In his first media interview since taking office, President Kenta Kon reflects on what he has learned from visiting the genba over the past three and a half months, and the kind of leader he hopes to become.
On July 18, President Kenta Kon sat down for an interview with the media.
Although he had previously spoken to reporters at events such as the company’s entrance ceremony and financial results briefing, this was his first official interview as Toyota’s president.
On July 17 and 18, President Kon also participated in the annual summer festival at Mount Tateshina Shoko-ji Temple in Chino City, Nagano, an occasion dedicated to praying for road safety. He joined leaders from various companies and organizations, including other automobile manufacturers, suppliers, and insurers.
On the 18th, attendees also took part in the Tateshina Meeting, a forum focused on achieving zero traffic accidents. After the meeting, President Kon sat down for his interview, which he had wanted to conduct in a place “with special significance for the Toyota Group.” Here is how it unfolded.
A truly remarkable gathering
Before responding to questions, President Kon shared his thoughts on attending the summer festival and the Tateshina Meeting.
President Kon
Thank you all very much for making the journey to be here today at Mount Tateshina Shoko-ji Temple. This temple was founded in 1970, during a period known in Japan as the “Traffic War,” when accidents and fatalities were tragically common on the country’s roads. As I understand it, Toyota Motor Sales led the way in establishing Shoko-ji Temple, driven by the desire to eliminate traffic accidents.
When the temple was founded, many people said that prayers alone would not prevent accidents. Even so, for 56 years the Toyota Group has continued to offer up prayers together with the members of the Shoko-ji Temple and the local community.
In 2019, we convened the first Tateshina Meeting, bringing together representatives from other automakers, Toyota Group companies, and industries beyond the automotive sector. The focus has always been on eliminating traffic accidents, with recent discussions being led by the Toyota Mobility Foundation.
I was fortunate enough to be among the participants today, and what I found truly remarkable was not only that the candle-lighting memorial and the road safety prayer service have been held every July for the past 56 years, but that we now also have the Tateshina Meeting, bringing this broad array of people together under one roof to discuss the eradication of traffic accidents. I am very grateful to have been part of today’s session.
Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda was also a regular attendee here, even in his later years. Back then, I would often accompany then-President Akio Toyoda as his secretary, and the sight of him praying alongside the Honorary Chairman remains a very powerful memory.
Reaching zero traffic accidents is a tremendous challenge that requires the efforts of not just Toyota but all industries, led by the automotive sector. As discussed today, what we need is a comprehensive three-pronged approach encompassing cars, people, and infrastructure.
I also believe the media’s guidance is essential in these efforts, and I sincerely ask for your continued support.
At last month’s shareholders’ meeting, I was entrusted to serve on Toyota’s board of directors. I had intended to arrange this kind of interview opportunity as soon as possible, and I apologize that it has taken some time.
I always felt that it should take place somewhere with special significance for the Toyota Group, and I appreciate that you have been able to join us here today at Shoko-ji Temple. Thank you very much.
With that, the assembled reporters began firing off a wide range of questions, covering everything from the insights gained during President Kon’s genba visits to his management policies, and Toyota’s transformation into a mobility company.