Toyota's 50-year aims at abolishing road traffic accidents
In the heart of Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, lies Shoko-ji Temple – a sacred site dedicated to traffic safety. Established in 1970 during Japan's high economic growth and rapid motorization, the temple was built as a response to the significant social issue of traffic accidents.
The temple, renowned for its Yoshino cherry trees that bloom in late April to early May, attracts numerous tourists. But it is not just a place for sightseeing. For Toyota and like-minded companies and individuals, it serves as a sanctuary for prayer and a reminder of their responsibility towards road safety.
Each year, Toyota's top executives, dealerships, and representatives from around the country visit Shoko-ji Temple during the Summer Festival in July. This tradition was initiated by Shotaro Kamiya, the president of Toyota Motor Sales Co., Ltd., with the support of many like-minded companies. The merging of Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. and Toyota Motor Sales Co., Ltd. in 1982 helped spread this tradition to group companies and other related companies.
Akio Toyoda, the current responsible executive of Shoko-ji Temple, made a statement on safety during the 50th Anniversary Summer Festival in 2021. He emphasized the importance of creating cars and technologies without ignoring the reality of car-related tragedies. Akio Toyoda expressed his desire to continue the tradition of visiting Shoko-ji Temple for prayer every year and stated that this tradition should not be stopped during his tenure.
The Tateshina Meeting, a new meeting launched last year, coincides with the Summer Festival and focuses on discussions for realizing a safe mobile society. Car manufacturers such as Suzuki, Subaru, and Mazda, along with top product suppliers like Bridgestone and Sumitomo Rubber Industries, have joined the Tateshina Meeting.
However, it is unclear which companies or individuals, besides Toyota, participate annually in the visit and prayer at the Shoko-ji Temple. Despite improvements in automotive technologies and collaborative efforts, the issue of traffic accidents remains a national concern. In 2019, 3,215 people died due to traffic accidents in Japan.
The vision for building the temple came from the desire to comfort the spirits of traffic accident victims, the speedy recovery of those injured, and the eradication of all traffic accidents. Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda continues to visit the temple and pray for road safety even today. Toyota continues to work diligently on a daily basis to help prevent traffic accidents, with the dream that cars do not cause sadness but are instruments to help make people happy.
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