Akio's 'Arigato'―Message from the Outgoing Chair

Akio's voice trembled as he expressed his gratitude, tears welling in his eyes.

In keeping with his initial pledge to become "the most genba-oriented president," Akio Toyoda spent more time on the frontlines than in the president's office.

Leading from the front, through his actions he continued to embody the values that make Toyota unique.

"I want my generation to be the last to spend time on the past," said Akio, determined to ensure that the next generation could focus on the future.

Gradually, a growing number were inspired by Akio's example and drawn to his vision. With its business also on a solid footing, Toyota became a company that could look to the future and take on new challenges.

While Akio says that Toyota's 370,000 global members have shown him that "you can change yourself, and the future," no doubt many employees will have learned the same lesson from his actions.

The decisions Akio made by "swimming against the tide of both the times and Toyota's conservative mainstream" steered the company through one crisis after another. And backing these decisions were the silent shareholders who continued to offer encouragement through the general meetings.

Bowing deeply in heartfelt gratitude, the chairman was greeted with tremendous applause-a moment of mutual appreciation between the "Rearguard President" and those he had served.