Woven City has officially launched. With preparations finally complete, Toyota's city-sized test course is ready to pursue its mission of "well-being for all."
16,777,216
However, as we noted previously in this series, one of WbyT’s cherished phrases is “Weavers are the heart of Woven City.”
Residents and visitors to the city are also crucial partners in the process of weaving the future. Preparations have been made to ensure that both Inventors and Weavers can safely take part in trials with confidence.
And in Woven City, the “Master Weaver” is none other than Chairman Toyoda.
At the event, he made the official launch declaration:
Chairman Toyoda
Hello everyone!
I am Master Weaver Akio Toyoda, and I will be moving into this city.
What is a Master Weaver? Well, as I see it, that simply means someone who enjoys taking care of others. Maybe more like a self-appointed neighborhood association president.
Think of me as that uncle-like neighbor who claims to speak for the community.
And, since this is both a city and more, a test course for the future, I am also its supervisor. Not the kind who says, “Don’t do this” or “Don’t do that,” but the person who shouts “I want to try this” and “Let’s try that” louder than anyone else.
I look forward to working with you.
As Daisuke mentioned earlier, what we are trying to spark here in Woven City is “kakezan”.
Something × something.
No single company can create meaningful “kakezan” on its own. It takes at least two.
Something × something × something × something.
If it’s two or more, you can multiply endlessly. But if it’s just one, the number never grows. One alone just isn’t enough.
But two is perfect.
Everyone, say it with me: “two!”
―― Inventors & Weavers: Two…
Come on! Two!
―― Inventors & Weavers: Two!
There we go. Now we’re smiling. Let’s multiply all these smiles together.*
* In Japanese, the number “2” is pronounced “ni,” which naturally lifts the corners of your mouth, like a smile. So when everyone says “ni,” the act of speaking the word itself makes everyone smile.
Seven companies have taken the first step with us. If we keep multiplying by two, seven times over, what do we get?
The answer is 128. (Points at the 128 on the screen behind him) There it is.
Times two for Daikin’s pollen-less spaces.
Times two for DyDo DRINCO’s vending machines, which offer more than just drinks.
Times two for the future foods created by Nissin.
Times two for UCC Japan’s futuristic cafes.
Times two for the children learning through Zoshinkai Holdings’ innovative education methods.
Times two for Interstellar, who are sending dreams into space.
And times two for Kyoritsu Seiyaku, enhancing the lives of our beloved pets.
On top of that, the 12 participating Toyota Group companies will contribute their own happy twos to the equation.
If we multiply 128 by two, 12 more times…
We get 524,288.
In addition, we have support from NTT, ENEOS, and Rinnai, as well as Yazaki Corporation guiding us.
And with Naoto Inti Raymi, the power of music gives us another two.
All up, if we multiply by two 24 times, we get…
16,777,216.
Bringing together all these smiles is sure to resonate with many. And that in turn will bring more and more people on board.
But there’s a couple of more numbers we need to multiply.
They come from the Toyota Motor East Japan Higashi-Fuji Plant that once stood here.
The plant had a total of 7,000 employees and produced 7.52 million cars. If we multiply these together…
Actually, I am not good with numbers, so I’m not exactly sure.
The point is, we can weave many smiles here!
How do you all feel about that?
(Loud applause and cheering)
Thank you. Now everyone, I would like, with a big smile, to announce the start of Woven City.
I’m going to say, “two times…” and you follow with big smiles and “two!”
Two times…!
―― Inventors & Weavers: Two!!
Woven City is now officially launched!!! Thank you very much.
The newly launched Phase 1 area is ultimately expected to accommodate some 300 residents.
How much happiness will be woven here? The challenge to invent the future fabric of life has begun.
