Toyota's half-century quest for eradicating road traffic accidents
In the picturesque surroundings of Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, near Mt. Tateshina and the shores of Lake Tateshina, the 50-year-old Shoko-ji Temple marked a significant milestone this year. The temple, built as a site to pray for the safety of all drivers, has been a focal point for Toyota and its associates for half a century.
At the 50th Anniversary Summer Festival, Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, reiterated his concern about the potential dangers of new technologies and emphasized the importance of continuing to deliver better cars and technologies made with passion. This sentiment echoes the temple's original purpose, established during a time when Japan was experiencing a crisis known as the "Traffic War".
Akio Toyoda has been a regular visitor to the temple since becoming president, and this year was no exception, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was joined by Toyota representatives, including dealerships and group companies from around Japan, who have continued to visit the temple and pray every year. Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda also paid his respects, demonstrating the tradition's enduring significance.
The tradition of praying for road safety was further extended in 1982 when the merging of Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. and Toyota Motor Sales Co., Ltd. helped spread the tradition to group companies, Kyohokai (parts and suppliers), and Eihokai (facilities and logistics).
In addition to the annual festival, the Tateshina Meeting was launched last year to coincide with the Summer Festival. This gathering brings together carmakers and product suppliers to discuss realizing a safe mobile society. Akio Toyoda expressed a desire to pass down this tradition of praying for road safety to future executives.
Despite the advancements in technology and safety measures, traffic-related fatalities in Japan have not been entirely eradicated. In 2019, there were 3,215 traffic-related fatalities, a decrease from the peak in 1970 when Shoko-ji Temple was established. Akio Toyoda expressed concern about the potential dangers of new technologies and emphasized the need to address car-related tragedies, recalling the early days of Toyota when vehicles often broke down.
Shoko-ji Temple embodies the earnest feelings of those engaged in the business of automobiles, aimed at comforting the spirits of traffic accident victims, the speedy recovery of those injured, and the eradication of all traffic accidents. As the temple celebrates its 50th anniversary, Akio Toyoda's commitment to safety and the tradition of praying for road safety remain steadfast.
