“At the time when Toyota was promoting North American plant management self-reliance through deeper adoption of The Toyota Way and strict adherence to TPS (Toyota Production System) fundamentals, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) was facing a major challenge: becoming the first plant outside Japan to build Lexus SUVs. Strengthening production preparation management, enhancing the Floor Management Development System (FMDS), and reinforcing Kaizen Circle activities were urgent priorities. It was at this critical juncture that Tomoko began her work on these initiatives at TMMC.
Leveraging her bilingual skills and deep understanding of both Japanese, Canadian, and broader North American cultures, along with her proactive mindset and strong execution capability, she played an essential role in strengthening collaboration between Toyota headquarters, Toyota North America, and TMMC. She quickly grasped the strategies and direction of Toyota North America headquarters, worked with the TMMC management team to develop aligned local Hoshin (strategic plans) and KPI targets, and served as a vital bridge between the Japanese perspectives and Canadian production teams while deploying precise, hands-on project management.
For her own development, she proactively pursued and obtained North American management qualifications. Within TMMC, she further deepened communication between Japanese and local members while driving the penetration of The Toyota Way, strengthening TPS implementation capability, and making significant contributions to talent development. She became a key force in helping achieve the successful launch of the first Lexus production outside Japan.
Based on her career at TMMC, I am confident that she will bring these same strengths to any organization, regardless of industry, whether the company is striving for strong business outcomes or addressing challenges rooted in cross-cultural contexts. Her expertise in the Toyota Management System and TPS principles is evident in every engagement.”
Mark Okuno, Retired Executive, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC)
