At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, Akio Toyoda, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Toyota Motor Corporation, presented a briefing focused on the Century, a luxury vehicle that holds a significant place in the company’s history.
During his remarks, Toyoda reflected on the origins and development of the Century. He quoted Kiichiro Toyoda: “It is not just about making automobiles. With Japanese ideas and skills, we must create an automobile industry for Japan.” He explained that in the 1930s, when Japan was not seen as capable of making cars, Kiichiro Toyoda’s goal was to build an automotive industry for the country rather than just establishing a company.
The briefing highlighted Kenya Nakamura’s role as Toyota’s first chief engineer overseeing the Century’s development. Nakamura’s guiding principle was “To be like no other,” influencing every aspect from design to production and sales. The first Century model began development in 1963 and incorporated elements of Japanese culture such as Edo metal engraving and Nishijin-ori brocade.
Toyoda recounted how Shoichiro Toyoda continued to ride in and provide feedback on successive generations of the Century. He shared his interpretation of why Nakamura undertook what many considered a “reckless” project: “I want to build a democratic, automotive-industrial nation, contributing to Japan’s peaceful rebuilding and to world culture.” These words from Kiichiro Toyoda influenced later efforts within Toyota.
According to Akio Toyoda, “The pride of Japan. I believe the Century was created to fulfill that role.” He connected this mission with broader societal goals, stating that Japan’s automotive industry now operates globally and that Japanese skills continue to sustain both tradition and innovation.
Toyoda noted that the name “Century” references both the hundredth anniversary of the Meiji era and Sakichi Toyoda’s birth. The car’s phoenix emblem symbolizes peace in Japanese mythology: “Century is more than just the name of a car. It is a heartfelt desire for world peace, and an endeavor to shape the next one hundred years from Japan.”
With Shoichiro’s passing, Akio Toyoda described launching Century as his personal mission but emphasized collective effort: “Together, we have decided to launch the Century brand… We want to cultivate it as a brand that brings the spirit of Japan―the pride of Japan―out into the world.”
Toyota Motor Corporation continues its work developing products aimed at providing mobility for all while pursuing safety and quality standards aligned with its Guiding Principles and supporting many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More information about Toyota’s SDG initiatives can be found at https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/.
Recent related news includes new vehicle launches such as Toyota’s Land Cruiser “FJ” premiere on October 21, 2025; details about these models are available through official channels.
