Historic Journey of Toyota over Nine Decades, as Chronicled in the Company Magazine
In the heart of Tokyo, the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on November 14, with Akio Toyoda, Honorary Chairman of Toyota, in attendance. The occasion was significant, as Akio Toyoda's father was being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Akio Toyoda, who arrived at the event in a Century car, shared some of his monozukuri (manufacturing) memories during the ceremony, paying tribute to his father's contributions to the automotive industry. The event was covered by World Toyota News, and the Century car used by Akio Toyoda was also featured in the ceremony.
The Century car has a storied history within Toyota. It was the car of choice for the induction ceremony, and it has been a symbol of Toyota's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
Toyota's in-house magazine, Toyota Times, has been a vital part of chronicling Toyota's history for approximately 90 years. The magazine has documented various turning points in Toyota's history, from the development of Japan's first mass-market cars to the production-sales merger. It has also featured articles about the origins of today's Toyota, such as a visit to the 1951 Indy 500 and a 1960s design contest under the headline "My Dream Car."
Recently, Toyota Times visited the corporate archives where the magazine artifacts are stored. This was the first time cameras had entered the temperature- and humidity-controlled room where the archives are kept. The original documents from the magazine express the vision of Toyota's leaders and the passion of its employees.
Toyota Times serves as both a historical chronicle and a cultural touchstone. It highlights the monozukuri spirit, iconic vehicle restorations, and innovations that trace back to Toyota's founding and ongoing development. The magazine has played a crucial role in fostering pride and motivation among employees by connecting them to the company’s legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and perseverance.
In a recent development, Toyota Times will now assume the role of sharing leaders' thoughts and the activities of employees. This shift will provide a unique insight into Toyota's culture and direction, further strengthening the connection between the company's past, present, and future.
While Toyota Times focuses on these broader heritage stories, other Toyota technical publications like the Toyota Technical Review cater more to sharing technological advancements and engineering achievements with stakeholders. These publications play a crucial role in preserving Toyota’s technical legacy.
In summary, Toyota Times functions as a vital link between Toyota's past, present, and future, helping employees connect with the company’s heritage and encouraging them to embody the principles that have driven the company’s success over the years. The magazine serves as a testament to Toyota's commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and perseverance, inspiring current and future employees to uphold these values and contribute to the company's ongoing evolution.
- Akio Toyoda's use of the Century car at the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame induction ceremony underscores Toyota's commitment to preserving its lifestyle and technological heritage.
- Toyota Times, with its focus on both historical chronicles and cultural touchstones, provides insights into Toyota's technology advancements and car designs, demonstrating the company's dedication to innovation and craftsmanship.
