“Software Defined" refers to the idea of defining value through software. Until now, software has been considered as an accessory to hardware, but this concept is being reversed, and now we are developing hardware to maximize the potential of software. It's not something that can change overnight. Nevertheless, we are pushing forward with the reform.

Honda creates various hardware, not only in automobiles and motorcycles but also in jet aircraft, marine, and perhaps in the future, even in the field of space. Synergy between hardware in different fields like this was not easily achieved with the traditional hardware-centric approach. Finally, we have reached an era where synergy through software is possible, and I believe it's a time when Honda's strengths can be fully demonstrated.

We chose the name with "Mobility" instead of "Vehicle" for our department to express a strong commitment to encompassing all forms of mobility beyond just automobiles and motorcycles.

The intrinsic value of mobility, I believe, will fundamentally remain unchanged. However, in the past, the time required for hardware manufacturing often prevented us from delivering value to customers at the optimal timing. By updating the development lead time and development methods through Software Defined, it becomes easier to deliver value that aligns with the times and customer needs.

Revising and innovating development methods is a challenging initiative for Honda as well. However, pushing forward with that should lead to delivering value to the world.

Even when talking about the value provided, there are both tangible and intangible aspects. For example, safety and peace of mind are intangible values. In the recently redefined global brand slogan of Honda, there is the word "Transcend." The automatic braking system we are working on provides the value of "liberation" from invisible anxieties such as "possible collision" or "possibly being collided into".

During high school, a friend of mine was involved in a traffic accident, causing immense sadness to his family and to an unexpectedly large number of people. Even after 10 years, that memory lingers, and I don't want to witness people experiencing this unhappiness. With that sentiment, I am working towards achieving "zero accidents, zero fatalities".

Accidents affect many people, including victims, those at fault, and those around them, such as family members. Initiatives aimed at liberating people from the anxiety of accidents contribute to reducing the number of those who experience unhappiness. Indeed, autonomous driving is often described as making driving more convenient. But, we don't think so. Our main focus is not to make driving easier, but to reduce accidents. That's why we are developing it.

There was a movement of Software Defined more than a decade ago. Since 1998, we have been providing a service called "Internavi," delivering highly accurate route information and disaster prevention updates to equipped vehicles, based on information collected from other equipped vehicles. We have been working over the years to evoke feelings and desires such "I want to go there" by gradually gathering information from everyone.

Honda doesn't know if it will be making cars or other vehicles 100 years from now, but I believe that Honda's fundamental principle of assisting the fundamental need to "go somewhere" or "visit someone" in some way will remain unchanged.

Honda's philosophy, which emphasizes respect for the individual, remains unchanged. As a result, there are a lot of outstanding and amazing individuals working here.

What surprised me when I joined was that there were a lot of "eccentric" individuals. Even if some people are delving deep into one thing, it's surprising how the company don't get angry about them. Honda is a company which let you do as much as you like.

We collaborate with IT companies for software development, and working together, you realize that Honda truly has a distinct character.

It's often said that there are many eccentric people.

I think it's a good thing that there are many eccentric people. For example, following Honda's philosophy, when it comes to technical matters, Shikama-san and I are equals, and we are free to express our opinions. It might seem strange to people outside the company, but expressing our own thoughts is a natural part of Honda's culture. Engaging in such discussions makes it easier for everyone to reach conclusions that are acceptable to all.

It seems like you're talking very casually. Especially when it comes to technology, those in the field definitely know better than me, so I don't act all high and mighty about that. As long as I can confirm that they're thinking things through, I just say, "Alright, then I'll leave it to you."

Back when I was a newcomer, I often heard the phrase "What do you think?" That's right, they deliberately didn't provide answers. Thanks to that, my "quick response" was trained. Honda has this aspect of "speak your mind as much as you want", and there are very few specific instructions from the top, so I think it's a company where each associate needs to think thoroughly for it to function well.

That aspect hasn't changed since I joined the company.

I also consider myself to be on the eccentric side. Of course, not everyone at Honda is like that, but there are people who can skillfully bring together such eccentric individuals, guide them in the desired direction, and maximize their power.

As I mentioned earlier, when it comes to technology, those in the field undoubtedly know the technical aspects better. Therefore, I place respect for the field as my primary focus. Following that, I consider how each individual can enhance their own expertise.

It's clear that each person in the field is respected and valued, so there's a sense of responsibility not to let down those expectations.

It's necessary to work, but the time spent on it is not a pain, and being able to do what I want in the way I want and still feel that I can contribute to society is a good thing about joining Honda. It's also a good thing to believe that the people around me feel the same way while working. If I hadn't joined Honda, I feel like I would have been working in a job related to human mobility.

I'm really glad to be a part of Honda, working with colleagues from around the world, collaborating, and sprinting towards our goals. It's a lot of fun. If I hadn't joined Honda, I might have ended up as an unsuccessful musician, considering I've been involved in band activities since my student days.

Since we spend the most time during our lives at work, it's important to be able to enjoy our jobs. So, I can't imagine working anywhere other than Honda, and I've never even considered it.

Indeed, many people here have a mindset of enjoying their work and striving to make it better.

It's a company that allows you to learn a lot to enhance your individual abilities. I myself am learning not only technical skills but also English conversation as part of my job. As we expand our activities globally, English language skills become essential.

I want to empathize with the desire of people around the world to “move” and the wish to meet people, and deliver personalized mobility for each individual. The strength of software is its ability to contribute to personalized mobility.

Honda has many individuals with passion, unwavering commitment, and a clear direction towards their goals. I also want to pursue the potential of automatic braking towards achieving zero accidents. However, it's not that you can't work at Honda without a strong commitment, so please don't misunderstand that point.

The dream is gradually changing, and currently, it is for the team members I work with to be happy and to achieve their respective goals. And the big dream is for everyone around the world to smile.

Taking on the challenge of a vegetable garden at home and having an evening drink with vegetables harvested at home. Living in Tochigi Prefecture allows me to experience the changing seasons.

Having our band become successful and having one of our songs featured in a Honda commercial.

Both Abe-san and I actually play musical instruments, so maybe we should pursue more band activities.