The Woven City officially kicked off on September 25. Three days earlier, one group arrived ahead of the festivities. For them, the place was entirely new yet tinged with nostalgia, as the visit turned into a joyful reunion.
Happy reunions
A place that feels entirely new, yet full of memories. The invited Higashi-Fuji team members also spoke at the event, reminiscing about their days of working there.
Karen Akiba, Quality Control Div., Ohira Plant
The move came up soon after I joined the company in April 2018. I was really worried, but after transferring to the Ohira Plant in Miyagi I received a warm welcome, and I enjoy working there every day.
Yet even now, the people from Higashi-Fuji remain an important presence and seeing them fills me with energy and motivation.
Now this place, filled with memories of people who mean so much to me, has been transformed into a beautiful community. Knowing that it will also become a special place for residents makes me very happy.
Mitsuhiro Tsuchiya, Body Manufacturing Div., Iwate Plant
At the time, I was working in maintenance at the plant. Running along those beams… being brought to tears by that 40-ton press… this place is filled with all kinds of memories.
I no longer feel sad, but it has been deeply moving to follow the journey, wondering how the city will change from here, and whether the things we have left behind will serve as a foundation for the future…
My colleagues from Higashi-Fuji are now split between Miyagi and Iwate. I also transferred to Miyagi, then to Iwate.
Though we’ve moved to different plants, seeing the people who used to work here brings me great comfort. I’m glad I could return here today.
Shingo Kobayashi, Assembly Div., Ohira Plant
After joining in 2002, I worked only at the Higashi-Fuji Plant.
Now, I’ve left my family behind and gone to work in Miyagi on my own. I’m sure others feel the same way, but when I come home during the holidays, I’m excited to see Woven City.
I looked forward to seeing it gradually take shape.
At that time, we were told this place would be a home for us. Being invited here today and welcomed with applause at the entrance felt wonderful and made me really happy.
I am sure this space will keep evolving, and I want to continue following its progress together.
The city’s official launch date, September 25th, happened to be a Thursday. At the former Higashi-Fuji Plant, Thursdays were known for the cafeteria’s popular dandan noodles or tantan noodles (Japanese-style spicy sesame ramen).
In honor of this tradition, WbyT members surprised attendees by learning the original recipe and recreating those nostalgic flavors.
Fond memories resurfaced at every corner. The Higashi-Fuji team shared a joyful reunion and relished the chance to reminisce.
Hopes for Woven City
At their “homecoming” event, the attendees also told us their personal hopes for Woven City.
“We are from Susono, and this plant made us who we are. The people at WbyT are honoring the plant by building Woven City. I hope that Higashi-Fuji will never be forgotten.”
“The 30 years I spent here were certainly not all fun and games. Making a car is a difficult task, and I was reminded of all the struggles we went through. But without that, we wouldn’t have what we have today. Just as we delivered cars to customers around the globe, I hope that new things will emerge here and be sent out into the world. Even for those of us who couldn’t move to Tohoku, I am sure this will be a place we can proudly show our children and grandchildren.”
At the Higashi-Fuji Plant’s closing ceremony, held in December 2020, President Toyoda delivered the following message to employees:
“Woven City is going to be built not on a vacant lot, but on the place and history you have woven into the future. The value and spirit you have passed on, of always thinking about others and their feelings first and foremost, will be inherited by all members in developing the city. That is a promise I want to make to you.”
Five years on, those Higashi-Fuji employees could see how this promise is being fulfilled.
With this milestone, Woven City begins a new chapter. Carrying the hopes of former Higashi-Fuji Plant workers, the demonstration trials that will shape our future are getting underway.
