Toyota Publishes Integrated Report

Connecting individual news points picked up by Toyota Times, the latest report tells the story of Toyota's corporate activities today.

Weaving "Inheritance and Evolution" from Light and Sound at UK's Platt Brothers

In December 2023, Toyota UK released a video that uses light and sound to weave Toyota's history. Here, we look at how the film was created.

Electricity from Garbage? Incineration without Carbon? Toyota Chemical Engineering is Working on a Decarbonized Future

From "black mass" recycling to methane fermentation, we look at Toyota Chemical Engineering's surprising projects for carbon neutrality. How do the mysterious black substances in the bottles above play a role? Read on to find out.

Toyota's First Overseas Plant Bids Farewell but Leaves a Timeless Legacy

"Have you ever considered why we are manufacturing in South America?" This was the question Akio Toyoda, then-President of Toyota, posed to the Toyota Latin America Chief Executive Officer, who had come to discuss the plant's closure.

40 Questions for Akio Toyoda-- "I constantly fear that Toyota will go back to being an ordinary company"

Akio Toyoda talks about his concerns and conduct during 14 years as president, along with what comes next.

An Incredible Future Awaits! What We Can Learn from Our Dream Cars

The Toyota Automobile Museum is home to some truly unique eco-friendly cars from days gone by, all results of groundbreaking research toward carbon neutrality.

A is for Innovation--Toyota's Secret Startup Society

This look at the A-1 Contest, Toyota's enigmatic breeding ground for innovation, reveals what exactly that A stands for!

Brazil's Unique Decarbonization Efforts Build on 50 Years of Technological Progress

Will the carbon-neutral age mean the end of engines? On the other side of the globe, Toyota Times found a completely different worldview that flies in the face of such fears.

A Figure Skater's Special Relationship with a Carmaking Partner

Figure skater Shoma Uno has a special relationship with a certain Nagoya-based manufacturer.

Better than the Real Thing! Experiencing Manufacturing through the Toyota Virtual Plant Tour

Toyota's new virtual plant tour website offers an experience of the company's manufacturing even better than the real thing. Where did the project members focus their energies?

What's Wrong with This Picture? It's Time We All Took Notice

What little-known habit causes trouble for around 90% of wheelchair users? Toyota Times shares some surprise findings.

Toyota's Carmaking Revolution Begins with the New Prius

The new KINTO Unlimited subscription service upends the notion that the latest cars must be expensive. Behind the service lies a change in Toyota's approach to carmaking.

Savoring Ever-Better Cars--A Video Guide to Appreciating Cars

In Toyota Times' first behind-the-wheel report, automotive analyst Shinya Yamamoto explains how to appreciate ever-better cars.

Morizo Can't Stop Leaking News at WRC Talk Event

Five drivers took the stage for a panel discussion during Toyota's grassroots rally event in its home city of Toyota in Aichi Prefecture. A feast for rally fans, the session held countless surprises.

A True Love for Cars and Rally - WRC Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team claimed the WRC triple crown for the second year running. To find out more about the team's leader, Toyota Times caught up with Jari-Matti Latvala enjoying time off at home in Finland.

Akio's Surprise for a Dear Friend and Messages to U.S. Dealers

For the first time in three years, President Akio Toyoda attended Toyota's National Dealer Meeting in the U.S., bringing a great surprise for a special guest.

Akio Toyoda Guides Successors of a Qatari Family Business with Founding Philosophies

Members of the family that runs Toyota's dealerships in Qatar visited Japan. What advice did Akio have for these promising young business leaders?

Mechanics, Weather Forecasters, and Chefs: 80 Specialists Taking on the WRC

Toyota Times showcases rally's exciting and fun aspects ahead of November's Rally Japan. Here, Yuta Tomikawa shines the spotlight on specialists beyond the drivers in Toyota's World Rally team.

Revealing Vehicle Recycling Processes―Your Cars Live on in Different Forms

How do you recycle 99% of a car that contains around 30,000 parts? Here we offer a peek into the world that awaits vehicles once their driving days are over.

Car Lovers Ignite Passions to Reform Racing

Super Formula is the pinnacle of auto racing in Japan. Toyota Times reports from the frontlines, where reforms are being driven by an urgent sense that it may all be coming to an end.

Behind the Akio-Inspired GR86 Commercial Demonstrating the FR Magic

Astonishingly, the new GR86 commercial, airing since April, uses no computer graphics. Watch as four master operators perform in perfect sync!

Toyota's AI Basketball Robot CUE5: Developers Continue to Forge Ahead to Give Back (Installment Four)

Starting as an informal approach to learn AI technology, Toyota's basketball robot CUE has inspired the world with accurate throws and now with dribbling performance. Its next shot is going to be even bigger, doing everything that a basketball player does.

To those who love Honda & Suzuka - A Message from Morizo

Toyota President Akio Toyoda appeared on the big screens at Suzuka Circuit on Fan Appreciation Day. Speaking as one of the fans, he shared an attachment stronger than most.

A Tearful Speech and Firm Resolve from Future Toyota Leaders: 2022 Toyota Technical Skills Academy Graduation Ceremony

2022 Graduates of the Toyota Technical Skills Academy display the strong sense of purpose they developed during their time at the Academy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn about the unique experience which is sure to guide them as future Toyota leaders.

TRI Unveils Autonomous Drifting Capabilities To Advance Active Safety

The GR Supra drifts around obstacles with a rumbling squeal. Find out why TRI is researching autonomous drifting technology.

Two Refugee Students Come to Toyota as They Try to Build Bonds between Syria and Japan

Two Syrian students became interns at Toyota while studying for MBAs in Japan. What was their takeaway from the experience?

Morizo's Long-Awaited Conversation with Jari-Matti Latvala - 40 Minutes of Smiles

During their chat, the pair arrange a driving duel in Japan and Finland. A win for Latvala may come with a bonus prize!

"Carbon is our enemy: Let's Use Everything We've Got To Fight It"－Toyota's Chief Scientist on Carbon Neutrality

Dr. Gill Pratt, CEO of Toyota Research Institute, and Chief Scientist at Toyota, offers perspectives as a scientist on how people should understand carbon neutrality and how automakers should see the path moving forward.

Message of Gratitude from IPC to Toyota

With the end of the Paralympics, Toyota received a video from the International Paralympic Committee. The video contained words of gratitude for the support of para sports.

A Detailed Inside Report About the Changes Happening at JAMA

Toyota Times interviewed the key figure at Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association to learn about its recent organizational reform in depth and the member's thoughts behind the effort.

Akio Toyoda Visits the e-Palette Operation Support Team on the Opening Ceremony Day

Akio Toyoda visited the e-Palette operation supporting genba on the day of the Tokyo 2020 Games' opening ceremony. He gave unique but important advice to its members, who had been nervous and believing that there was zero tolerance for mistakes.

Promoting a Triple "Friendly" Kaizen Approach at an Engine Plant: For People, Costs and the Environment

At Toyota's engine plant that is taking on challenges toward carbon neutrality, driving their effort is the concept of kaizen that has long made Toyota, Toyota.

To Global Toyota Athletes Competing in Tokyo: Message from Akio Toyoda

With the world standing moments away from the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Akio Toyoda delivered a video message to all Global Team Toyota athletes around the world who are finally heading to make their dreams come true in Tokyo 2020.

Driving the Mirai and the Future: A Talk between Automotive Journalist Goro Okazaki and Fashion Designer Yosuke Aizawa

Automotive journalist Goro Okazaki personally bought a second-generation Mirai in late 2020. As a journalist and an owner, he talks about the car with fashion designer Yosuke Aizawa, who is also a car enthusiast.

An Explainer on Hydrogen's Viability as A Future Energy Source

This article provides basic information on hydrogen, the key energy source in achieving carbon neutrality, in the form of responding to various questions.

New Section Launched to Convey Toyota's Passion for Sports

A new section has been added to Toyota Times, sharing Toyota's passion for sports and introducing its athletes who try hard to push beyond their limits.

Creating a Zero-Emissions Workplace: Oguchi Parts Center No. 2

As part of its commitment to achieving carbon-neutrality, Toyota has recently opened a new CO2-free parts logistics center in Japan. How can it achieve zero emissions? Toyota Times visited the center to learn about their efforts.

"Are You Committed?": Supplier Asks, and Toyota Proves Its Seriousness in Jointly Implementing TPS

As part of the company-wide TPS training program that started in 2020, Toyota's R&D group, Vehicle Development Center has conducted various kaizen activities on "meter development" together with its partner DENSO. How did they solve issues and what is their progress?

How Toyota Now Promotes TPS Beyond Manufacturing

Toyota has initiated projects to apply its core strength of the Toyota Production System (TPS) more beyond manufacturing areas. This article highlights how TPS leadership views the progress at Toyota's workplaces after the company-wide training program for office staff began last year.

Rhythmic gymnasts Nanami Takenaka & Sayuri Sugimoto on being Toyota employees and members of the national team

Rhythmic gymnast and new Toyota recruit Nanami Takenaka sits down for a chat with Sayuri Sugimoto, a rhythmic gymnastics national team captain and her senior colleague at Toyota.

"It was the right thing to do": Toyota Australia's Honest Decision to Return Job-keeping Subsidy

Earlier this year, Toyota Australia earned nationwide praise and attention for deciding to return a job-keeping government subsidy aimed at helping struggling employers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Toyota Times examines what action and thoughts were behind this honest decision.

"Prioritize action over waiting and watching": Akio's Message to New Toyota Members

With the entrance ceremony held remotely on April 1, Akio was determined to deliver a deliberate message to each individual.

"Practical and Sustainable": Key in Toyota's Decarbonization Path

Chief Digital Officer James Kuffner shared his thoughts, at an internal meeting, on the challenge to achieve carbon neutrality. What does he mean when he says "practicality and sustainability is the key"?

What Akio Asked the Future Toyota Leaders to Value (Part 2: Toyota Technical Skills Academy Graduation Ceremony)

Akio went up on the stage to talk with the academy graduates after the graduation ceremony. What was the message that Akio tried to convey to the students who will lead the future generation?

To Future Genba Leaders with Strength and Kindness (Part 1: Toyota Technical Skills Academy Graduation Ceremony)

Academy graduates experienced a very different school life from what they had initially envisioned, due to COVID-19. How did the students respond and what did they learn?

Surviving a Crash in a Toyota: A Paramedic's Selfless Act to Save Others

Toyota Times looks into an incident of a paramedic who selflessly put others' lives first after surviving a near-death accident in Texas, U.S.

Untold Story of One-Year Delayed Yaris Launch

It is not widely known that the new Yaris was launched in 2020, one year after its originally scheduled launch in 2019, to gain one extra year for further development. Why? Toyota Times investigates the reason behind this decision.

Toyota sells foot-operated hand sanitizer dispenser stands?

Toyota makes and sells a foot-operated hand sanitizer dispenser stand? Toyota Times was on the trail to find out why.

Commentary by AUTOCAR: "Akio Toyoda is the Enzo Ferrari of our time"

Toyota Times provides commentary from AUTOCAR on Akio Toyoda, comparing him with the Enzo Ferrari.

ROOKIE Racing GR Supra Drivers' Roundtable

In celebrating three consecutive wins of the GR Supra, the ROOKIE Racing team sits down to reflect on each race and discusses Morizo's skills as a racer.

Up Close and Personal: Akio's Relaxation Time

What does Akio think about when he has the rare chance to take a break and relax? Toyota Times sends a camera to get up close and personal.

Toyota's 50-year prayer toward the elimination of traffic accidents

Shoko-ji Temple in Japan is a place where carmakers, suppliers, and other traffic-related groups gather annually to pray for traffic safety and victims. Akio Toyoda shares thoughts about why this is a tradition that he hopes to preserve.

GR Yaris Crash Unites ROOKIE Racing Team

Following a win at its debut race, the GR Yaris and ROOKIE Racing team ran into trouble after a crash during a practice run resulting in damage to the vehicle. This story is about how the team came together to recover.

Close coverage! Behind the Scenes with Akio Toyoda at a 24 Hour Endurance Race

Cameras from Toyota Times follow Morizo as he joins the opening race of the Pirelli Super Endurance Series 2020. Includes behind the scenes exclusive footage!

Technical Academy Co-Founded by Toyota and Jinbei Marks 30 Years of "Making People"

An academy co-founded by Toyota and Shenyang Jinbei Automotive marks its 30th anniversary. Akio presents a personal message to remind of the "founding spirit" that shows Toyota's long-standing commitment to put people at the core of monozukuri.

TOYOTA and MAZDA exchange pleasantries over race invitation

Due to scheduling conflict, Akio, as "Morizo," declines an invitation to attend a Mazda-backed racing event in a letter penned by Akio to Mazda's president, Akira Marumoto. President Marumoto provides an encouraging reply.

Akio Toyoda's View on Toyota Production System

In a new workshop centering on TPS to help create "TPS Leaders" across the company, Akio seeks to narrow the gap of understanding on its two pillars - Jidoka and Just-in-Time - by sharing his interpretation of them.

Morizo's Musings | "Ganbarubai!" Keep pushing forward together as one

Seeing the efforts of Toyota team members across Japan for disaster-stricken areas, Morizo expresses appreciation and shares an example of what it means to "work for someone other than yourself".

New Vehicle Reveal in North America During 'Stay-at-Home Order' (Online Launch of 'New Sienna' and 'New Venza')

During "stay-at-home" order, Toyota sets example of "new normal" for new product launches. Learn more about how the North American team pulled it off.

"Kokoro Hakobu Project": Offering Constant Hope for 9 Years

The Toyota Group is conducting support activities for those who fight against COVID-19 under the same banner as it did following the Great East Japan Earthquake - the "Kokoro Hakobu Project". What does it hope to accomplish with this project?

Launching Toyota Times!

Welcome to Toyota Times, English edition. This owned-media channel will provide a unique view of Toyota from the inside.

Who is Morizo?

He races for the Gazoo Racing Team under the name "Morizo", but you might know him as Toyota Motor Corp. president, Akio Toyoda.

SUBARU × TOYOTA: Let's make ever-better cars together!

Subaru and Toyota: united in making ever-better cars

There is nothing we can't overcome!

As the impact of the COVID-19 grows, Akio Toyoda addresses Toyota team members and stakeholders around the world.

Morizo's Musings | Love for cars, love for one's own hometown

Congratulations Mazda! Morizo sends a message to Mazda on the 100th anniversary milestone of its founding,

New Year Message from President Toyoda - To those who have taken that step forward

Just one hour after of his CES 2020 press conference, Akio Toyoda gets on a plane to Japan to give his New Year's Address to employees.

NAHO MIYOSHI:"Thinking positively about my options." [Athlete Stories]

In the summer of 2019, we visited Naho Miyoshi (26 years old, Value Chain Business Development Div.) during a training session at the Aoi Gym in Nagoya City. The gym is the home base of Toyota Motor Corporation's women's basketball team―the Antelopes―of which she is a member. On the wall of the gym, lit by bright sunshine from outside, is a picture of the team mascot "Antenowa."In the first year of her working life, Naho was given the court name "Sun"in the hope that she would rise like a sun shining out over the team. Naho also hopes that she can live up to the name, and her cheerful and direct personality certainly shone through in the interview.

Morizo Joins MAZDA-hosted "Media Roadster 4 Hours Endurance Race"

Akio Toyoda was invited to a Mazda-backed special race event where participants drive only Roadsters provided by Mazda. Toyota Times joins the action to see the President of Toyota as he drives the Roadster in the race.

SEITO YAMAMOTO:"After crawling back up from the bottom, I hope to grab on to something that will change my life." [Athlete Stories]

Attempts to jump higher and higher―especially after one has been down―deserve respect. So we decided to make our way over to Kanagawa Prefecture to meet pole vaulter and two-time Olympian Seito Yamamoto. Yamamoto was training hard among scores of university students at the Yokohama Kenshidai Campus of Nippon Sport Science University, where he is based.

MARCUS FERNALDI GIDEON:"It's Impossible Until I Do It" [Athlete Stories]

For as long as Marcus Fernaldi Gideon can remember, badminton has always been a huge part of his life. As a young child, he grew up watching his father, former national badminton legend and coach Kurniahu Gideon, train and compete internationally. At nine years old, Marcus began his career in badminton and by thirteen, had begun to compete professionally.

Morizo's Musings | Summer Training Camp

Morizo spends his time off in the summer at a special driving camp. This year? It was on a dirt course, using one Toyota vehicle and two other companies vehicles. Musing on the "taste" of vehicles, as well as of watermelon, Morizo enjoys his time away from the office.

JOSEPH SCHOOLING & TAKESHI KAWAMOTO:"You can learn from your rivals" [Athlete Stories]

Since returning to Singapore, Joseph Schooling has been training on a daily basis with other swimmers, including overseas swimmers. Today, one of those other swimmers is Takeshi Kawamoto, another Global Toyota Team Athlete (GTTA). Like Joseph, Takeshi is best known for the butterfly stroke.

TAKESHI KAWAMOTO:"Do your best, not just for yourself but for the joy of those who support you" [Athlete Stories]

There were already signals of the onset of a hot, tropical summer in Singapore. It was here at the mouth of the Singapore River, which twists its way through the urban landscape, where Singapore's most-iconic Merlion statue graces the waterfront, while the popular Marina Bay Sands resort is situated nearby, the combination of which created picture postcard views of this Asian city-state. While many people travel to Singapore for business or vacation, Takeshi Kawamoto ventured here to hone his "warrior"skills.

Akio Toyoda's embarks on journey for ice cream

JOSEPH SCHOOLING:"Conquering pinnacles and his own childhood hero" [Athlete Stories]

It was a cloudy and humid Wednesday, yet it was scorching 33 degrees Celsius temperature. The largest aquatic center in Singapore was quite lively at 4 pm, with more than half a dozen swimmers practicing in the pool, coaches busily providing instructions and recording the athletes'times. Waves and splashes in the pool were so tempting that even we wanted to jump in due to the humidity and heat. We were walking to the interview room when we first met him. It was the one and only Joseph Isaac Schooling. Wearing a light blue T-shirt, dark grey shorts and a friendly smile, he welcomed us warmly and let us know that he'd be with us shortly.

Morizo's Musings | "Shimoyama Test Course"

As the Shimoyama Test Course opens in Japan, Morizo explains why he was in a rush to build the "Third Circuit", or "Country Road", first, and how that ties to the process of "drive and fix".

Morizo's Musings | "Oyaji (Father)"

Within Toyota, an "oyaji" or "ofukuro" may refer to an actual parent, such as in Akio's case, or it may refer to a senior employee who becomes your mentor and guide.

"Find Your Own Donut" President Toyoda Gives Commencement Speech at Babson College Graduation Ceremony

From seniors to younger students. From a current CEO to future CEOs. Akio Toyoda speaks at his Alma Mater commencement in 2019.

SAYURI SUGIMOTO:"Smiling gets me over hardships." [Athlete Stories]

Last November, we visited the Japan Institute of Sports Sciences in Tokyo's Akabane area, where Sayuri Sugimoto, captain of the rhythmic gymnastics "Fairy Japan"national team, holds practices.

HIROKI YOKOYAMA:"You have to make skating fun." [Athlete Stories]

How many people know the difference between speed skating and short track speed skating (short track)?

Morizo's Musings | "Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) - Sign of a Fresh Start"

A sakura (cherry blossom) tree at the residence of Kiichiro Toyoda is in full bloom, so Morizo writes on the significance of the sakura and memories of this particular tree.

Morizo's Musings | "Our Founding Principles"

In the season signifying a new start, Morizo shares thoughts he had about Toyota's roots and founding principles.

JARRYD WALLACE:"Dream the Impossible!" [Athlete Stories]

Springtime 2006, Athens, Georgia: Jarryd Wallace, a standout runner and high school state champion with a promising future, was only 16. With looks like that of a Hollywood star and a pleasant personality, the budding teenager was an emerging heartthrob with a zeal for life and sports.

Morizo's Musings | "March 11"

Morizo looks back on the last eight years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and vows never to forget the tragedy.

HARUNA SAKAMOTO:"Each ball. Each game. The accumulation of it all. The joy of winning." [Athlete Stories]

Women's softball infielder Haruna Sakamoto, 31, works in Toyota Motor Corporation's Production Control Division.

Morizo's Musings | "February 24"

Morizo muses on the importance of February 24 and what led him to make it a special day, "Toyota Restart Day," across the company.

TOH WEI SOONG:"The true challenge is overcoming yourself and being true to what you can do." [Athlete Stories]

When Singaporean para swimmer Toh Wei Soong was just two years old, he was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a chronic condition that restricts the use of his legs. There is no known cure for transverse myelitis. No longer able to run and play like he used to, Wei Soong ventured into the competitive world of swimming when he was 13. Since then, he has bagged an impressive tally of medals - including a bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and two golds in the 2018 Asian Para Games.

Morizo's Musings | "A Message from Kiichiro"

Morizo, off to unveil the Supra in Detroit, explains why he wants to make a stop at the "Automotive Hall of Fame" while in the home of the automotive industry.

YUMA HATTORI:"I remembered all the things...that let me run with room to spare, both mentally and physically." [Athlete Stories]

It was September, and we were waiting in the lobby of the office building at the Toyota Tahara plant for a young man, Yuma Hattori, that we expected would be donning the familiar Toyota work uniform.

TAKESHI KABASAWA:"Things work better if you...take it easy and try to bring out your uniqueness." [Athlete Stories]

Baseball infielder No.9, Takeshi Kabasawa, 29, works in Toyota Motor Corporation's Miyoshi Plant/Myochi Plant Administration Division, and shares his thoughts about sports and life.

Morizo's Musings | "Another Kakizome"

Morizo risks trouble by revealing who really wrote the "Supra is back!" that appeared in ads for the all-new Supra.

Morizo's Musings | "Nürburgring, Supra, and Morizo"

Morizo prepares for the big reveal of the all-new Supra in Detroit by taking readers on memory lane with experiences at Nürburgring and how he contributed to making the final taste for the new model.

Morizo's Musings | "Ichiro-san"

"It's important how you deal with your failures. Don't point the finger at a third person for the reason of failure, but ask yourself what was lacking on your part. These were the first words which Ichiro told Akio when they first met in 2014.

Morizo's Musings | Toyota-ism?

Is it "Toyota-ism" or "Toyota Times"? A response from Morizo to feedback received based on an ad for Toyota Times on New Year's Day 2019.

Morizo's Musings | Something to Look Forward to in the New Year...

Every year, there is something to look forward to. Dakar Rally. The start of the race in the distant land of Peru.

Morizo's Musings | Tokowaka

Morizo writes traditional New Year calligraphy "Kakizome", but has to write it earlier than usual due to his busy schedule. The word he chose for 2019 is "Tokowaka".

Morizo's Musings | Toyota Times Has Launched!

Happy New Year 2019! To better show the inner workings of Toyota, we've started Toyota Times.

KEITA SATO:"I want to continue sport and grow, and change society" [Athlete Stories]

It's 7:45 on a September morning. A blue Prius pulls into the parking lot at Toyota Motor Corp. headquarters in Toyota City. Sitting in the driver's seat is 27-year-old Para athlete, Keita Sato, who also by day works in Toyota's Production Control Division.

SHOMA UNO:"Until I decide I've reached the limit, there isn't one" [Athlete Stories]

Shoma Uno (age 20, Toyota Sports & Corporate Citizenship Dept.) is a top-level athlete competing in men's figure skating. As a silver medalist of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, his new season is off to a good start.

TYRONE PILLAY: "You have to start somewhere, so start with a belief in yourself." [Athlete Stories]

Tyrone Pillay is a 13-year Toyota employee at Toyota South Africa Motors. He is also an avid cricket fan, children's mentor, Para athlete, and Bronze medal Paralympian from the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Paralympic Games in Shot-Put. The following is based on a conversation we had with him in September 2018.

TAKEMI NISHIBORI:"We can't get any taller, but we can sharpen our skills" [Athlete Stories]

Takemi Nishibori, age 37, works by day in the Kinuura Plant Quality Control Division at Toyota Motor Corporation. This is her story.