Kaizen Institute is the original and premier provider of KAIZEN™ services
We support companies of all sizes in all market segments, providing them with a sustainable, competitive advantage.
Our Mission
Improving the World with
Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day -
The KAIZEN™ Way
KAIZEN™ means "Change for the Better"
KAI = CHANGE
ZEN = FOR THE BETTER
Our Brand Promise
Authentic
We introduced the KAIZEN™ methodology to the world in 1985
Practical
We make our clients experts in their Gemba
Holistic
Our methods touch everyone in the organization; working for the same goal and sharing the same KAIZEN™
Worldwide
Our expertise, from helping the world's leading organizations, can be applied to any situation
Why KAIZEN™
We work with our clients to create processes that highlight problems, while simultaneously training and empowering their teams to solve them.
We constantly research, develop, publish, and promote various aspects of Continuous Improvement while partnering with our clients, enabling them to implement sustainable improvements through our consulting, training and benchmarking activities and guiding them on their KAIZEN™ journey.
Employee management
Leadership development
Cost reduction
Organizational alignment
Safety
Strategy
Product quality
Productivity
On-time delivery
Revenue generation
Cash flow
Company History
The history of Kaizen Institute began in the mid 80's. We have the longest history of consulting and training organizations around the world, specifically in the fields of KAIZEN™, Lean Management and Continuous Improvement.
First KAIZEN™ (Gemba) Tour in Japan organized by Masaaki Imai.
1981
Kaizen Institute, Ltd., a privately held corporation, is founded by Masaaki Imai and registered in the Canton of Zug, Switzerland.
1985
"Kaizen: The Key to Japan’s Competitive Success" book is published by Random House Inc.
1986
Kaizen Institute is first registered within the Americas, doing business as Kaizen Institute of America in California, USA.
1987
Kaizen Institute New Zealand is formed and registered in Auckland, New Zealand.
NZ
1988
US
Kaizen Institute America Inc. is incorporated in Delaware, USA.
1990
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Daniel Mirabile - CEO NEC Brazil
"At the first view, it seemed very basic and therefore we would not expect any further improvement on what has been achieved before. But then, the first results were achieved and it was amazing how much inefficiencies still existed, and how simple it was to improve further. As soon as the first results became visible to everyone, it created a motivation to challenge the status quo and to improve continuously. A new DNA was created, enabling sustainability."
Daniel Mirabile - CEO
NEC Brazil S.A., Brazil
KAIZEN™ Methodology Development History
The KAIZEN™ Methodology has been gradually developed over many decades. It was publically and officially introduced to the world in the 1980’s as a systematic methodology through the best selling book, "Kaizen, the Key to Japan's Competitive Success" by Masaaki Imai, the founder of Kaizen Institute.
Masaaki Imai
Masaaki Imai is born in Tokyo, Japan.
The first domestic automotive production is planned in Japan and the Just-In-Time concept is observed.
Masaaki Imai30s
World War II to post war economic reform period commences in Japan.
40s
Imai works at the Japan Productivity Center in the USA and accompanies Japanese executives to visit and learn from US manufacturers.
Japanese companies gain strength in their quality and world wide competitiveness.
50s
Imai works with Shoichiro Toyoda to observe the American way of business.
60s
Masaaki Imai
Imai works internationally with Taiichi Ohno to spread the message of the Toyota Production System (TPS).
80s
Masaaki Imai
KAIZEN™, as a systematic management methodology, is introduced to the world for the first time.
1986
KAIZEN™ appears for the first time as a word in the Oxford dictionary.
The term "Lean" is coined.
Masaaki Imai
Lean concepts are promoted through various publications, including Imai’s "GEMBAKAIZEN" book.
Tools, such as Six Sigma, gain popularity though clouding the importance of a systematic approach.
Kaizen Institute continues to offer the implementation of practical, hands-on KAIZEN™ methods that fit the local culture and business practices.
90s
KAIZEN™ Management System (KMS) is developed, based on a systematic QCD model to improve companies.
KAIZEN™ Change Model (KCM) is added to enhance a KAIZEN™ culture; the mind-set, attitude and behaviours of the organization.
Many corporations start developing their own Improvement strategies based on KAIZEN™, seeking to gain sustainable improvements and a competitive advantage within their markets.
00s
KAIZEN™ Business System (KBS) supports organizations to achieve Continuous Improvement and sustanaible growth.
Kaizen Institute continues to spear-head global development of the KAIZEN™ methodology and organizational excellence, bringing awareness to Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.
Today
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Kaizen Institute Worldwide
KAIZEN™ World Map
Countries we service and where we have Kaizen Institute offices
Countries we service