The U.S. Embassy announced that it had introduced a Toyota “Century” SUV as an official vehicle. Plans for its future use as an official vehicle, as well as comments from the ambassador, have been reported.
George Glass (ジョージ・グラス), U.S. ambassador to Japan, announced on 23 October 2026 via the official X account that a new Toyota “Century” SUV had been introduced as an official vehicle. The dates for its planned future use as an official vehicle have not been specified, but the announcement has been reported as official.
The Century debuted in 1967 and has since been adopted as an official vehicle by government agencies and major corporations, and is positioned as Japan’s flagship luxury passenger car. The SUV model was introduced in 2023, and in June this year it was also selected as Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s (高市早苗) official vehicle.
At the introduction of the Century SUV as an official vehicle, Ambassador Glass emphasized Toyota’s long-standing investment and job creation in the United States, describing the company as a source of economic success supporting the Japan-U.S. partnership. The ambassador also explained that the Century SUV is expected to be used at events marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
The ambassador’s post had attracted approximately 39,000 impressions by 26 October, and comments including “It’s another SUV prime ministerial vehicle” were posted in response.