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Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda unveils the Century Coupe Concept, signaling the rebirth of Century as an independent ultra-luxury brand. Rico Hizon, ABS-CBN News

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Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176181695128520251030091024_4fad27af02d9a3e97b013b47a1db5da5e6fda754a5960f2e5d277876be40d345.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda unveils the Century Coupe Concept, signaling the rebirth of Century as an independent ultra-luxury brand. Rico Hizon, ABS-CBN News </div>TOKYO, Japan — It’s been 32 years since I last set foot inside the halls of Japan’s most prestigious motoring event. My first Tokyo Motor Show was in 1993 — a time when the industry’s biggest stories were about horsepower, displacement, and who had the loudest engine roar. Fast forward to 2025, and here I am again, part of a group of over 30 business and motoring journalists from the Philippines and hundreds more from around the world to witness the rebirth of this iconic show — now reimagined as the Japan Mobility Show.And what an incredible homecoming it has been. The energy this year feels different. The scent of motor oil has given way to the quiet hum of electric engines. The focus is no longer just on cars — it’s on mobility, sustainability, and how innovation can connect people, cities, and generations.At the center of it all was Toyota Motor Corporation, leading the charge with confidence, creativity, and character — showing us what the next century of driving will look like.<div>The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ</div>One of the most talked-about unveilings at this year’s show was the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ — a modern revival of one of Toyota’s most beloved icons. Compact, muscular, and true to its heritage, the Land Cruiser FJ has been reborn for a new era of adventure — built for rugged terrain, but refined for today’s eco-conscious driver.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761816488262fj cruiser 2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"/>The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ. Rico Hizon, ABS-CBN News</div>What’s even more exciting for us in Southeast Asia is that the new FJ will be manufactured in Thailand and rolled out for the Asian market, with plans to reach the Philippines by mid-2026.I caught up with Masahiko Maeda, Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Asia, who couldn’t hide his pride when talking about the new FJ. “The Land Cruiser FJ is more than a vehicle — it’s a bridge between Toyota’s past and future,” Maeda said. “It embodies adventure, durability, and sustainability. We designed it for people who want to explore the world responsibly, and we’re thrilled to bring that experience to the Asian market.”This compact Land Cruiser FJ carries Toyota’s familiar toughness but now with a dash of electrified engineering and modern flair. It’s nostalgia with a battery pack — and for Toyota, it’s proof that heritage and innovation can ride side by side.<div>Lexus Breaks the Mold with a Six-Wheeled LS Concept</div>If Toyota is about reliability and evolution, Lexus is about pushing the boundaries of imagination. And this year, it did just that — unveiling the Lexus LS Concept MPV.Gone is the classic sedan silhouette. Instead, Lexus shocked everyone with a six-wheel masterpiece, blending audacious design with futuristic luxury. The LS Concept MPV features angular lines, an elevated stance, and a stunning interior that feels more like a luxury lounge than a car cabin.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761816617400lexus.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"/>The Lexus LS Concept MPV. Rico Hizon, ABS-CBN News </div>Simon Humphries, Toyota’s Chief Branding Officer, explained the bold direction of the vehicle: “We wanted to challenge expectations of what luxury mobility could look like. The LS Concept isn’t just a car — it’s an experience. It represents freedom, creativity, and the courage to redefine what luxury means for the next generation.”It’s the first time the LS has taken a form outside the traditional sedan. And while it’s still a concept, Lexus made one thing clear — the future of luxury is about space, emotion, and connection, not just style.<div>Century Ascends: Toyota’s Crown Jewel Becomes Its Own Brand</div>But the most defining moment of the show came when Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda took the stage to personally unveil something very close to his heart — the rebirth of Century as an independent ultra-luxury brand.For those unfamiliar, the Century has long been Japan’s answer to the Rolls-Royce — a vehicle reserved for heads of state, captains of industry, and Japan’s imperial family. First introduced in 1967, it has stood as a symbol of grace, craftsmanship, and quiet power.Now, the Century brand is being spun off to stand above Lexus — exclusive, artisanal, and proudly Japanese. The new model, previewed at the show, is a tall, luxurious coupe with bold proportions and understated opulence.And it was Akio Toyoda himself — grandson of Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda — who presented it to the world, citing how special the Century is to the Toyota family. “Century is in a class of its own,&quot; sitting at the pinnacle of the Toyota portfolio,” Toyoda said. &quot;I&#x27;d like to build the brand to share Japan&#x27;s soul and Japan&#x27;s pride with the world.”&quot;The phoenix emblem engraved on the Century is a legendary bird that appears only when the whole world is at peace. Century is not just a car name. It is a challenge to sincerely wish for world peace and to create &#x27;the next 100 years&#x27; from Japan. That is what I think Century is,&quot; Toyoda added.There’s no set timeline for its release, and if the Century brand will be made available in the Philippine market.<div>Reflections on a Changing Industry</div>As I walked out of Tokyo Big Sight, the venue of the Japan Mobility Show,  I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration — not just for the technology, but for the journey this industry has taken.Thirty-two years ago, the talk was about horsepower and torque. Today, it’s about innovation, sustainability, and human progress. The engines may be quieter now, but the message is louder than ever: mobility is about moving people — not just machines.From the reborn Land Cruiser FJ to the Lexus’ six-wheeled luxury experiment to Century’s regal reawakening, Toyota has proven that it’s not just adapting to the future — it’s shaping it.And for me, returning to the Japan Mobility Show (formerly the Tokyo Motor Show) after more than three decades, standing in awe once again under the brilliance of innovation — it feels like I’ve come full circle. The cars may have changed, but the wonder remains the same.The Japan Mobility Show 2025 is being held from October 30 to November 9, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight located at 3 Chome-11-1 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo.

The energy this year feels different. The scent of motor oil has given way to the quiet hum of electric engines.

The energy this year feels different. The scent of motor oil has given way to the quiet hum of electric engines.

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What's new and exciting at the Japan Mobility Show?

ABS-CBN News,

Rico Hizon,

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 30, 2025 05:36 PM PHT

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