By Kengo Tabe

Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

Toyota Motor Corp. will apply its automotive production expertise to the field of space, said Mitsuru Kawai, an executive fellow of Toyota, during an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun.

In August, the Japanese automaker formed a business tie-up with Interstellar Technologies Inc., a Hokkaido-based startup that develops rockets. "Space is inextricably linked to the evolution of Toyota," Kawai said.

The following are excerpts from the interview.

The Yomiuri Shimbun: What is the aim of collaborating with a space startup?

Mitsuru Kawai: For cars to evolve, developing hardware is not enough -- the progress of software is also necessary. Space is indispensable for cars, as they need to incorporate various information from satellites for updates. Space is inextricably linked to the evolution of Toyota. If it becomes possible to launch (satellites) more cheaply and frequently, it would be tremendously helpful for us.

Yomiuri: Employees of Toyota and its group companies have been assigned to work at Interstellar Technologies. What is the reason?

Kawai: The dispatched workers include an employee who won the gold medal at the WorldSkills Competition. I want them to leverage their skills and work on things that require a higher level of expertise than making car engines. We have long been making efforts on issues such as increasing engine output, reducing weight and improving fuel efficiency. Making such improvements is the same (in the space industry).

The level of skills required (for developing rockets) is higher than that of automobiles, as it requires an extraordinary level of precision and heat management, and it also faces severe weight limitations. I'm sure such experiences will help employees develop, which will later benefit automobile production. If a person sees something good, they will be motivated to create something better, not resting on their laurels.

Yomiuri: Do you think Toyota's production system, which focuses on eliminating waste, can be applied to space development?

Kawai: The core of Toyota's production system is to relentlessly improve efficiency. I've heard that (an employee dispatched to Interstellar Technologies) immediately submitted 100 proposals for improvement. The employee asked questions such as "What is the reason for this?" and "Why do we need to do this so quickly?" The efforts led to halving the delivery time (of a product). Costs also can be cut. Toyota's production system is applicable to everything, regardless of industry.

Yomiuri: Building a supply chain will also be crucial for mass-producing rockets. How will Toyota be involved?

Kawai: When a phase shifts from development to mass production, it becomes difficult for a company to do everything by itself. Thus, we will ask suppliers to produce specialized parts. We will provide suppliers with designs so they can produce the parts. Then, we will assemble the parts later. This process is the same in every field, including automobiles.

We do business with tens of thousands of suppliers. They include many high-level companies with specialized skills. For example, rocket engines have many pipes, and companies that make car mufflers are skilled at bending pipes. I hope such companies will enter (the space industry).

Yomiuri: Is Toyota planning to introduce its suppliers to Interstellar Technologies?

Kawai: I believe so. It's essential to assemble the power of many companies. One company can produce one rocket, but it is difficult for it to produce 100 or even 10. We have to work together.

Interstellar Technologies intends to build rockets by itself, an attitude similar to the spirit of (Toyota founder) Kiichiro Toyoda, who was determined to "make cars with Japanese ideas and skills." We won't hesitate to share (with Interstellar Technologies) our expertise cultivated through automobile manufacturing. We are eager to support people who are willing to take on new challenges."

----

This article is from The Yomiuri Shimbun. Neither Dow Jones Newswires, MarketWatch, Barron's nor The Wall Street Journal were involved in the creation of this content.

YDN-M0000151214-1

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 17, 2025 02:54 ET (06:54 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2025 The Yomiuri Shimbun