Message from Akio Toyoda at CES 2020

In a significant announcement made at Toyota's press conference on January 6, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. local time, President Akio Toyoda unveiled the outline of the Woven City, a prototype city of the future. The interview titled, "What Toyota can do for the Future: A dialogue between President Toyoda and Editor-in-Chief Kagawa," conducted by Mr. Kagawa, provided further insight into President Toyoda's intentions for the Woven City project.

The Woven City, a project for a perpetually "incomplete" city, as described by President Toyoda, is designed to be a test bed for future technologies and urban solutions. It is intended to prioritize sustainability, mobility, and quality of life for its residents, focusing on real-world experience gained when out on the road.

During the interview, President Toyoda expressed his intentions for Woven City by saying, "I want to leave options for the future." He also invited others to participate in the project, saying, "Anyone who wants, come join us."

The city, designed by Nikken Sekkei and Bjarke Ingels Group, contributes to the masterplan and public realm design, aims to be a living laboratory where future technologies can be tested and scaled in real-world conditions. The city's design is expected to be people-centered, with a focus on creating a city that adapts to the needs and desires of its inhabitants.

The idea for the "Toyota Woven City" was developed by Toyota and was first announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020 in Las Vegas. The interview, conducted in the green room following the presentation, provided clarity on President Toyoda's previously mentioned phrases about the Woven City concept.

President Toyoda believes that when making cars, people should use what they feel, not just data. This philosophy is reflected in the Woven City project, which aims to create a city that is not only technologically advanced but also emotionally resonant and human-friendly.

The city will be located in Japan, although a specific location was not provided in the announcement. Further details about Woven City were shared during a live broadcast by Toyota Times, marking an exciting step forward in Toyota's vision for the future of urban living.