Automotive and economic organizations

Economic Organizations

Japan Federation of Economic Organizations

In May 1994, then-TMC Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda was nominated by Hirai Gaishi, then-chairman of the Tokyo Electric Power Company and the incumbent chairman of the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren). Shoichiro Toyoda became the eighth chairman of the Keidanren and the first chairman from the automobile industry. At his inaugural press conference, Chairman Toyoda declared, "I make bold ideas and steady action the basis of my conduct and keep innovation, creation, and trust in my heart and apply them to management." During his four-year term of office, he addressed a variety of issues confronting the business community, worked for the development of the Japanese economy, and achieved concrete results in tax reform and deregulation. He was succeeded by Takashi Imai, then-president of Nippon Steel Corporation, in May 1998 and was appointed honorary chairman of the Keidanren.

Term of office
Number
Name
Title at the time of appointment
May 27 1994-May 26 1998
Eighth Chairman
Shoichiro Toyoda
Chairman, Toyota Motor Corporation

Japan Federation of Employers' Associations

In May 1999, then-TMC President Hiroshi Okuda was appointed chairman of the Japan Federation of Employers' Associations (Nikkeiren). During his inaugural press conference, Chairman Okuda mentioned as his principles for action "market economics with a face" and "an economy and society with diverse options". During his three-year term, he worked towards the recovery of Japan's economy.

When the integration of the Nikkeiren and Keidanren became a real possibility in 2000, Chairman Okuda exercised leadership with then-Keidanren Chairman Takashi Imai and investigated the matter.

At the end of December 2001, a basic policy on integration was adopted and the two organizations merged to form the Japan Business Federation in May 2002.

Term of office
Number
Name
Title at the time of appointment
May 1999-May 2002
Ninth Chairman
Hiroshi Okuda
President, Toyota Motor Corporation

Japan Business Federation

When the Japan Business Federation was established in May 2002, then-Chairman Hiroshi Okuda, who had been chairman of the Nikkeiren, was appointed its first chairman.

Chairman Okuda based the Federation's activities on 'the dynamism of diversity' and 'empathy, and trust'. The Okuda Vision, a statement of specific action policies, was adopted in January 2003 as a first step towards the Federation's objectives.

In following the Okuda Vision, the Federation addressed important issues, including integrated reform of annual expenditures and revenues, the establishment of a free trade zone in East Asia, the allowance of foreign workers into Japan, the improvement of living environments, the development of Japan into a tourism country and the adoption of a policy for corporate donations to politicians.

Term of office
Number
Name
Title at the time of appointment
May 25 2002-May 24 2006
First Chairman
Hiroshi Okuda
Chairman, Toyota Motor Corporation