Thousands Honor Commemorate the Global Journey of Toyota's Honorary Chairperson
Toyota Bids Farewell to Visionary Leader Shoichiro Toyoda
Toyota Motor Corporation recently held farewell events in Tokyo and several other locations, including Toyota City, to honour the late Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda. Approximately 6,000 guests attended these emotional gatherings.
Shoichiro Toyoda played a pivotal role in Toyota's growth into a global company, leaving a lasting legacy marked by visionary leadership, innovation, and social responsibility. He was remembered for his energetic and visionary leadership style that significantly supported Toyota’s development, especially in the Asia region, and contributed to the company’s reputation for quality and innovation.
Under his stewardship, Toyota strengthened its production system (TPS), which remains central to Toyota’s efficiency and sales improvements. His legacy also includes notable contributions toward road safety, as he was dedicated to initiatives aimed at reducing traffic accidents and casualties, reflecting his commitment to social responsibility beyond business growth.
The ceremony in Tokyo was addressed by Chairman of the Board of Directors Takeshi Uchiyamada and Chairman Akio Toyoda on behalf of the family. Uchiyamada delivered a condolence message and shared memories of the Honorary Chairman during the events. He also spoke about the guidance he received while developing the first-generation Prius, which was one of Shoichiro Toyoda's most significant achievements.
Chairman Akio Toyoda reiterated a promise to continue the Honorary Chairman's legacy of "making products (monozukuri)" and developing people. The events included visits to places of special significance to the Honorary Chairman, and displays showcased a lifetime of artifacts and cars as part of the Honorary Chairman's memorial.
In addition, Toyota Times presented original footage of Shoichiro's early years, his appointment as the first post-merger president, and father-son talks with Akio. These displays served as a poignant reminder of Shoichiro Toyoda's contributions to Toyota's growth and success.
On April 24, the farewell events were held not only in Tokyo but also in four other locations, including Toyota City. The Honorary Chairman left an enduring message to employees about the importance of their work, emphasizing his belief in their ability to continue Toyota's legacy of innovation and social responsibility.
In conclusion, Shoichiro Toyoda was instrumental in Toyota’s growth through leadership that enhanced production systems, global expansion, innovation, and social contributions, solidifying his legacy as a transformative figure in the company’s history. Toyota will carry on his vision and legacy, striving to uphold the values he instilled in the company.
The automotive industry is profoundly thankful for Shoichiro Toyoda's impactful contributions, particularly his advances in Toyota's production system (TPS), which significantly improved efficiency and sales.Shoichiro Toyoda's commitment to road safety was evident in his initiatives to reduce traffic accidents, making a positive difference in the finance and insurance sectors, as well as transportation infrastructure.*
