Akio Toyoda
Chairman, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.

Today marks the inauguration of Japan’s Cabinet headed by newly-elected Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

My personal observation is that Japan at present faces various critical challenges which must be dealt with to help secure a better future for our planet and for humanity as a whole. These challenges include recovering from the coronavirus crisis to restore normality to people’s lives as rapidly as possible; achieving carbon neutrality as a nation by 2050; and expanding the integration of digital technology into society and the economy.

I look forward to strong leadership by Prime Minister Kishida that will enable the Japanese people to grow more confident that their livelihoods are on a firm path of steady improvement.

In this regard, despite the ongoing tumult in the business environment since last year, the Japanese automobile industry—an economic pillar—is making every effort to protect employment in the auto manufacturing and auto-parts industries, in order to expedite recovery from the Covid pandemic’s economic impacts, and to make carbon neutrality a reality, for a brighter future for Japan.

A total of 5.5 million people are employed by the automobile industry in Japan. In their respective workplaces, they contribute to the enhancement of mobility, daily life, and the Japanese economy. As head of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, I would like to express my own and our members’ hope that the Kishida Cabinet will extend its support to the essential activities of our industry’ dedicated workers.