On October 29, 2025, Akio Toyoda, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Toyota Motor Corporation, delivered a presentation at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 focusing on the legacy and future of the Century vehicle.
Toyoda described the Century as a car that stands at the top of its class and represents Japanese tradition and innovation. He recalled how Kiichiro Toyoda, founder of Toyota, was motivated in the 1930s not just to build a company but to establish an automobile industry for Japan during a time when such an ambition seemed out of reach.
The development of the Century began in 1963 under Kenya Nakamura, Toyota’s first chief engineer. Toyoda highlighted Nakamura’s vision: “To be like no other.” This philosophy influenced every aspect of the car’s design and production. The model incorporated elements from Japanese culture, such as Edo metal engraving on its emblem and Nishijin-ori brocade for seat fabric.
Shoichiro Toyoda continued to influence improvements across multiple generations of the Century. According to Akio Toyoda: “Day after day, he continued giving instructions for improvements from the back seat.”
Toyoda explained his interpretation behind these efforts: “I want to build a democratic, automotive-industrial nation, contributing to Japan’s peaceful rebuilding and to world culture.” He emphasized that this spirit remains important today as Japan faces new challenges.
He said that pride in being Japanese inspired both Nakamura and Shoichiro Toyoda in their work on the Century: “That is why Nakamura worked together with Shoichiro…and set out to make a car underpinned by Japanese tradition and skills, which they could proudly show on the world stage.”
Toyoda linked these values with broader cultural contributions from Japan—including nature, food culture, hospitality, manga, animation, music, and sports—stating: “I believe now more than ever we need the Century.”
The name “Century” is said to reference both the hundredth anniversary of Japan’s Meiji era and Sakichi Toyoda’s birth. For Akio Toyoda it also means “creating the next one hundred years.” He noted that its phoenix emblem signifies peace according to Japanese mythology.
“With Shoichiro’s passing,” said Akio Toyoda,“I came to see this as my personal mission.”
Toyota plans to launch Century as a distinct brand intended to represent Japanese pride globally. As stated by Toyoda: “Century is not just another brand within Toyota Motor Corporation. We want to cultivate it as a brand that brings the spirit of Japan―the pride of Japan―out into the world.”
Toyota continues working toward developing innovative products while supporting sustainable practices aligned with many United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. More information about these initiatives can be found at https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/.
The company maintains its commitment since its founding in 1937 by applying guiding principles aimed at creating safer and more inclusive mobility solutions.
