2024.10.31
Concerned or Confident About the Future? High School Students Share Their Honest Feedback After Touring Mazda
Four Hiroshima high school students spent two days with Mazda learning about some of our initiatives. They observed groundbreaking research with Hiroshima University on microalgae as a next-generation biofuel, saw our greener car manufacturing processes, where innovative technologies and small changes are making a big impact on CO2 reduction, and discovered the design vision behind MAZDA ICONIC SP which gave new life to waste oyster shells—a persistent environmental challenge in Hiroshima. How did this experience change their view of Mazda? What lasting impression did it leave? We sat down with the four young people to get their honest feedback.
The four students from Hiroshima’s AICJ High School. From left, Runa Irie, Minato Hashimoto, Haruka Takahashi, Riyo Tanabe.
An Era of Sustainable and Stylish Cars: Hope for cool cars that don’t harm the environment
You spent two days exploring sustainable initiatives at Mazda. What impressed you the most?
Irie：
For me it was the microalgae research. I was already interested in biofuel, and was especially looking forward to this part of the tour. Being able to visit Mazda’s plant and the research lab at Hiroshima University, and to see firsthand clean energy made from microalgae was truly an unforgettable experience. It has inspired me to learn even more about this field.
Runa Irie.
Hashimoto:
Like Irie, I was also curious about the microalgae research. It was a huge opportunity to see the technology used in cultivating algae and learn about the methodology.
Seeing the differences between the research at Hiroshima University and onsite at the Mazda plant was fascinating—especially how difficult it is to replicate lab-quality results in mass-production. Even if it all works well in the lab, when you try and apply it to real-world conditions, you’re faced with new challenges. Seeing firsthand the gap between the ideal and the reality was a truly valuable experience.
A tank for cultivating microalgae at Mazda’s Hiroshima Plant. Mazda is collaborating with Hiroshima University on research to create a biofuel using microalgae. The aim is to develop a clean energy that can replace petroleum-based gasoline and oil as a practical fuel source.
Minato Hashimoto (right).
Hashimoto:
I was also struck by how everyone we met seemed so positive and motivated in their roles. When I imagine people in the workplace, I think of stress and strain and overwhelm. But everyone we met at Mazda clearly loved their job. I could tell that they enjoyed their work and had a lot of pride in what they do.
Tanabe:
I was really impressed by the assembly line. All those clever karakuri kaizen ideas were so simple, but so effective.
The high school students watch as components are assembled to complete the vehicle.
Karakuri kaizen are low-tech solutions designed and invented by Mazda employees. These little innovations can be found all over the plant, contributing to efficiency.
Tanabe:
On the one hand you have revolutionary research like the microalgae, and on the other you have small innovations that are trying to save every tiny bit of energy possible. That contrast between the two really impressed me. It also made me think how if we put our minds to it, there are probably lots of small changes we could make too.
But more than that, this tour has completely changed my perspective on Mazda, and cars in general. Before the tour, I wasn’t really interested in cars. If anything, I saw them as a form of transport that was bad for the environment. But having learned how much effort Mazda is putting into different initiatives, and how much environmental awareness goes into making a car, my opinion has changed.
Riyo Tanabe (right).
Haruka Takahashi.
Takahashi:
It’s hard to choose one aspect but perhaps the biggest discovery was learning what a fun place Mazda is to work at. I’ve always been a fan of Mazda’s cars and the brand itself. It’s a company that has such a distinctive design philosophy that you can tell a Mazda just by its silhouette. Mazda has a unique style that you either love or you don’t, and I definitely love it.
Taking part in the tour showed me that this creativity is born from the culture at Mazda. It’s a culture that embraces challenges and gives people the freedom to follow their creative visions.
When you visited the Mazda Museum on day one, you seemed pretty excited to see all those past Mazda models on display. Your passion for the brand really shone through.
Takahashi:
I’ve always loved vehicles, but especially one’s that give you a thrill. With cars, convertibles are one of my favorites. That feeling of being exposed to the elements, at one with the environment, nothing beats it! That’s why I’m such a huge fan of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and why I dream of one day driving a car like the MAZDA ICONIC SP.
The MAZDA ICONIC SP is a compact sports car concept that was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. When the battery is charged using renewable energy, the car is effectively carbon neutral.
Takahashi:
But realistically, it’ll be a few years before I can get my license and buy a car. I’m worried that by then, we might not have the freedom to enjoy driving a sports car in the same way we can now.
With Europe leading the shift to electric vehicles, and growing concerns about the environment, I sometimes wonder if I’ll ever be able to drive the Mazda cars I love. That’s why I hope that the initiatives we saw today bear fruit, and create an era where we can drive cool cars without worrying about harming the environment.
At the Mazda Museum, the high school students looked at past Mazda models and learned about environmental car manufacturing.
“Before the tour, I saw Mazda’s approach to environmental awareness as lagging behind the rest of the world.”
The environment is a big concern for all of you, and you’re clearly anxious about the future of the planet. How do you feel now, after learning about Mazda’s sustainability initiatives?
Takahashi:
Ironically, I’m even more worried than before. The environmental impact of manufacturing is much bigger than I imagined. With cars, it’s not just the greenhouse gas emissions when they’re on the road, but also the CO2 released during the manufacturing process that we need to worry about. And Mazda isn’t the only car manufacturer in the world. When I think about all the companies and countries that are mass-producing cars, and how some probably prioritize profits over the environment, it’s hard not to get anxious about the future.
Takahashi:
Before the tour, I saw Mazda’s approach to environmental awareness as lagging behind the rest of the world. I thought that perhaps because they have this great design which sells well, they had no incentive to invest in eco-friendly or energy-efficient designs.
So, I was surprised to learn just how many diverse approaches Mazda is taking to find a solution to environmental issues. From microalgae research to plans to switch their in-house power plant from coal to ammonia, I could see how Mazda is making quick and bold shifts in recent years, and I get the sense that these efforts are just going to keep picking up speed.
Hashimoto:
I’d often wondered why Mazda did not seem that invested in developing electric vehicles. Then, when I learned how EV battery production actually generates significant CO₂ emissions, it clicked. Mazda’s approach makes a lot of sense. They’ve chosen not to rush into electric vehicles, and instead focus on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and biofuels.
Mazda’s LCA approach to carbon neutrality.
The thermal power plant onsite at Mazda. The majority of the plant’s power is generated here, making it virtually self-sufficient. Mazda has plans to build a new power plant fueled by ammonia, a sustainable energy source that does not release CO2 when burned.
Irie, you mentioned how the microalgae research has inspired a greater interest in bioenergy?
Irie:
That’s right. Seeing the research facilities firsthand and learning how microalgae can produce energy has been a huge push to explore more in this field. Not just microalgae, which was fascinating, I also want to learn about different types of energy sources to give myself more options in the future.
“With the right opportunity, many more young people could become car enthusiasts.”
What would you like to see Mazda doing more of in the future?
Tanabe:
I’d love to see more initiatives that get young people like me excited about cars. Just like how this tour inspired me, I’m sure with the right opportunity, many more young people could become car enthusiasts.
I’m still too young to get a license, and driving a car is a long way off. Which means I’m not exactly Mazda’s target market. But if Mazda gave teenagers like me more chance to engage with their cars and to learn about their initiatives, I think it would change how many of us see cars.
The four high school students make new discoveries at the paint shop.
Hashimoto:
As I said earlier, across the world everywhere seems to be shifting to electric vehicles, but Mazda is taking a different approach. They’re looking further into the future by focusing on bioenergy like microalgae. Apparently, this kind of research is pretty unusual for a car manufacturer. But if they can really develop a biofuel, they’ll be a pioneer in this field. I want them to keep trying and I really hope they succeed.
Irie:
What I want from Mazda is simple: To create a world where everyone can experience freedom and joy for driving, guilt-free.
Hashimoto said it earlier, but when you’re driving, you want to enjoy the experience and not have to worry about global warming. But right now, that’s just not possible. I hope that Mazda keep developing eco-friendly manufacturing methods and advancing biofuel research. Then one day I’ll be able to enjoy driving in a carbon-neutral Mazda.
Last question. How do you think this experience will impact your future?
Irie:
While I’m passionate about environmental issues, right now I’m keeping my options open and broadening my knowledge in lots of different areas. Over these two days, I’ve learned so much, from energy-saving manufacturing to biofuels and new ammonia-based power generation. As I consider what I want to do in the future, I think that these two days will have a big impact on my choices.
Hashimoto:
Although I haven’t decided exactly what I want to do in the future, I am planning to study business management at university. In just two days, I’ve learned so many important aspects of management that I know will prove invaluable in the future: Employee well-being, industry-academic partnerships, environmental initiatives—all of this ties into corporate management policies. While I can’t predict what will happen in the future, if I ever start a business or get involved in management, this experience will definitely come in useful.
Tanabe:
One of the biggest revelations for me was learning how much Mazda collaborates with experts from other fields. They may be a car company, but their initiatives draw on professionals from so many different areas.
I eventually want to work in architecture, but I learned that there’s more than one way to apply your skills and interests. Even if I don’t become an architect, I can apply my architectural knowledge to other areas. It’s made me think differently about my future possibilities.
Takahashi:
Today really opened my eyes to what makes Mazda special—they’re probably one of Japan’s most creative and exciting companies. Right now, we live in a challenging time, and while many companies are just focused on profits, Mazda is proving you can compete while protecting the environment. It’s not an easy path, but I believe they’ll succeed. After seeing all this, I'm inspired to study hard and hopefully join them one day.
The discussion wrapped up in a friendly atmosphere. For Mazda too, the interaction with these environmentally-conscious high school students and their perspectives on the future provided valuable inspiration.
From the Editorial Team
This project all began at Sustainable Brands Tokyo, in February 2024. After the event, Runa Irie got in touch asking to visit Mazda, which led to a tour focused on sustainability. The experience has taught us something valuable: How shared environmental consciousness can create new connections.
The whole editorial team is delighted that MAZDA MIRAI BASE has launched, allowing us to share stories that look toward a positive future. Our vision at Mazda is to create an inspiring future where everyone can continue to experience the joy of driving and the freedom of mobility. Like these four high school students, we'll continue to connect with like-minded individuals who share our vision for the future, breaking down barriers and taking on challenges one step at a time. Stay tuned for more!
The four students pose with Yutaka Kawasaki (Corporate Strategy Division) who led the two-day tour.
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