Celebrate 100 Years of Japanese Cars and Women Drivers! 🚗💨
This exciting new exhibition at the Toyota Automobile Museum explores the fascinating and often overlooked relationship between women and automobiles in Japan. Journey through five zones showcasing nine vehicles and discover how women have shaped the automotive landscape, from earning the first driver’s license in the 1910s to competing in motorsports from the 1950s and influencing car design with special edition models. See firsthand how diverse individuals, regardless of gender, are driving the automotive industry forward. The exhibition features vehicles from the museum’s own collection, as well as loans from other Japanese automakers and museums.
As mobility evolves, creating the next generation of beloved cars requires diverse perspectives and passionate collaboration. This exhibition shines a light on the crucial role women have played, offering visitors fresh insights and discoveries. Come explore a richer understanding of the relationship between people and cars, founded on respect for diversity.
Exhibited Vehicles
The exhibition features vehicles provided by these generous partners:
- Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.
- Japan Automobile Museum
- Mazda Motor Corporation
- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
- Suzuki Motor Corporation
(Listed alphabetically)
Share Your Story! "Me and My Car" Photo Submission 📸
Want to be a part of the exhibition? We’re looking for photos for our "Me and My Car" corner! (Women are especially encouraged to participate!)
Submission Period: September 7, 2024 – January 13, 2025
Photo Requirements: L-size prints or smaller
To Participate: Submit a photo of yourself with a car. You must agree to have your photo displayed in the exhibition and on social media.
Perk: Free admission for one person (the photo submitter)! (Cannot be combined with other discounts).
Where to Submit: 1st-floor reception desk of the Automobile Museum. (Please note: submitted photos will not be returned.)
🛏️ Find hotels near the museum!
Exhibition Details:
- Dates: September 7, 2024 – January 13, 2025
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Venue: Toyota Automobile Museum, Cultural Gallery 2nd Floor, Special Exhibition Room
- Admission:
- Adults: 1,200 yen
- Seniors (65+): 700 yen
- Junior High/High School Students: 600 yen
- Elementary School Students: 400 yen (Free from January 4-8, 2025)
- (Includes consumption tax. Group discounts available.)
- Contact: Toyota Automobile Museum (TEL: 0561-63-5151)
- Website: https://toyota-automobile-museum.jp/
Getting There:
- Public Transportation: Geidai-dori Station (Linimo Line), approximately a 5-minute walk from Exit 1.
- Car: 0.4km west from Nagakute IC on the Nagoya-Seto Expressway (via Nisshin JCT on the Tomei Expressway). Free parking available.
The Role of Women in Japanese Automotive History
Women have significantly contributed to the development of the Japanese automotive industry in various capacities. From the outset, as the automobile market took root in Japan, women engaged as consumers, innovators, and active participants in the workforce, particularly noticeable during the post-war expansion of the industry. They contributed to design, engineering, and production processes, bringing essential perspectives to these fields.
In the realm of consumer influence, women’s preferences have significantly impacted car design and marketing. Recognizing this, automakers increasingly tailored their offerings to align with female buyers’ needs, focusing on functionality, safety, and aesthetics. This adjustment not only shaped vehicle features but also influenced how brands strategized their market presence.
Women’s impact extends to the vibrant car culture in Japan, where they have organized and participated in car clubs and events. Their enthusiasm has fostered unique customization trends that emphasize personal expression, contributing to Japan’s global reputation for creative and diverse automotive styles.
In recent years, women’s presence in leadership roles within the automotive industry has grown, challenging traditional norms and setting precedents for inclusivity. These roles have allowed for new insights into product development and sustainability, emphasizing inclusive and environmentally responsible practices.
Exhibitions such as those at the Toyota Automobile Museum highlight these contributions, honoring the pioneering women in the industry and encouraging future generations to continue innovating and breaking barriers in the automotive sector.
