"Ask me a question." With those words, Akio Toyoda suddenly began a Q&A session with future Toyota employees. What nuggets of advice did Chairman Toyoda offer to the nervous youths?
In 2025, a group of newcomers arrived at Fuji Speedway in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture, where test drives were underway.
This coming spring, these students are to begin working at Toyota as engineers.
Chairman Akio Toyoda, who was participating in the test drives, called out to them: “Ask me a question.”
And then the impromptu Q&A “Akio Juku” with the chairman began.
In the face of this valuable opportunity—or, as the chairman said, “It could be trouble!” —the students nervously raised their hands, with Chairman Akio answering each question in turn.
Q: What kind of car do you like?
A: Don’t you watch Toyota Times?
Q: Why don’t you develop engines for F1?
A: If you want to do F1, go to….
Of course, everyone’s here because they plan to work at Toyota... The students couldn’t help laughing at his teasing answers.
Students with job offers, there’s still time before you start working at Toyota. Watch Toyota Times.
This week’s episode also features the long-awaited return of “Employee Cafeterias Around the World.” This time, we visit Toyota Manufacturing UK. Traditional food there isn’t just fish and chips. How does it taste?