Despite helming the biggest car company in the world Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda never fails to have a good time. Whether he’s racing under his alter ego Morizo, trolling the press by showing up at a rally event in a Honda, or winning a best dressed CEO award, the man knows how to not take himself too seriously. For the recent Music Award Japan show, he even donned a lowly chauffeur’s cap and gloves to pose with a GRMN Century, reportedly used to escort award winners to the red carpet.
Toyota is a main sponsor of the award show, but Toyoda has participated in more ways than just supplying a bunch of cars. Perhaps the funniest thing he’s has done is the “aura farming” dance that went viral when 11-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dikha was filmed dancing on the bow of an Indonesian racing boat in 2025.
In the promo for Music Awards Japan, Toyoda is seen performing the dance, still wearing his chauffeur suit. Behind him are members of Sakanaction, a Japanese band is known for their own oddball dances that reference Japanese pop culture moments like the Bubble Era, even though the band formed in 2005.
In any case, it’s more proof that Akio Toyoda is the chillest automotive executive out there. Hopefully he can find some time in his busy schedule to continue supporting Japanese motorsports and reviving the new Celica.
I’ve seen from my own experience how a leader can revive the soul of a company. I went from dreading going to to work every day to looking back at a remarkable time at the company upon retirement. Here’s looking you… not just Toyota but all the Japanese marques.