Tomikawa

At Toyota Industries, I saw employees from the four companies wearing different uniforms but learning from each other and discussing things as if they were part of the same company.

Akio

During the 14 years I served as president, there has been some restraint toward each other within the Group. They're different companies.

But when I went to the TPS Jishuken, as you said, I saw signs of a sense of unity forming within the Group. I often say, "A crisis is an opportunity," and I hope it is interpreted that way.

I am truly grateful for the awareness this has created.

I feel like our gratitude for this could be a path leading toward greater safety and security of those using our cars, engines, minivehicles, large trucks, and buses.

Tomikawa

It feels as though it could spread beyond Toyota and the Toyota Group to other OEMs, which would be nice.

Akio

It's too early to say.

Tomikawa

Oh, excuse me.

Akio

It's too early to say.

Tomikawa

Right. First, we must do what we can now.

Akio

We did something we should not have done, so we need to create standardized work to properly manage problems. That is the stage we are at.

Tomikawa

For that, we need leaders to guide us, right?

Akio

Well, there is a leader offering direction. I think that would be the person accountable.

Tomikawa

Watching everyone this time, I felt that having you as a central figure creates a sense of unity. I know you dislike being called a beacon, but...

Akio

No one thinks the work they are currently doing is wrong.

It's only wrong in hindsight. These issues do not stem from a single cause. They involve many overlapping factors. If having a single person like me to hold accountable makes things easier when work involves a lot of people, that’s something to be grateful for.

That's why I often call myself "the garbage dump." "When something goes wrong, he'll apologize. He'll take the brunt when something happens." It is tough just being there to take what gets thrown away.

I would like to become a "waste processing plant," where things are sorted and recycled, and where new seeds are grown to form new trees. A garbage dump is just where things get thrown away. That is what I think, and I hope those around me do, too.

Tomikawa

I think if I ask any more questions, you'll tell me now is not the time. This Toyota Times has focused on the certification issue, so is there anything you'd like to say to stakeholders?

Akio

I would like to express my deepest apologies for causing concern and anxiety. As I always say, Toyota is not a perfect company and has failed many times.

But each time we fail, we unite, review our work, and grow stronger. That is why, when mistakes happen, we stop, explain the errors, apologize, and ask for permission to move forward.

My role is to keep the workplace positive and confident so that work can move forward. To that end, I will serve as a shield. Despite our mistakes, I'd like to ask for your continued support of Toyota.

Tomikawa

I hope people will trust you and continue to support Toyota and the Toyota Group.

Akio

It's not about trust.

Tomikawa

Was that wrong?

Akio

I'd like people to judge by our results.

Tomikawa

Yes. Today, we focused on issues in certification. Thank you for being here, Akio.

Akio

Thank you.