Insights Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: First Installment of Akio Toyoda's Newspaper Interview

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota and the project leader behind the Woven City project, found himself spending time at a company executive training facility in Aichi Prefecture. This period of isolation allowed him to reflect on his stay-at-home life, stating that it helped him realize things.

During this time, Akio also picked up a new hobby—coloring and watercolor painting. He found solace in these creative pursuits, a welcome distraction from the challenges of navigating a global health crisis.

The pandemic also brought about changes in Akio's professional life. He noticed an increase in online interactions with people he rarely saw before, and his commute time decreased significantly due to the lack of in-person meetings. However, he felt closer to his colleagues emotionally, despite the physical distance.

Akio's role as the key visionary behind the Woven City project took on new significance during the pandemic. He believes that this innovative smart city can transform Toyota into an even more innovative company, sowing new seeds of mobility. The project, which he oversees, aims to create a sustainable, connected urban environment that prioritises people's needs.

Akio's focus on people extends beyond the Woven City project. He emphasised the importance of safety, regional reconstruction, and the restoration of production in Toyota's response to the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. He also expressed gratitude towards his team members for their support activities, stating that it led to appreciation from medical workers and put smiles on their faces.

In his quest to make Toyota a company that focuses on the entire earth as its home planet, Akio promotes "minus emissions" instead of "zero emissions." He refers to the SDGs and their focus on the entire planet, and his desire to provide mobility to everyone strengthened based on the idea of "not leaving a single person behind" in the SDGs.

Akio's influence extends beyond Toyota as well. He is consulted more by his team members during the pandemic, and he is approached to consult on the progress of the Woven City Project. He seeks to make friends outside of the automotive industry for the Woven City project, believing that new perspectives are essential for innovation.

On July 7, an article featuring an exclusive interview with President Akio Toyoda was published in the morning edition of the Chunichi Shimbun. In this interview, Akio shared his thoughts on changes in work and life brought by the spread of COVID-19, expressing concern about listening more to people in planning sections and people with titles, rather than those in the genba (where work takes place).

As Akio Toyoda gradually returns to his normal life, he continues to lead Toyota with a focus on people, technology, and sustainability. The Woven City project is just one example of his commitment to creating a better future for all.

Insights Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: First Installment of Akio Toyoda's Newspaper Interview