Hello, this is Chiken from the Inner Communication Group.
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 (TAS) was held at Makuhari Messe from January 9 to 11. Among the uniquely custom cars that filled the venue, one attraction drew particularly intense attention: the Daihatsu vs. Toyota Kei-Truck Showdown!
Behind it all were our partners, who were seriously committed to making it fun in the hope of winning, and above all, enjoying themselves.
This article centers on the Kei-Truck Showdown, taking you behind the scenes of its production while sharing the passion of the members involved in creating the custom Daihatsu car on display at the venue. We hope you enjoy this article and the footage at the end!
“Honestly, there’s always room for something fun like this.”
The 1st Kyoto Station Building Art Festival, “Geijutsuno Eki 2025 / GNE,” was held from October 14 to November 3, 2025.
During a round-table discussion, Daihatsu Executive Vice President Hoshika and Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda engaged in a passionate discussion, revealing their shared passion.
“I want to make Daihatsu even more vibrant.”
“I want the world to know more about Daihatsu’s technological capabilities.”
Well then, let’s make that happen through a showdown.
Following such exchanges, the Daihatsu vs. Toyota Kei-Truck Showdown—later dubbed a “family feud”—began to unfold.
This initiative began with Hoshika recruiting members.
Although he apparently felt apologetic for recruiting while everyone was busy with their daily work, many members still volunteered.
The Daihatsu members who gathered included a diverse range of divisions: the Product Planning Div., Design Div., Vehicle Prototype Div., Powertrain Development Div., Vehicle System Development Div., Platform Development Div., R&D Infrastructure Development Div., and members from Daihatsu Motor Kyushu.
Note: Divisions as of the time of the interview
Amidst all that, what Hoshika said he found particularly memorable was one member’s remark: “Honestly, there’s always room for something fun like this.”
Knowing how busy everyone would be, he reflected on the remark, saying, “Even when you’re busy, if it’s something you love, you can really get into it and it gives you energy.” I remember how genuinely happy he seemed as he talked about it.
Members from across divisions and positions came together in their spare time, bringing their ideas and specialized expertise with them, united by a passion for achieving fun MONODUKURI.
And the final result was a kei truck that could go anywhere for any purpose.
It was named the STAR CLIMBER.
The aim was to maximize the inherent potential of kei cars and fully leverage the strengths that only kei cars could deliver.
Daihatsu’s concept, developed through an uncompromising user-centric approach, was an all-purpose truck that could handle “recreation,” “work,” and “disaster relief” all in one vehicle.
Meanwhile, as for Toyota’s kei truck…
Details are available in Toyota Times, so please take a look.
[Toyota Times article link]
“It Was Fun!”—Everyone Pitched in to Build One Car
“It was fun! I learned a lot, and I want to do it again!”
During our interviews with several members about the Kei-Truck Showdown, this phrase kept coming up.
Members from diverse roles pooled their experience, knowledge, and know-how to bring a custom car to life with honest effort.
Rather than one person deciding, everyone pitched in to build one car.
This video features interviews filled with the intense passion of the members involved in the Kei-Truck Showdown, along with footage of the actual showdown at the TAS venue.
Please watch the video to see the passion the members poured into creating the car!
The result of the showdown was 3,579 votes for Toyota and 3,520 votes for Daihatsu—a very close margin… What a shame!
Despite the outcome, the members faced it with smiles and delight.
Through the Kei-Truck Showdown, we witnessed their honest passion for MONODUKURI.
It was striking to see the audience at the venue naturally break into smiles.
To all the members involved, you truly did an amazing job!
The Sheer “Honest Effort” Visible in the Custom Cars That Electrified the Venue
Other vehicles embodying Daihatsu’s MONODUKURI spirit were also on display at the venue.
We have compiled the thoughts of the members involved with each vehicle into the video, so please check it out.
The Daihatsu custom cars that electrified TAS will also be on display at the Osaka Auto Messe 2026 held at INTEX Osaka from February 13 to 15.
Come experience Daihatsu’s “MONODUKURI that takes fun seriously” at the venue!
Finally, we also have footage of the STAR CLIMBER that aired exclusively at TAS. Be sure to check this out too!
