 14 years. Akio closed out his term with a visit to three special places.
We captured the words and sentiments brought out by these particular locations, on this particular day.
Toyota Times’ exclusive coverage of a special day
![](/en/newscast/upload_images/newscast_018_1.jpg)
Akio’s starting point, both as a boy and as a Toyota man, sparked much reminiscing.
![](/en/newscast/upload_images/newscast_018_2_en.jpg)
Akio looks to “the one person whose praise I sought.”
![](/en/newscast/upload_images/newscast_018_3.jpg)
The day’s final visit was to Kabahouse, the headquarters of Toyota’s workers' union. Why did Akio choose this location? He voices some nagging regrets, along with a startling declaration.
Don’t miss a minute of our exclusive report on this special day.