Masaaki Imai
今井 正明
Masaaki Imai’s work revolutionized the business world, inspiring change
for the better and leaving a lasting global impact.

LEGACY
Masaaki Imai dedicated his life to transforming the way the
world thinks about work. Through his advocacy for continuous,
people-driven improvement, he brought the Japanese KAIZEN™
philosophy to a global audience. At a time when efficiency was
often equated with rigid control, he emphasized the value of
empowering individuals at every level of an organization.
“KAI” means change, and “ZEN” means for the better, together
“Change for the Better”. KAIZEN™ refers to a philosophy or
practices that focus upon Continuous Improvement regardless of the
type of business or process. Masaaki Imai acknowledged that
KAIZEN™ starts with the detection of needs and problem definition:
“The starting point for improvement is to recognize the need.” This comes from the recognition of a problem. Where no problem is recognized, there is no recognition of the need for improvement.
“The starting point for improvement is to recognize the need.” This comes from the recognition of a problem. Where no problem is recognized, there is no recognition of the need for improvement.
Masaaki Imai’s true legacy lies in the lasting cultural shift he
inspired – one where Continuous Improvement is not a tactic, but
a way of life. His principles remain more relevant than ever in
a world facing complex challenges. As organizations seek new
ways to remain competitive, resilient, and socially responsible,
Masaaki Imai’s vision continues to offer a clear path forward.
BIOGRAPHY
Masaaki Imai’s life stands as a testament to his unwavering
dedication to Continuous Improvement. From his early influences
in the 1940s to becoming a global thought leader, his journey
has profoundly influenced modern business practices around the
world.
„The KAIZEN™ Philosophy assumes that our way of life – be it our
working life, or our home life – deserves to be constantly improved.”
VIDEOS
Explore the legacy of Masaaki Imai through a curated video
collection highlighting his insights, philosophy, and global
influence. Discover how his teachings on KAIZEN™ and Continuous
Improvement continue to inspire leaders and organizations
worldwide.

Definition of KAIZEN™
PUBLICATIONS
Masaaki Imai’s books, including Kaizen, Gemba Kaizen, and
Strategic KAIZEN™ have become foundational texts in the pursuit
of business excellence. Through his writing, he introduced the
principles of Continuous Improvement to leaders and
organizations around the world.
Books
1/3

Kaizen
This book introduces the unique Japanese concept of
KAIZEN™—which means “Change for the Better”—for the first
time to a global audience.
Available on Amazon

Gemba Kaizen
This book proved to be even more influential than the
original. It contains over 20 case studies from companies
worldwide that had adopted KAIZEN™.
Available on Amazon

Strategic KAIZEN™
In this book, the flow concept is adopted as one of the
highest pillars of the Lean production system.
Available on Amazon
“Change for the better doesn’t happen overnight, as it takes
discipline and sacrifice to change the culture that has been formed
over many years.”
GLOBAL IMPACT
Masaaki Imai’s KAIZEN™ philosophy has shaped organizations
around the world, fostering a culture of Continuous Improvement.
From small businesses to global enterprises, his principles have
enhanced efficiency, productivity, and motivation—driving
lasting success across industries and borders.
Podcasts
2/2

Aleix Borrego
Managing Director, Kaizen Institute Poland

António Costa
CEO, Kaizen Institute, Ltd.
Interviews
1/2

Yukio Kakiuchi
Consultant
Reels
1/1

Edgar Hoyos
Managing Director, Kaizen Institute Colombia
DISTINCTION AWARD
The Masaaki Imai Distinction Award is a prestigious recognition
in Continuous Improvement practices, named after the founder of
Kaizen Institute. It honors long-term commitment to Continuous
Improvement principles across entire organizations, emphasizing
cultural transformation over short-term gains. Recipients join
an elite global community of Continuous Improvement leaders,
fostering knowledge exchange.

Masaaki Imai Distinction Award 2025
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