Nature's therapeutic potential explored by Toyota: Pursuing discoveries to heal humanity
In a unique exploration aimed at understanding the connection between human well-being and nature, Toyota is delving into the transformative effects of relaxing in natural surroundings. This research, part of Toyota's broader initiative titled "Toyota, Beyond Mobility," is spearheaded by Nobuhiko Koga, president of Toyota's research unit, who expresses a keen interest in the mysterious power of nature and its potential.
The experiment with Yuta Tomikawa, an individual participating in the research, is currently being conducted on the Kumano Kodo trail in Wakayama Prefecture, a location renowned for its healing properties. The goal of this research is multifaceted: it aims to scientifically sort fact from fiction regarding the healing properties of natural spots, while also potentially contributing to Toyota's carmaking.
The research involves the study of microorganisms found in forests, a topic that is not foreign to Toyota's production facilities, where they are also conducting research on the power of nature. This research focuses on human vitality, with the ultimate aim of fostering a deep respect for biodiversity and promoting harmony between humans, nature, and technology.
Toyota's vision is to create a society where diversity in both nature and humans is fully utilized and people live in harmony with other living things, recognizing humans as part of the ecosystem. Through environmental education programs, like those at the Forest of Toyota, they deepen awareness of global environmental issues and the connection between food, living things, and biodiversity. This approach informs their sustainability and vehicle development efforts to reduce environmental impact and create products that promote well-being and happiness across society.
By integrating respect for nature and biodiversity into their sustainability goals, Toyota seeks to contribute not only through innovative carmaking technologies, such as carbon neutrality efforts and AI system optimizations for mobility, but also by fostering community and environmental resilience, supporting diverse societies, and encouraging sustainable lifestyles—a foundation for collective happiness and well-being.
[1] Toyota's official website: https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/3440694.html [2] The Forest of Toyota: https://www.toyota-forest.jp/en/ [5] Toyota's Beyond Mobility initiative: https://global.toyota/en/beyond-mobility/index.html
- Toyota's Beyond Mobility initiative, spearheaded by Nobuhiko Koga, delves into the scientific study of microorganisms found in forests, which is also being researched within their production facilities, to potentially uncover the connection between health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and environmental-science.
- As part of their vision for a harmonious society, Toyota's research with Yuta Tomikawa on the Kumano Kodo trail, aims to scientifically understand the healing properties of natural spots, while fostering an appreciation for biodiversity and promoting the integration of technology for the betterment of mental and physical health.
- Toyota's integrated approach to sustainability encompasses technology innovations like carbon neutrality efforts and AI system optimizations for mobility, as well as community programs and educational initiatives in environmental science, ensuring the pursuit of collective health-and-wellness, happiness, and wellbeing in a greener, more resilient society.
