Chairing his first general meeting in three years, how did Akio Toyoda respond to questions from Toyota's shareholders?
Toyota’s cultural contributions
On June 13, the Music Awards Japan 2026 ceremony was held at Toyota Arena Tokyo. Chairman Toyoda appeared first as a driver, delivering artists to the red carpet, before later taking the stage as a presenter.
The appearance seemed to surprise some shareholders. Asked once again about the significance of Toyota’s support for cultural activities, Chairman Toyoda said, "In whatever form it may take, we need our stakeholders to recognize that Toyota’s growth is good for society." He continued:
Chairman Toyoda
Today, Japan is home to an automotive industry that operates on a global scale. Similarly, across fields such as music and sports, we have young people dedicated to sharing Japanese talent with the rest of the world.
By weaving these strands together, I believe we can engage more deeply with the world and help to bring about peace in society.
I think Toyota has always approached its work very diligently. As a result, we have now built up the strength to serve society more broadly.
I believe using this strength to help Japan connect with the world, through motorsports, sumo, sports, or music, will spur cultural exchange, and ultimately lead more people to feel that Toyota’s growth is good for society as a whole. That is the mindset driving our activities.
Rather than questioning the role of music in this process, the Toyota Group, with our global reach, will continue working as one to ensure that young people doing their best in Japan, toiling away while dreaming of the world stage, will want to choose us as their partner for continuing that journey.
I kindly ask for your understanding with regard to our cultural activities.
In tune with the times
When asked what Toyota might look like as a mobility company, President Kon had replied, “I still don’t have an answer.” Perhaps this comment from Chairman Toyoda could provide a clue?
Chairman Toyoda
Toyota Group’s starting point was the young Sakichi Toyoda’s desire to make work easier for his mother. This heartfelt wish led to the invention of the automatic loom, and eventually to the Toyota Production System, with its core ideas of respect for humanity and automation with a human touch.
The Toyoda Automatic Loom Works that Sakichi founded grew to stand alongside the British firm Platt Brothers as the two main players in the global loom market.
And when the company became the world leader in looms, rather than seeking to expand the business further, Sakichi’s son Kiichiro decided to venture into automobiles, which would shape the next era. He established the automotive division that became the starting point of Toyota Motor.
Our various group companies branched out of this automotive division, meaning that Toyota Motor and the rest of the Toyota Group share the same roots.
During these three years as chairman, amid the talk of transforming into a mobility company, I’ve asked our executive team to consider what kind of company Toyota really is. And just as I did with "Let’s make ever-better cars" upon becoming president, I’ve deliberately refused to provide any answers.
Recently, however, I’ve come to think of Toyota as a company that has always created what is sought after, what is needed by society, as times have changed.
With your continued support as our shareholders, we will keep exploring what it means to be a mobility company in that context.
As part of that process, we will continue to ask whether what we create serves society, whether it is necessary, and I hope you will guide us to be a company that remains in tune with the changing times. In this, I ask for your continued support.
Nurturing those who can take responsibility
Towards the end of the shareholders’ meeting, President Kon expressed his commitment to leadership, saying, "I intend to dedicate myself to this role such that one day, Akio might say, ‘You’re ready to take responsibility.’" As the shareholders clapped, Chairman Toyoda remarked, "That applause is their show of support." But the exchange did not end there.
The meeting wrapped up with Chairman Toyoda outlining the company’s leadership formation going forward.
Chairman Toyoda
Vice Chairman Sato will focus his efforts on advancing Japan’s auto industry as a whole, while President Kon strengthens our corporate foundations and ensures sustained growth for Toyota.
To achieve these aims, they will be assisted by Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima on the product side and Executive Vice President Yoichi Miyazaki overseeing regional operations. And I, Akio Toyoda, will support the four of them as the person responsible for Toyota. Together, we will work as one to make a better world, and a better future.
That said, I don’t really have to be the one doing all the apology press conferences, do I? (laughs)
I feel that part of my role is to nurture the people who, in the eyes of the public, can take responsibility for Toyota, and I hope you'll continue supporting us for years to come.
We ask that you continue to have confidence in Toyota’s future and as shareholders support us with a long-term perspective.
The excitement spills over
Before we go, let’s take a brief look outside the meeting venue. As a commemorative gift, the record-high 9,040 shareholders who attended on the day received a miniature model of the Lexus LFA Concept that drew attention at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026.
"We also have the actual car on show," Chairman Toyoda announced as the meeting ended, sparking a different kind of excitement at the Toyota Kaikan Museum, the company’s exhibition space near the main venue.
Inside, many also photographed their miniature models beside the real car.
Long lines also formed at the museum shop, which sells Toyota-related merchandise.
A shareholder from Mie Prefecture purchased miniature models of the Hilux and GR Corolla. Having attended the shareholders’ meeting every year, they looked pleased with the day’s purchases, saying, "I add to my collection every time I come."
Another shareholder, from Kanagawa Prefecture, was attending for the fifth time. To enter the main venue, they had stayed in Toyota City the night before. Asked for their impression of President Kon, they said, "He seems earnest and genuine. I have high hopes for him," adding that they would continue to support Toyota.
A fifth grader from Kyoto Prefecture attended the meeting with their father as a Toyota shareholder through Junior NISA, a tax-exempt investment program for minors in Japan. After telling their homeroom teacher, "I’m taking the day off to attend Toyota’s shareholders’ meeting," the student said the teacher had happily sent them off. Interested in the development of flying cars, the student told us, "Next time, I want to try asking a question at the meeting."