⚑ Tokyo, Japan

At Woven by Toyota, Yusuke is building the backbone for trustworthy AI development. Through an end-to-end system that supports everything from data collection to model training and deployment, he is driving the advancement of new-look mobility for both Woven by Toyota and other Toyota Group company peers. He speaks about the value of working with global colleagues from diverse fields, the challenge of balancing innovation with the highest safety standards required in automotive development, and how initiative leads to new opportunities.

Q: What do you like about working here?

We have people from all kinds of backgrounds, not just different nationalities, but also different engineering cultures and experiences.

On top of that, since it’s an engineering environment, I’ve noticed many colleagues come from unique specialties. For example, some (colleagues) have deep expertise in security, others have built highly robust systems, and some have worked in fast-paced startups. That mix makes things really interesting.

"... some (colleagues) have deep expertise in security, others have built highly robust systems, and some have worked in fast-paced startups. That mix makes things really interesting."

Q: What are you building?

When it comes to our team, what we're really focused on is delivering a complete end-to-end solution for our customers. From data collection and annotation, to model training, and all the way through to deployment.

Q: What do you find unique about development here?

Since our customers are internal teams at both Toyota and Woven by Toyota, we’re able to maintain close communication with them. This allows us to receive more direct, concrete feedback and efficiently build precisely what’s needed.

Q: What would you say is challenging?

There's a higher expectation of safety here. It's not just about creating solutions that make work easier or faster — it's about doing so while meeting the highest safety standards. Striking that balance is a fascinating challenge.

"It's not just about creating solutions that make work easier or faster — it's about doing so while meeting the highest safety standards. "

Q: How do you define safety at Woven by Toyota?

Safety has always been fundamental to Toyota, built and refined over many years. Our goal is to carry that same focus and expertise into the way we develop AI.

Q: What is the leadership culture like?

I really appreciate the support we get here. Our leaders actively work to understand priorities and guide our work with intention, providing a clear sense of purpose and direction.

Q: Any words or advice for future teammates?

It’s definitely an environment that challenges you, but it’s also a place that's full of opportunity. If you raise your hand and show initiative, you’ll be trusted to take it on. So I’d say don’t hesitate. Take on the challenge.