A bust of Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda, who passed away in February 2023, was unveiled at his alma mater, Nagoya University. We report here on the background of the bust and the unveiling, where Chairman Akio Toyoda gave a speech on behalf of the founding family.
Nagoya University recently unveiled a bust of alum and Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda at the university’s Toyoda Auditorium. Chairman Akio Toyoda attended the unveiling on October 10, 2024 and gave a speech on behalf of the family.
Honorary Chairman Shoichiro graduated from the Nagoya University School of Engineering in 1947 and received a PhD in Engineering in 1955.
He had a belief that for Japan to help address global-scale issues such as environmental problems would require collaboration between industry and academia and initiatives that go beyond industrial boundaries. Those beliefs were behind the support he gave his alma mater in nurturing the next generation.
When the university alumni association was established in 2002, he worked as its first chairman for 18 years and was instrumental in establishing the Nagoya University Foundation. In order to preserve his achievements for future generations, the university proposed a bust be erected in his honor.
Toyoda Auditorium, where the bust now stands, was dedicated to the university by Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. (present Toyota Motor Corporation) to be a place where young people can grow. Honorary Chairman Shoichiro later supported the large-scale renovation of the building and attended entrance and graduation ceremonies held there nearly every year.
Chairman Akio said of the bust at Toyoda Auditorium, “I’m sure he will warmly watch over the growth of the young people who carry Japan’s future.”
Honorary Chairman Shoichiro devoted himself to the development of his alma mater to nurture the next generation. We look back at that passion and the beliefs he has passed down to Chairman Akio. Be sure to watch the video for the full story.