In today’s “lean” world, the phrase “respect for people” is very popular. This likely results from a poor translation of The Toyota Way...

The foundation of the Toyota Production System is built on the Theory of Good Human Nature. Kaneyoshi Kusunoki Mr. Kusunoki is a key...

One of the seven types of Muda, as defined by Taiichi Ohno. But these days, when I look up the seven types of waste, we often see...

Many visitors travel to Japan. A common topic discussed is the punctuality of the trains. The railways run on precise schedules. Many...

“Hurry to do good.” 【善は急げ】 This is a Japanese saying. We can translate it as “rush” or "prioritize," or as “do not hesitate to do good.”...

“Mottainai” There was a discussion at a Japanese manufacturing company about how to translate this concept. Some people may have heard...

There is this fantasy called “Perfect time to do Kaizen.” Those who believe in this fantasy think that if they wait, the right moment to...

Supply chain. The impression behind the word 'chain' feels outdated in today’s setting. In a fast-changing environment, the chain isn't...

“The objective of the Toyota Production System is to make someone’s work easier.” Akio Toyoda It is a quote we should reflect on more...

Basic. Two words in Taiichi Ohno’s Toyota Production System are translated as “basics.” One is “Kihon 【基本】,” and the other is “Kiso...

Kaizen and Kaikaku are entirely different. In my post about “Kaizen capability,” I got some responses that “Small improvements are...

Who holds the authority to modify the production plan? It's a strange question. However, this happens daily in most factories, yet it is...

Taiichi Ohno’s “Workplace Management" includes a saying: “The morning’s orders are revised in the evening.” 【朝令暮改】 "Choureibokai.” This...

Why do we use the adjective “small” with Kaizen? This made me concerned. For example, suppose you identify a Muda that is ten seconds, or...

Genba is the most crucial place to be. TPS emphasizes the significance of Genba. At the same time, they use a term called Genti Genbutu....

Kaoru Ishikawa, a central figure in Japanese Total Quality Management (TQM), wrote an article in 1965 discussing the history of TQM in...

Standard In-process stock is one of the three elements of standardized work. It is essential to maintain the repeatability of work and...

“Visualization.” The key concept of the Toyota Production System is widely recognized. However, there are many places where something is...

How much of the Toyota Production System’s challenge to the economy of scale is accepted by the public? A few months ago, a manager...

Once in a while, we receive strange requests. “Please come and list up all the Muda.” I thought they misused some words and checked to do...