GOD willing, I’ll be in Tokyo covering the Japan Mobility Show (JMS) while you are reading this. As I said, I’ve been in the car show since 1993. That long. That’s how much I love the event. Magically magnetic.
Set officially from October 30 to November 9 at the Japanese capital known as the world’s biggest metropolis, the iconic motor show that began in 1954 has consistently retained its prestigious position as one of the world’s Top 3 motor exhibitions alongside Detroit in the USA and Frankfurt in Germany.
Toyota being my consistent host in the biennial event since 1999 (that long), I wish to highlight its latest version of Land Cruiser that will be on display in Tokyo’s famed Big Sight, the auto show’s venue in the heart of the city.
Set to be launched in mid-2026, Toyota’s Land Cruiser FJ is set for unveiling at the JMS along with new models and concept cars from the world’s No. 1 automaker.
Known originally as the Toyota BJ in 1951, the Land Cruiser immediately became the first vehicle to climb to the sixth station of the world-famous Mount Fuji.
‘Since then, it has fulfilled its mission of delivering safety and security to all types of people in places that only the Land Cruiser can reach,’ Toyota said in a statement.
Toyota’s flagship model for over 70 years now has a cumulative sales of more than 12 million units in over 190 countries and regions around the world.
3 key features
ITS exterior design follows a silhouette that emphasizes a square cabin, taking into consideration the habitability and cargo capacity that successive generations of Land Cruisers have prioritized.
It expresses a lean, strong sense of mass and fun through a rectangular body with a dice motif and chamfered edges.
The front and rear express a powerful sense of stability through a composition of powerful bumpers and flared fenders on a taut, simple body.
Both front and rear corner bumpers are removable, segmented types, allowing only damaged parts to be replaced to improve repairability, while also taking customizability into account to allow users to enjoy their Land Cruiser in their own unique ways.
Interior design
IT has a cockpit layout that enables instant recognition and steering across a wide range of driving conditions, with a horizontal instrument panel that makes vehicle attitude easy to recognize, a monitor and switches that consolidate functions to minimize eye movement, and a shift knob that allows natural operation, all aimed at creating an interior where users can experience the joy of mobility.
The new LC achieves good forward visibility through a low-set cowl and instrument panel, contributing to safe on- and off-road driving. It also employs a low beltline to improve visibility of road surfaces even on rough roads.
Its Toyota Safety Sense, an active safety package with advanced functions including the Pre-collision Safety System, supports enjoyable driving with peace of mind.
A shorter wheelbase (270 mm shorter than the 250 Series) ensures excellent maneuverability with a minimum turning radius of 5.5 m and mobility on off-road terrain, giving the Land Cruiser new appeal.
Addition of braces under the floor and higher body rigidity ensure excellent handling stability
During development, extensive off-road testing identified points for improvement to ensure true Land Cruiser-ness-reliability, durability and off-road performance.
Customization
Options that expand the joy of customization will be introduced (various items are scheduled to be introduced sequentially during the model life. Availability and content will differ by region).
Robust exterior and functional items will embody Land Cruiser’s signature off-road style for going anywhere.
More JMS highlights coming up. So, stick around, fellers. Domu arigato!
PEE STOP
Warm applause to Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and Lexus Philippines top executives like Jojo Villanueva, Elvin Luciano, Jade Sison-Mendoza and Mixie Flavier for their warm, personalized and efficient shepherding of the media entourage to the Japan Mobility Show. Jing Atienza, TMP’s cool executive vice president, is applauding in his own quiet way. Cheers!