1930
1930
Masaaki Imai is born in Tokyo in 1930.
The first domestic automotive production is planned in Japan, and the Just-In-Time concept is observed.
We don’t improve processes. We build cultures that do.
We build organizations that improve themselves
We empower organizations of every size and sector to implement sustainable improvements through our consulting and training services, guiding our clients on their entire KAIZEN™ journey
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40+
Years building performance cultures
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60+
Countries
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45+
Sectors of applied practice
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1.2K+
Professionals across our global team
True transformation doesn’t come from projects. It comes from habits repeated every day.
40
Years of practice
THE PRACTICE BEHIND THE METHOD
Turning improvement into performance
The philosophy, the founder, the 40-year story and why continuous improvement is the smartest way to run a business today.
Our history
Born from a belief that became a daily practice
1940
1940
The “always striving to do better” attitude (later known as KAIZEN™) is evident in thousands of pages from young Masaaki Imai’s diaries.
The period from World War II to Japan’s post-war economic reforms.
1950
1950
Masaaki Imai works at the Japan Productivity Center in the USA and accompanies executives to learn from US manufacturers.
1960
1960
In Japan, Masaaki Imai establishes an executive recruitement consulting firm.
Masaaki Imai works with Shoichiro Toyoda to observe the American business practices.
1980
1980
Masaaki Imai works with Taiichi Ohno, an engineer known for developing the Toyota Production System.
1981
1981
First KAIZEN™ (Gemba) Tour in Japan is organized by Masaaki Imai in 1981.
1985
1985
Kaizen Institute Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland in 1985.
1986
1986
Kaizen: The Key to Japan’s Competitive Success book is published in 1986.
KAIZEN™, as a systematic management methodology, is introduced to the world for the first time.
1997
1997
Gemba Kaizen: A Commonsense, Low-Cost Approach to Management book is published in 1997.
The term “Lean” is coined. KAIZEN™ and Lean concepts are promoted through various publications.
2000
2000
The proprietary KAIZEN™ Management System, later to be known as the KAIZEN™ Change Model and the KAIZEN™ Business System, is developed as a corporate consulting model.
Many corporations start developing their own improvement strategies based on KAIZEN™
2013
2013
Kaizen in Logistics and Supply Chains book is published in 2013.
2019
2019
Strat to Action: The KAIZEN™ Method for Turning Strategy into Action book is published in 2019.
2020
2020
Strategic KAIZEN™: Using FSL™ to Measure and Strengthen Operational Performance book is published in 2021.
2023
2023
Masaaki Imai passes away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy as the founder of Kaizen Institute and the Father of KAIZEN™.
Today
Today
Kaizen Institute supports organizations to achieve sustainable growth and continues to spear-head the development and application of the KAIZEN™ methodology.
Kaizen Institute offers consultation and training services on 6 continents, in 60+ countries to 45+ sectors in 30+ languages.
LISTEN TO KAIZENERS AROUND THE WORLD
Improving toghether for 40 years
Together, we will continue to build a more productive, sustainable, and human-centered world, one improvement at a time.
KAIZEN™ is a meta-strategy that can execute any strategy, through a real cultural transformation.
The most important thing for top management is to go to Gemba, to go to the shop floor, to go to where your people are acting every day with all their challenges and the guidance they need.
Be part of the KAIZEN™ team
With fresh challenges every week, working at Kaizen Institute will be a learning, inspiring journey. You will get the chance to work side-by-side with expert consultants and world-class client companies.
FORUMS & MEMBERSHIPS
A global ecosystem built on shared values
Improvement with purpose
Performance beyond business
Continuous improvement is not only about efficiency. It's about building sustainable, inclusive and resilient organizations.
Kaizen Institute is committed to aligning its activities with global sustainability goals, embedding responsibility into the way companies operate and grow.
Kaizen Institute is committed to aligning its activities with global sustainability goals, embedding responsibility into the way companies operate and grow.
KAIZEN institute ESG INITIATIVE
Official participant · UN Global Compact since 2020
- 01 Sustainability
- 02 Human Rights
- 03 Diversity & Inclusion
- 04 Economic Growth
