The year 1968 saw further restructuring of the industry, influenced by the impending liberalization of capital. Following the merger of Nissan and Prince, large-scale groupings took place. Nissan concluded a business tie-up with Fuji Heavy Industries, and Toyota joined hands with Hino and Daihatsu.

The 15th Motor Show reflected this transition. Sadly, the Contessa was discontinued and thus Hino retreated from the passenger car hall. Displays generally became subdued, with emphasis shifting from ornamentation to function. In addition, the use of professional models, which had escalated year after year, was prohibited as of this show. Instead, there were women attendants wearing then-popular mini skirts. All these changes were caused by surging social criticism concerning safety and pollution problems, together with the pressure of the approaching capital liberalization.

Visitors were not very happy since the rush of new models usually in evidence at motor shows in the past was scarcely seen that year. This was also due to the capital liberalization. To cope with liberalization, new model launches were advanced to the spring, making them less conspicuous at the autumn show. They had already lost their freshness when exhibited at the show: the Isuzu Florian (debuted in April), the Mazda Familia (May), the Mitsubishi New Colt 1200 & 1500 (May), the Nissan Laurel (July), the Nissan Sunny Coupe (March), the Subaru 1000 (August), and the Toyota Mark II(September).

Many cut-models were exhibited. Representative models were the Mark II, the Laurel, the Subaru 1000, the Fronte 360, and the Colt 1000, each of which embodied an individual maker s idea.

The Safety Science Center was again set up in Hall 5, where seat belt experiments were demonstrated, and causes of accidents were shown. At the pollution corner, more detailed information was given to visitors, such as how to adjust idling speed and diminish carbon monoxide emissions.

A "Children s Safety Class" was inaugurated for primary and middle school students, sponsored jointly by Japan Traffic Safety Association and JMIF. The children drove go-carts guided by instructors on the model roads in front of Hall 5, in a sepcial course (about 2000sq.m.), with traffic signals and signs.

Although the show was less glamorous, it was of topical interest among young people. The 15th show attracted 1,511,600 people.