Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has been appointed the new Chairman of the Automobile Business and Culture Association of Japan (ABAJ), expressing a strong commitment to reviving national pride in the country’s automotive industry. In his new role, Toyoda said he hopes to make car manufacturing a defining element of Japanese culture, echoing the founding ideals of his grandfather, TOYODA Kiichiro.
The ABAJ, which traces its origins to the post-war Automobile Association established in November 1945, was formed just months after World War II. Its creation was significantly influenced by Kiichiro, who believed the automotive industry would play a critical role in Japan’s stability and recovery.
Reflecting on that legacy, Akio Toyoda said, “Cars are key for stability and postwar recovery. I want to build a democratic, automotive-industrial nation that will contribute to Japan’s peaceful rebuilding and to world culture.” He emphasized that the automotive sector has long been central to Japan’s postwar growth, but now faces new challenges, including technological disruption, emerging competition, and market decline.
Toyoda expressed a vision to restore cultural and economic pride in the industry: “If all of us began taking action to make cars the culture of Japan, I believe we could make a greater contribution to the country’s economy and national strength.” He added that instilling national pride in automobiles should stem from engaging the public emotionally, not just appealing to government authorities.
Under his leadership, the ABAJ, comprising 166 member organizations and companies, will continue to unite stakeholders to shape policy recommendations, particularly focusing on automotive tax reforms and broader support for the sector.
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