---
title: Kaizen
description: "Kaizen: the foundational Japanese philosophy for continuous, incremental improvement in manufacturing. Empower every employee to eliminate Muri/Muda/Mura."
---

[Glossary ](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary)

# [Kaizen](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/kaizen)

 Written by [one to ONE Holdings](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/author/one-to-one-holdings) | Oct 15, 2025 8:02:44 AM

Kaizen is the Japanese term that originates "improvement." In [TPS, or Toyota Production System](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/toyota-production-system-tps), however, it is a management philosophy focused on the continuous improvement of the entire organization.

It's a foundational philosophy stating that all processes, regardless of how efficient they currently seem, are opportunities for small, incremental, and ongoing improvements.

Unlike radical, large-scale innovation, Kaizen involves every employee, from top management to factory floor workers, who are empowered to identify and eliminate [waste (Muda), inconsistency (Mura), and overburden (Muri)](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/muri-muda-mura).

This focus on daily, low-cost enhancements creates a culture of constant refinement, driving quality, lowering operational costs, and maintaining long-term competitiveness in manufacturing.

 

[View full post](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/kaizen)

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