(The original article in Japanese was posted on October 14, 2022)

On October 12, the media reported widely that Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) had started production of Hilux pickup trucks at its car assembly plant in Myanmar, and the sales dealers had begun taking orders for the vehicles earlier this month.

Originally Toyota established a local subsidiary jointly with Toyota Tsusho Corporation in a Special Economic Zone in the suburbs of Yangon in 2019 and was proceeding with the preparations of the new manufacturing plant due to start operation in Myamnmar in February 2021. However, immediately before the launching, a military coup triggered by the Myanmar army broke out and the junta took control of the country. Hence, the start of the plant operation was put on hold indefinitely.

First of all, the current status in Myanmar is far from stable, much further from democratic restoration with pro-democracy forces. Incidentally, a trial of a Japanese documentary filmmaker detained in Myanmar was concluded on October 12. The documentarist charged with spreading anti-coup news in his coverage of protesting demonstrations, was sentenced to a combined total of ten years in prison for sedition and violating the telecommunications law and the immigration control law. On the same day, Myanmar court convicted the country’s pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, on two more charges, which now leave her with a total of 26-year prison term. Freedom of speech and expression has been completely restricted. It seems the authoritarianism of Myanmar’s junta is becoming even more strengthened.

On October 10, Human Rights Watch (headquartered in New York), an international nongovernmental organization (NGO) that investigates and documents human rights violations worldwide, remarked on the fact that three Japan-funded passenger ships donated as part of its ODA (Official Development Assistance) programs have been diverted to military use. Besides, the NGO released a statement saying, “The Japanese government should suspend non-humanitarian development aid to Myanmar and sanction junta officials implicated in serious human rights violations.“ The Japanese government has suspended new ODA programs in Myanmar following the February 2021 military coup but did not stop carrying out ongoing projects. The NGO criticized Japan’s these responses as “halfhearted approach to sanctions” and suggested that “Japan should make full use of its diplomatic abilities to hold the Myanmar military accountable.”

Basically, only a few media report the current status in Myanmar, and it is difficult to see what’s going on there actually. Leaving that aside, there is no doubt that oppression under the tyrannical regime is continuing. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), despite of its longtime principle of “non-interference” in the internal affairs, has blocked a representative of Myanmar’s junta from attending the summit meeting for two consecutive years, calling for an immediate cessation of violence. Toyota's recent management decision of starting production in Myanmar was made against these global concerns. I suppose Toyota must have examined and simulated all the anticipated risks. According to Toyota Philosophy, I see a phrase as “Mission” saying, “We value every second and every cent.” That’s quite convincing. But then, I can find another one: “We make the happiness of others our first priority.” That's perfect.  I sincerely hope the newly produced "Hilux" will lead to the latter aspect of its mission indicated in the company philosophy.

This Week’s Focus, October 14

Takashi Mizukoshi, the President