Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for being here today at this presentation ceremony for the 5th Cars, Culture & Society Partnership, or CSP, Awards. Allow me to express my gratitude on behalf of the organizers.
We established these awards in 2021 as another way to say “thank you” to our 5.5 million colleagues working in Japan’s automotive industry, as well as the users who continue to support us through their love for cars.
Now in our fifth year of the awards, we have added the word “culture” to the name. In doing so, we hope to more powerfully communicate the vision that I personally put forth: to make cars the pride of Japanese culture!
The CSP Awards have two objectives. First, to express our gratitude and thank all those involved in the automotive industry for the contributions they have made.
Secondly, by recognizing these outstanding initiatives, we hope to raise public awareness and inspire similarly ambitious efforts across society.
This year, the awards once again drew a truly diverse range of impressive initiatives, from cultural enrichment and growing the fan base to innovation, addressing societal challenges, local partnerships, and contributions at the genba.
I believe all of these achievements are the result of people taking action, bringing others on board, and continuing to pursue their vision, driven by the desire to make cars better and serve society.
For my calligraphy at the start of this year, I chose the character “ba,” meaning “place.” Not “genba,” but simply “ba,” referring to all the different places we each inhabit.
Places where we take on challenges, places that sustain us, places where we hone our skills.
I believe that every improvement made in these “ba” and every individual’s tireless efforts are sure to benefit others and shape the world of tomorrow.
The initiatives being honored today are a testament to this idea.
I sincerely believe that your endeavors will transcend industries and generations, becoming a powerful force in shaping the future mobility society.
My greatest wish is that these awards will provide many people with all kinds of “ba,” opportunities and places where they can take on new challenges and grow.
Lastly, I would like to once again express my gratitude to everyone who submitted entries and all those who provided us with support.
Together, let us continue to take on new challenges, as we strive toward ever-better cars, a better society, and a richer culture.
Congratulations to today’s award recipients and thank you very much.
