Video Japan Automotive Hall of Fame
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In the Western world, it is a habit for those who have excelled in their chosen field - be they sports, art, medical research, industry, etc. - to be maintained and admired. Their achievements, more often than not, are recognized in the Hall of Fame. Induction of someone into such a stance is indeed a celebrated appreciation, equivalent to having a building or a street named in honor of them.
In America, at the Henry Ford real estate site in Dearborn, there is an Automotive Hall of Fame, which contains memorabilia and information about those inaugurated. Actually, AHF is a museum of people, not a more conventional museum featuring a variety of products or artwork.
In 2000, the equivalent Hall of Fame was established in Tokyo, called the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame (or JAHFA), based in the National Museum of Nature and Science of Japan. Since 2001, every year, five or six people have been inducted into the annual awards ceremony held at the museum.
With plans to involve other museums to help spread the word (like in Kumamoto, where a special screen opened a few years ago), the Japanese Automotive Hall of Fame (NPO listed) serves a useful role, telling people about the amazing achievements do. over the years by the pioneers of the motor industry and their successors. More importantly, hopefully it will inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps.
Maps Japan Automotive Hall of Fame
Inductees
2001
- Kiichiro Toyoda: Founder of Toyota and Toyoda Machines
Born in 1894, after finishing his education at Tokyo Imperial University, Toyoda joined the family business - Toyoda Spinning & amp; Weaving Co. in Aiichi Prefecture. Finally, in the 1930s, he founded a car-making factory, and the Toyota brand was born as a result. Toyota was originally Toyoda. When Toyoda was transformed into Toyota Motors, one part of the company still keeps the name Toyoda (Toyoda Machinery) that still exists today selling Machine Tools. He died in March 1952.
- Soichiro Honda: Founder of Honda
Born in November 1906, Honda worked at a car repair company in Tokyo before setting up his own workshop in 1928. Honda marque was founded in October 1946, starting with a motorcycle before moving on to the automotive field. This brand also became synonymous with racing on wheels two and four. Honda died in 1991.
- Takeo Fujisawa: Honda business manager
Born in 1910, Fujisawa joined Honda in 1949 and safeguarded the business aspects of the brand. He died in 1988.
- Jiro Yanase: Important car merchant
Yanase was born in 1916 in Tokyo, joining his father's company Yanase Co., Ltd., in 1939. Yanase is a pioneer in dealing with imported cars in Japan, introducing several brands to the country. Yanase was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in North America in 2004.
- Osamu Hirao: Student/Engineering Doctor
Born in 1915, Hirao graduated from Tokyo Imperial University in 1939. He became Professor in 1954, working to improve all aspects of the motor industry (he has more than 200 published theses), and a Fellow of SAE in 1977. He died in July 1995.
- Shojiro Ishibashi: Founder of Bridgestone
Born in 1889, Ishibashi came from a 'tabi' producer family (traditional Japanese socks). It evolved into working shoes with rubber soles, and the use of rubber has been extended to several areas. The decision to make the car tires was taken on the basis of Bridgestone Tires in 1931, which became famous in the world during the following years. Ishibashi (translated to Stone Bridge) died in 1976.
2002
- Osamu Suzuki: President of Suzuki
Born in 1930, Mr. Suzuki was appointed President of Suzuki in 1978 at the age of 48. He has received many awards from countries outside of Japan where Suzuki has set up factories that produce light vehicles. In 2000, Suzuki was promoted to the position of Chairman of the company.
- Kazuo Kumabe: Toyota Vice President
Born in 1897, Kumabe studied mechanics at the Imperial University of Tokyo, and undertook much research in thermal conduction and internal combustion engines. He wrote a book about the latter that became the standard reference source in Japan. After the war, he was appointed as the Toyota MD, but left in the early 1950s to form Kumabe Research. He died in 1974.
- Junya Toyokawa: Founder of Hakuyosha/Otomo
Born in 1886, Toyokawa entered the Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1907 but soon left, unhappy with his style of education. He traveled to the US in 1913, and after returning to Japan in 1915, began researching and building internal combustion engines. He built two prototype vehicles in 1921, providing the foundation for Otomo cars in 1922. Although Otomo was Japan's first export car, the marque disappeared after about 300 machines were built, unable to compete with locally made Ford and GM. product.
- Masujiro Hashimoto: Founder of Kaishinsha/DAT
Born in 1874, Hashimoto went to America after graduating from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, and worked in a steam locomotive factory. However, while in the US he meets Henry Leland. Inspired by Leland's work, Hashimoto founded the Kaishinsha Car Factory, which duly provided the building blocks for the Datsun brand. Hashimoto died in 1944.
- Kunimitsu Takahashi: Racing riders and bikers
Born in 1940, Takahashi started his racing career with two wheels, becoming a rider with the Honda team. After a terrible accident on the Isle of Man TT 1962 race, he switched to four wheels, racing for Nissan and Honda with great success, competing at the top level until 1999. He is still heavily involved in motorsport promotion.
2003
- Tsuneji Matsuda: President of Mazda
Born in Osaka in 1895, Matsuda joined Toyo Kogyo (pioneer Mazda) in 1927, and became director in 1938. Matsuda eventually became President of Mazda in 1951, with the company developing under his vision and leadership. He also brought a rotary engine to Mazda, giving his engineers the freedom to make it work while 100 or more companies failed to do so. RE-powered Cosmo Sport 110S was launched in 1967 as a result. Sadly, Matsuda fell ill and died in 1970.
- Shotaro Kamiya: Sales network specialist
Kamiya was born in 1898. After working abroad with a trading company, he took a sales position at GM (Japan) in 1928, and duly moved to Toyota seven years later, where he was awarded the Sales Director. In 1950, Kamiya became the first President of Toyota Motor Sales Ltd, set up a sales channel system and driving school, and built a new level of customer service. He died in 1980.
- Genshichi Asahara: Mobile technology specialist
Born in 1891, Asahara was interested in the first and main chemistry fields. He joined Yoshisuke Ayukawa's Tobato Refiner, and moved to Nissan in 1933. He became the last President in 1942, but resigned during the war when production turned to military needs. He became an important figure in the GHQ advisory panel, and was the first Chairman of Japan Motor Technology Association. After becoming President of Nissan again in 1951, he also led the Japan Motor Industry Federation (JMIF) for a while. He died in August 1970.
- Masaichi Kondo: R & amp; D pioneer
Born in 1908, after studying aeronautics, Kondo applied his knowledge to improve the stability of cars and motorcycles in the postwar years. In 1968, he was appointed Honorary Professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and also Tokyo Agricultural Industrial University. He died in February 1999.
- Michihiro Nishida: Safety lawyer
Nishida was born in 1923, and joined Honda in 1950. He became MD Honda in 1970, and led the 'Driving Safety' campaign, which in turn led to the foundation of the International Security Transport Society, bringing ideas from around the world. world to further improve conditions in Japan.
- Yusuke Kaji: Advertising specialist
Born in 1931, Kaji was one of the founders of the Nippon Design Center. For 40 years, Kaji handled Toyota's advertising campaign, with his work becoming very influential among promotions.
2004
- Carlos Ghosn: President of Nissan
Born in March 1954, Ghosn made his name with Michelin, allowing him to take a VP position at Renault in 1996. In June of that year, he announced COO of Nissan, and became its last President in 2000. His 'Nissan Resurrection Plan' helping to transform finance around Nissan.
- Tadashi Kume: President of Honda
Born in 1932, Kume joined Honda after completing his studies in mechanical engineering. He became Director at Honda Technical Center in 1969, and was appointed last President in 1977. In 1983, he was President of Honda. He retired in 2002 with a brilliant career, Medal of Honor and some respected books behind him.
- Shozo Maeda: founder of the car museum
Maeda made his name in brick, but founded Japan Motor Museum in November 1978, now accommodates about 200,000 visitors annually.
- Tatsuo Hasegawa: Toyota development engineer
Born in 1916, Hasegawa joined the Tachikawa Aircraft Company after graduating from Tokyo Imperial University. He moved to Toyota in 1946, and earned a good reputation in the field of aerodynamics. He was also involved in the development of the first-generation Crown, and was appointed Chief Engineer on the first generation Corolla and first generation Celica/Carina project. He was appointed as MD Toyota in 1978, retired from the company in 1988.
- Mineo Yamamoto: Bachelor/Doctor of Engineering
Born in 1903, Yamamoto studied aeronautics at the Imperial University of Tokyo. After the war, he used his extensive knowledge of aero-engines for motor vehicle applications, and also worked in the field of car body design, being the leading light in measuring body pressure. He was a top Professor, and received a medal for his work several years before his death in 1979.
- Shinroku Momose: Subaru's development engineer
Born in 1919, Momose joins Nakajima Aircraft Co. in 1942 after graduating from Tokyo Imperial University. He was quickly assigned to the Navy to research jet engines and turbocharger development, but returned to Nakajima after the war. He developed the Rabbit scooter, and was involved in all of Subaru's early road car projects - the most famous being the Subaru 360 mini-car in 1958. Momose was appointed Chief Executive Engineer in 1968, and he remained close to the old industry after retirement. He died in 1997.
2005
- Yasusada Nobumoto: Car component specialist
Born in 1920, after a spell in the army, Nobumoto eventually joined Rem Akebono in 1950. He was given an executive position there in a year, and became President in 1964. He moved to the Chairman's office in 1990, as well as Chairman of the Tribal Association Spare Japan for many years. He died in 2003.
- Yoshio Nakamura: Honda development engineer
Born in 1918, Nakamura graduated from the Imperial University of Tokyo after studying aeronautical engineering. With the closure of Nakajima Aircraft Co., he moved to Fuji Sangyo, working on automotive engine design. He joined Honda in 1958, making his name in R & D; D department and as the leading light in Honda's first attempt into the F1 world. He retired in 1977, and died in December 1994.
- Shinichiro Sakurai: Nissan's development engineer
Born on April 3, 1929. After graduating from Yokohama National University, Sakurai joined Prince as a chassis engineer in 1952, and was heavily involved in developing the first-generation Skyline. He continued to lead the Skyline project shortly after the takeover of Nissan, and was appointed President of Autech (a subsidiary of Nissan) in 1986. He died of heart failure on January 17, 2011.
- Kiyoshi Tomizuka: Two-stroke engine specialist
Born in 1893, Tomizuka studied mechanical engineering at Tokyo Imperial University. After a period of flight research he traveled to Europe, and upon his return to Japan in 1923, became a leading figure in two-stroke technology. He continued to teach at various universities until 1966. He died at the age of 94 years.
- Heitatsu Igarashi: History of the automotive world
Born in 1924, Igarashi joined Isuzu after studying mechanical engineering. After the war, he moved to Ohta coach's concern, but founded his own design consulting business in 1950, becoming a freelance writer and photographer at about the same time. Editor of Motor Review and respected automotive historian, he died in December 2000.
2006
- Nobuhiko Kawamoto: President of Honda
Born in 1936, Kawamoto studied precision engineering and joined Honda in 1963. He became heavily involved in the design and development of automotive engines and was an important member of the team that created the legendary CVCC unit. After several executive positions, he was appointed President of Honda in 1990, and continues to act as a consultant in his retirement. She was awarded KBE from England in 1999.
- Hirosuke Furusho: Security Specialist
Born in Kobe in 1932, Furusho joined Daihatsu in 1955. He was renowned for his work on driving stability, and moved up through the ranks in Daihatsu, becoming VP in 1996. He is an honorary member of the Motor Technology Federation.
- Toshiro Seki: Diesel engine specialist
Born in 1908, Seki became involved in a car when steel casting he was working on to establish a car-building business. He became Professor at Waseda University, and is highly respected for his work on diesel engines. He died in 1979 in an air accident at the South Pole.
- Atsushi Watari: NVH Specialist
Born in 1917, Watari graduated from Tokyo Imperial University in 1941, majoring in aeronautics. After a spell with Nakajima Aircraft Co., he became Doctor of Engineering, and later became Professor at the University of Tokyo. Famous for his work in automotive springs and NVH controls, he was heavily involved with JARI and FISITA before retiring in 1978. He died in 1983, aged 66 years.
- Yasusaburo Kobori: Pioneer airbag
Born in 1899, Kobori was largely self-taught. After a spell with Osaka Electric Railway Co., he formed his own machinery business in 1937, which was originally incorporated into the Ishikawajima Heavy Industries business. In 1962, he moved to Tokyo and began working on airbag systems. He died in 1975, unfortunately too soon to see his invention gaining acceptance worldwide.
2007
- Taiichi Ohno: Manufacturing specialist
Ohno was born in February 1912, and after graduating from Nagoya Kogyo University, joined Toyoda Spinning and Weaving company. He was transferred to Toyota's car project of concern, and built a variety of manufacturing techniques, including the 'Just In Time' method which is still a system widely used in the motor industry to this day. He also improved the engine and brought a number of quality control practices that gave Toyota an unrivaled reputation in the field. He eventually became VP of Toyota in 1978, but died in 1990.
- Kenichi Yamamoto: President of Mazda
Born in 1922, Yamamoto studied mechanical engineering at Tokyo Imperial University. He joined Toyo Kogyo (Mazda) after the war and became heavily involved in automotive engine design. In April 1963, he led the RE development team, dedicated to making the Wankel engine fit for production, and ultimately perfecting this beautiful power unit. He was appointed President of Mazda in 1984, and later became Chairman in 1987. He retired in 1992.
- Takeshi Nakatsuka: R & amp; D pioneer
Born in 1926, Nakatsuka joins Isuzu after graduating from university. He works in the field of powerplant and body engineering, and is appointed as head of R & D in 1965. He became President of Shatai Kogyo Ltd. in 1988, and was appointed Chairman of Isuzu R & amp; D in 1992.
- Hachiro Ogihara: Tool specialist
Born in 1906, Ogihara joins Nakajima Aircraft Co. in 1921 and rose to the position of the plant manager. However, when the Japanese industry was reorganized after the war, he joined Fuji Sangyo (Subaru) for a short time before establishing Ogihara Iron Works to create a dies press. Initial orders from the Subaru bus department started things rolling, before Honda invested in the company. Ogihara died in 1983, but his company is now supplying precision die to car manufacturers around the world.
- Fujio Uruno: Security specialist
Born in 1917, Uruno became part of the police scientific department to study security issues. A Professor at Nihon University from 1969, he continued to work in the safety arena until his death in 1997.
- Kenshichiro Suzuki: Pioneer test car magazine
Born in 1903, Suzuki joined the staff of Fan Motor magazine before the war, and became his publisher in post-war revival. Road test format is created to give the reader the highest level of information. Suzuki duly formed Sanai Shobo in 1952, giving birth to more automotive magazines. He died in 1963 but his legacy continues to live.
2008
- Yutaka Katayama: Datsun's Influential President in America
Born in 1909, Katayama graduated from Keio University and joined Nissan in 1935. He was responsible for the first Tokyo Motor Show in 1954, and established a Nissan operation in America. His management style allowed the Datsun brand to flourish in America until he returned to Japan in 1977. He was sworn in to AHF in 1998.
- Jiro Tanaka: Honorable Prince Engineer
Tanaka was born in Tokyo in 1917. He graduated from Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1939 and joined Tachikawa Aircraft Co. soon after. In the same year, he was recruited into the Army as a Sergeant (he was promoted to Lieutenant One in February 1940) and was assigned to evaluate the new machine for the Army aircraft. In 1944, he was sent to his home company Tachikawa to complete the Tachikawa Ki-74 design. After the war, after the reorganization of various companies, he became a valuable employee in Prince, moving up to the executive level. He became Vice President of Nissan Diesel in 1983, retired six years later.
- Seiichi Inagawa: The man behind Suzuki Kei's first car
Born in 1925, Inagawa joined Suzuki after the war, rising to corporate executives in 1973. He has received many awards, including a medal from the Emperor in 1997.
- Katsumi Kageyama: Dear engineering professor
Kageyama was born in Kyushu in 1920, and graduated from Nippon University in 1943. He became a naval engineer, worked on aero-machine, and then taught the subject at his old university, eventually becoming Professor in 1965. He wrote many books, and received the Emperor's medal. He died in 2008, a few months before receiving this latest award.
- Michiko Miyasu: Security specialist
Born in 1929, Miyasu joined the Marubeni trading company in 1946, before setting up his own shop five years later. In 1967, he established a business that brought computer technology to the automotive world to improve safety, and has since received many awards for his work.
Other entries
In addition to the induction of men and women who have made outstanding contributions in the automotive field, JAHFA introduces an annual award for the best domestic cars, imported cars, designs, technologies, and historic cars. For now, the following vehicles and designs have been selected for recognition:
2001
- Best domestic car: Honda Fit; Toyota Estima Hybrid
- The best Toyota Camry design in the country; Nissan Primera
2002
- Best domestic car: Mazda Atenza; Honda Accord
- Best domestic design: Toyota Ist; Nissan Cube
2003
- Best domestic car: Mazda RX-8
- Best domestic design: Toyota Prius
- The best technology: Honda V6 engine
- Best imported car: Volkswagen Touareg
- The best import design: Porsche Cayenne
- Japan's historic car: Mazda Cosmo 110S
2004
- Best domestic car: Toyota Crown/Majesta
- Best domestic design: Toyota Porte
- The best domestic technology: Honda Legend
- Best imported car: Maserati Quattroporte
- The best import design: Audi A6
- The best import technology: Volkswagen Golf
- Japan's historic car: Subaru 360
2005
- Best domestic car: Honda Civic
- Best imported car: Peugeot 407
- Best design: BMW 3 Series
- Best technology: Lexus GS430
- Japan's historic car: Honda Civic
2006
- Best domestic car: Lexus LS460
- Best imported car: Alfa Romeo Brera
- Best design: Mitsubishi i
- Best technology: Audi TT Coupe
- Japan's historic car: Toyota Crown
2007
- Best domestic car: Honda Fit
- Best imported car: Volkswagen Golf Variant
- Best design: Mazda Demio
- Best technology: Nissan Skyline
- Japan's historic car: Daihatsu Midget
2008
- Best domestic car: Toyota iQ
- Best imported car: Audi A4
- Best design: Toyota iQ
- Best technology: Nissan X-Trail 20GT
- Japan's historic car: Suzuki Suzulight
2009
- Best domestic car: Honda Insight
- Best imported car: VW Golf
- Best design: Toyota Prius
- The best technology: Mitsubishi i-MiEV
2010
- Best domestic car: Honda Fit Hybrid
- Best imported car: VW Polo
- Best design: Honda CR-Z
- Best technology: Subaru Legacy (EyeSight ver.2)
2011
- Best domestic car: Nissan Leaf
- Best imported car: VW Passat
- Best design: Nissan Leaf
- The best technology: Mazda Demio (SKYACTIV Technology)
2012
- Best domestic car: Honda N BOX
- Best imported car: VW up!
- Best design: VW up!
- Best technology: Mazda CX-5 (SKYACTIV-D 2.2L)
External links
- The official website of JAHFA (in Japanese)
- The official website of JAHFA - Inductees can be viewed by year and image (in Japanese)
The information contained in this article is an English translation of JAHFA's annual book, printed in Japanese.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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