Tomikawa

The reason I brought up Sons of Toyota is because it is connected to something you did recently.

As mentioned in the first part of the book, the Toyota Group’s first foray into business overseas was Shanghai.

Sakichi moved to Shanghai in 1919 with the intention of settling there permanently. In 1921, he established Toyoda Boshoku Sho.

The fact that this episode took place more than 100 years ago demonstrates his expansive vision and foresight. You have visited Toyoda Boshoku Sho, right??

Toyoda

It is now a commemorative museum, but yes, I have. If you look at old maps of Shanghai, you will find the “Toyoda residence.”

When I oversaw Toyota’s operations in China, I used a map to locate the Toyoda residence, which was located where the Japanese and American consulates now stand.

Both the American and Japanese consulates have the same outer walls. I don’t know whether the grounds were so vast back then. Some kind of apartment building sits between the two consulates, so that may have been it… I’m not sure.

Tomikawa

Sakichi is well known as an inventor, having invented the automatic loom for his mother. The move into China was also meant to foster friendly relations between the two countries and give more people access to fabrics.

Watching you, I feel that this spirit of working for the happiness of others must be in your genes.

Sakichi’s famous words, “Open the window. It’s a big world out there!” were aimed at those around him who opposed the Shanghai venture, imploring them to see the bigger picture.

I learned that when I visited the museum while covering the recent GR event in Shanghai.

Toyoda

Ultimately, it was Toyoda Boshoku Sho that prevented Toyota Motor from going under. Various people have told me that the company managed to survive thanks to the funds put up by Mr. Nishikawa.

Tomikawa　

So, Toyota Motors is still standing today because of that support.

It also served as a foothold when the company set out to sell cars in China. Toyoda Boshoku Sho was really a vital part of Toyota Motor Corporation’s story.

As I just mentioned, the first GR event in China was recently held in Shanghai, and Morizo took part.

There was a great deal of excitement, with many Morizo fans turning out.

Toyoda

That’s right. I wonder what it would have been like without the crowd restrictions in place.

Tomikawa

Many people came in GR cars, which was a testament to how many cars you created as president.

Speaking to people in Shanghai, I sensed that Sakichi’s emphasis on friendly Sino-Japanese relations in his business has continued to flow down through the generations.

Toyoda

You’re right. In Shanghai and elsewhere, I have aimed to be a “best-in-town” automaker.

If we include Boshoku and Toyota Industries, Shanghai was the starting point for Toyota, but our first automotive plant was in Brazil.

At the time, we had the parent company in Japan, with overseas subsidiaries, and the parent company was rescued by Toyoda Boshoku Sho.

At times it is the child’s turn to help the parent. I think this kind of mentality is necessary for Toyota and the Toyota Group.

Tomikawa

Now Toyota is a company active around the world, yet that mentality remains.

Toyoda

I think it does. When I started saying, “Let’s aim to be the best automaker in town,” that came precisely from this mindset.

Although the world has become divided into opposing camps, I feel that the Toyota Group is better off striving for empathy, cooperation, and relationships based on mutual gratitude.

Tomikawa

As employees, we want to continue carrying that spirit forward.

While we’re on the topic of China, as Morizo you expressed your fondness for the country many times during the event.

Would you say the same as Akio, or as a descendant of the Toyoda family?

Toyoda

I don’t really think about it in terms of the Toyoda family, but I genuinely love China, as I do all countries.

Whenever we do events overseas, I always start by showing my love for the host country.

Tomikawa

Because it’s true, isn’t it?

Toyoda

I really do love them. Those who make the effort to come to our events always smile at those magic words.

Tomikawa

That’s wonderful.

Toyoda

I felt it was important to start with both sides smiling, so rather than saying all sorts of things in Japanese through an interpreter, I repeated over and over, “I love China.”

Tomikawa

You said it in Chinese, didn’t you?

Toyoda

Actually, I wrote it out (the Chinese greeting) in katakana inside the car so I wouldn’t forget it.

When you’re doing donuts, it’s easy to forget. I wrote it in large letters and stuck it beside the steering wheel, then checked it right before I got out.

Then they started off interviewing me, and I was thinking, “Hurry up and ask me that!” (laughs). I don’t have much memory to work with (laughs.)

Tomikawa

Unfamiliar territory (laughs).

Toyoda

That’s why, no matter what they asked, I led with that response. You can see it in the video.

I gave the same answer regardless of what the interviewer asked, which is why it came off as unnatural.

Tomikawa

I don’t think it did. You were just really eager to make people smile.

Toyoda

At the morning meetings with event staff, I told them the goal was always to make attendees fall in love with cars and put a smile on every face. That is our mission, and I feel that I have to set the example.

Tomikawa

Morizo is always a central figure at GR events, with drivers and staff sharing your vision and moving in the same direction.

You previously said you would go anywhere you were invited, so our listeners around the world can look forward to hearing about your next destination.