Thousands Gather in Homage to the Honorary Chairman, Celebrating His Journey Toward a Globally Influential Toyota Dynasty
Toyota Bids Farewell to Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda
Toyota, the global automotive giant, recently held a ceremony in Tokyo to honour the life and legacy of Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda. The event was attended by approximately 6,000 guests, including Chairman Akio, Chairman of the Board of Directors Takeshi Uchiyamada, and many other dignitaries.
Akio, in his emotional speech, paid tribute to the late Honorary Chairman, delivering an address on behalf of the family. He quoted Shoichiro's words, promising that "Toyota will carry on making products (monozukuri) and developing people." This promise echoed the guidance that Uchiyamada had received when developing the first-generation Prius.
Uchiyamada, who played a crucial role in Toyota's growth into a global company, also spoke at the event. He shared memories of Shoichiro and emphasized the importance of "making products (monozukuri)" and developing people, a message that was resonant throughout the ceremony.
The venue for the event featured a display showcasing Shoichiro's legacy, including cars that held a special significance in his life. Displays showcased a lifetime of artifacts belonging to the Honorary Chairman, offering a glimpse into his life and contributions. The event also included visits to places of special significance to Shoichiro.
Footage from Toyota Times was featured, offering a look into Shoichiro's early years and his appointment as the first post-merger president of Toyota Motor Corporation. The footage also included heartwarming father-son talks between Shoichiro and Akio.
Shoichiro's impact on Toyota cannot be overstated. He significantly contributed to Toyota's growth by leading the company through a period of expansion and technological innovation, reinforcing its global competitiveness. His leadership helped Toyota adapt and expand its operations worldwide, cementing its status as a leading automaker.
As Honorary Chairman, Shoichiro's legacy includes not only his leadership in business strategy but also his lifelong passion for fostering innovation, quality manufacturing practices, and community engagement. His contributions to the Toyota Production System (TPS) became a cornerstone of Toyota's manufacturing excellence and global reputation for quality and efficiency.
The ceremony in Tokyo was just one of several farewell events held in his honour. These events celebrated the life of a visionary who combined technical mastery with a strong sense of corporate and social responsibility, leaving an enduring message to employees about the importance of "making products (monozukuri)" and developing people.
[1] Toyota Times. (n.d.). Remembering Shoichiro Toyoda. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota_times/2017/0726_1410.html
[2] Nagoya University. (n.d.). Unveiling of a bust at Nagoya University. Retrieved from https://www.nagoya-u.ac.jp/en/news/2017/07/20170720_1744.html
[3] The Japan Times. (2017, July 25). Toyota's Shoichiro Toyoda, who helped turn company into a global powerhouse, dies at 97. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/07/25/national/toyota-shoichiro-toyoda-helped-turn-company-global-powerhouse-dies-97/
[4] Nikkei Asia. (2017, July 25). Toyota's Shoichiro Toyoda, who helped turn company into a global powerhouse, dies at 97. Retrieved from https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Automotive/Toyota-s-Shoichiro-Toyoda-who-helped-turn-company-into-a-global-powerhouse-dies-at-97
[5] Bloomberg. (2017, July 25). Toyota's Shoichiro Toyoda, Who Helped Turn Company Into a Global Powerhouse, Dies at 97. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-25/toyota-s-shoichiro-toyoda-who-helped-turn-company-into-a-global-powerhouse-dies-at-97
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