Ninety decades of Toyota's history chronicled in the official company magazine
Toyota Times Magazine Chronicles 90 Years of Toyota's History
The Toyota Times Magazine, an in-house publication that has remained in print for over 90 years, has served as a historical record and communication platform for Toyota. It has documented significant turning points in the company's journey, providing in-depth coverage of key events, leadership changes, technological advances, and cultural milestones.
Throughout its history, the magazine has chronicled Toyota's various milestones. This includes the development of Japan's first mass-market cars, postwar tours of the U.S., and the production-sales merger. It has also covered Toyota's sports and motorsports partnerships, such as its involvement in Formula One racing.
The magazine has also featured articles that reflect on Toyota’s legacy, including commemorations of influential leaders like Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda. The original documents from the magazine express the vision of Toyota's leaders and the passion of its employees.
Recently, the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place in Tokyo, where Akio Toyoda, Honorary Chairman of Toyota, attended in tribute to his father, Shoichiro Toyoda, who was honoured at the event. Akio Toyoda shared some monozukuri memories at the ceremony.
Interestingly, cameras had never before entered the temperature- and humidity-controlled room of the corporate archives, which house invaluable artifacts from the magazine. The corporate archives of Toyota are a treasure trove of historical records, offering a glimpse into Toyota's past and its evolution over the years.
The latest version of the in-house magazine, the Toyota Times Magazine, ceased publication in October. However, Toyota Times will assume the role of sharing leaders' thoughts and employee activities from the Toyota Times Magazine. Akio Toyoda drove a Century car to the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame induction ceremony, demonstrating Toyota's commitment to preserving its rich heritage.
The Japan Automotive Hall of Fame induction ceremony was covered by World Toyota News, and articles from the 1960s about a design contest under the headline "My Dream Car" were also featured. These articles offer a fascinating insight into Toyota's design philosophy and aspirations during that era.
In conclusion, the Toyota Times Magazine has served as a living chronicle and insightful storyteller, capturing Toyota’s transformation and sustained growth over nearly a century. As Toyota continues to evolve, the magazine's role in preserving and sharing Toyota's history will remain crucial.
[1] Source: Toyota Times Magazine archives
The Toyota Times Magazine, with its comprehensive documentation of key events, leadership changes, technological advances, and cultural milestones, has showcased the significant impact of technology on Toyota's growth over the past 90 years.
As a testament to Toyota's commitment to preserving its heritage, Akio Toyoda, Honorary Chairman of Toyota, recently drove a Century car to the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame induction ceremony, symbolizing Toyota's continuous technological evolution.
