How to Say "Kaizen" in Japanese

改善

kaizen[ka̠izẽ̞ɴ]

The Japanese word 改善 (kaizen) means continuous improvement.

In Japanese, it is a standard, everyday word used for any kind of improvement, such as improving a system, a situation or a process.

Meaning: Japanese business practice of continuous improvement (noun)

How do you pronounce it?

kaizen

The concept of 改善 is closely tied to the Japanese value of 'gemba', meaning 'the actual place'. This requires managers to leave their offices and go to the factory floor to see where improvements are needed.
While often used in business, the word 改善 is also a common term in medicine to describe the improvement of a patient's condition or a way to describe a gradual recovery.
In a Japanese workplace, 改善 is often implemented through 'kaizen events' or 'kaizen blitzes', which are short, intense bursts of activity designed to solve a specific problem quickly.

この計画は、毎年の改善を重視します。
This plan emphasizes annual improvement.
もっとカイゼンを取り入れると、効率が向上しますよ。
If you embrace more kaizen, efficiency will improve.
私たちのチームは、日々の改善を目指しています。
Watashitachi no chīmu wa, hibi no kaizen o mezashite imasu.
Our team aims for daily continuous improvement.
現場の改善が、生産性を向上させます。
Genba no kaizen ga, seisansei o kōjō sasemasu.
On-site continuous improvement improves productivity.
小さな改善の積み重ねが大切です。
Chiisana kaizen no tsumikasane ga taisetsu desu.
Accumulating small continuous improvements is important.

Two colleagues are discussing a new project workflow.

大翔 Hiroto

この作業工程に改善が必要ですね。
Kono sagyō kōtei ni kaizen ga hitsuyō desu ne.
This work process needs continuous improvement, doesn't it?
陽葵 Himari

はい、もっと効率的にできます。
Hai, motto kōritsuteki ni dekimasu.
Yes, we can make it more efficient.
大翔 Hiroto

陽葵さんのアイデアを聞かせてください。
Himari-san no aidea o kikasete kudasai.
Please let me hear your ideas, Himari.
陽葵 Himari

まずは、道具の配置を変えましょう。
Mazu wa, dōgu no haichi o kaemashō.
First, let's change the arrangement of the tools.

Sources

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