Tomikawa
The interesting thing was that, normally, only people from the company respond to questions, right? You and the leadership team give answers, but on top of that…
Toyoda
Everyone answered. That’s because the MC did a great job.
Tomikawa
No, no, not at all.
Toyoda
But that’s my style. Normally, when the head of a company speaks, everybody else is silent.
Tomikawa
But they even piped up while you were speaking.
Toyoda
Wherever I go, I always tell people that.
Tomikawa
That it’s okay?
Toyoda
No, I say, “Go for it.”
Tomikawa
You tell them to go for it?
Toyoda
Then they understand Toyota’s corporate culture. I tell them, “Even when someone is speaking, jump in.” Not that anyone actually cut in while I was speaking.
But during pauses, hands went up. That made me really happy. From the investors’ perspective, I feel that they gained a far deeper understanding.
Tomikawa
Of course, there is no script. Everyone, yourself included, is answering off the cuff, so sometimes even you would hear an opinion that made you go, “Oh, really?” And the investors are seeing that too. They probably didn’t expect to find this kind of company.
Toyoda
I think so.
Tomikawa
I certainly hear people in all kinds of places saying, “Something is different at Toyota lately,” it’s interesting and surprising.
Toyoda
I’m grateful for that. But it took about 20 years to get here.
Tomikawa
It has taken a long time. I’m not saying this to try and butter you up or anything, but I think people often remark on what a great job you’ve done.
“Great job Akio-san,” “Great job Akio”—some young people use your first name, which shows how warm your relationship is. I think you are really seen as a skilled leader, the person who has steered Toyota to this point.
Toyoda
But I don’t want it to simply end at “Akio’s done a great job.” To someone who doesn’t agree with that at all, it merely sounds like flattery. I want people to dig deeper—What exactly is so great? How does it affect you personally?
Tomikawa
But more than anyone, it’s the car lovers who say: “You can feel the difference when you drive.”
Toyoda
I do like hearing that. To be honest, though it may sound strange coming from me, Toyota cars lacked an emotional side.
In terms of specs, people noted that we had an edge over the competition. But I think we lacked a story. By adding the story, I believe we’ve brought in an emotional element that turns a vehicle into a cherished car.