Japan is looking to Toyota President Akio Toyoda's appearance before U.S. lawmakers this week to help burnish an image marred by a flood of recalls — and to prevent grievances over the issue from fanning broader political tensions.
With his company facing the worst crisis in its 70-year history, Toyoda will appear Wednesday before the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Government Reform Committee. By issuing an invitation, the committee essentially forced Toyoda, who earlier had said he did not plan to attend, into testifying.
Commentaries in Japan and statements by officials since Toyoda announced he would accept the request to testify reflect the unease over possible wider damage from Toyota Motor Corp.'s troubles.