In Round 3, Morizo’s final opponent was once again TR Chairman Nakajima. When making his entrance at the afternoon talk session, however, he was introduced as “Giaiano” (apparently an Italian take on the Doraemon character Gian?).

At the morning’s press conference, part of the preview for this clash was blurred out, as in the photo above. Although if you squint hard enough you can make it out…

All was revealed in the afternoon talk session:

Apparently, it was Morizo who picked this fight.

In December, Toyota announced that it plans to introduce three North American-made models, including the Camry, into the Japanese market starting in 2026. However, in Japan sedans are losing ground against the growing popularity of SUVs.

Morizo put forward an idea: “With Japan said to be turning its back on sedans and other trends, I want to show how a sedan can once again look cool in the eyes of young people.”

At last year’s SEMA* Show in Las Vegas, Giaiano had seen the Camry GT-S concept attract many young fans. “They have only ever driven SUVs,” he noted. “By contrast, in America these sedans are considered cool and stylish.”
^{*A custom car exhibition event organized by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).}

So when Morizo issued his challenge, Giaiano was all in. “Let’s do this.”

Just like Round 1, this contest pits a local workshop against a carmaker. This time, however, the big showdown will take place at the Super Taikyu 24-hour race in June.

Exactly how will the Camry be reborn? We can’t wait to find out.

For the full versions of the day’s press conference and talk session, check out the links below.

Hear the roar of engines and the sounds of battle ring out across Makuhari Messe!