Toyota celebrates rare opening of Japan plant

Workers give the final check on Yaris compact sedans at the new plant in Ohira - AP PHOTO

OHIRA: Toyota celebrated the opening of an auto plant in a forsaken rural area of central Japan on Wednesday – its first new Japanese factory in 18 years that promises to grow into a significant production base for the world’s largest car maker.

Dotted with rice paddies and sometimes covered by snow, the Tohoku region where the new Toyota plant is located is the true boondocks of Japan.