On June 10, the Automobile Business & Culture Association of Japan (ABAJ) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting, where it announced its first leadership change in eight years. Former Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada passed the baton to new association chair, Akio Toyoda.
As of June 2025, the association has 166 member groups and companies. Its main initiative is to connect members and work together to make proposals and requests to the government, particularly regarding automobile tax systems.
As the new chairman, Toyoda introduced the slogan “Making cars the pride of Japanese culture” during his speech, demonstrating his commitment to raising the status of cars in Japan.
At the press Q＆A sessions held after the Annual General Meeting, he also answered questions about his future plans. To see it in more detail, check out the video.
The history of the ABAJ traces back to its predecessor, the Automobile Association. Just three months after the end of World War II, in November 1945, the association was established thanks in part to the efforts of Kiichiro Toyoda, Akio’s grandfather.
In taking on the role of ABAJ chairman, he reflected on Kiichiro’s words from the association’s founding.
“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.”
The automobile industry supported Japan’s postwar development. New Chairman Toyoda spoke about coming up with his new slogan of “Making cars the pride of Japanese culture” by reflecting on his grandfather’s vision.
The association’s new leadership has already begun working to make cars a part of Japan’s culture and pride. Don’t miss the related links to Toyota Times Business and the full transcript of Chairman Toyota’s speech in addition to the video of this week’s news.