[New series] ESG brand survey: Two-time winner Toyota highlights decarbonization through its “all-round strategy”

Toyota Motor Corporation ranked first in the “ESG Brand Ranking ’26,” which evaluates companies’ ESG initiatives from the consumer’s perspective. It retained the overall top position for the second consecutive time, following the previous ranking. Brands in the retail and food sectors, which consumers encounter in their daily lives, also ranked highly, while long-term initiatives were reflected in the evaluations. The ranking is based on an overall assessment across 4 categories, and Toyota reportedly received high ratings in all of them: Environment, Social, Governance and Integrity.

Kao ranked second and Ryohin Keikaku ranked third. Ryohin Keikaku was particularly noted for maintaining its brand strength as a company that consumers frequently encounter in their daily lives. Daikin Industries’ advance also attracted attention, with its energy-saving initiatives and expansion into emerging markets reportedly receiving high marks amid continuing extreme heat.

The feature explains that not only Toyota’s all-round strategy but also other companies’ initiatives and long-term ESG management affect the formation of consumers’ brand images. It also touches on how easily a company’s image can deteriorate when misconduct occurs, and examines the ESG brand-building methods of leading companies through specific examples.