Kao Corporation

At the heart of Kao Corporation is a culture deeply rooted in its Japanese heritage, guided by the philosophy of 'Yoki-Monozukuri,' which translates to a strong commitment by all members to provide products and brands of excellent value for consumer satisfaction. This principle, established by founder Tomiro Nagase in 1887, emphasizes acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation, and treating everyone with trust and respect. Kao's mission is to strive for the wholehearted satisfaction and enrichment of the lives of people globally and to contribute to the sustainability of the world. This commitment is embraced by all members of the Kao Group as they work together with passion to share joy with consumers and customers. The company aims to be an indispensable part of society, making essential contributions to the protection of all life on the planet and enabling a more beautiful life for people around the world. This is encapsulated in their corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, and their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, the 'Kirei Lifestyle Plan'. The Japanese word 'Kirei' describes something that is clean, well-ordered, and beautiful, reflecting not only appearance but also an attitude—a desire to create beauty for oneself, for others, and for the natural world.

Kao fosters a working environment that allows team members to flourish and grow, understanding that its people are one of its core assets. The company invests in its employees through a 70:20:10 learning and development model, where knowledge is gained primarily through job-related experiences, relationships, and organized training. Across its Americas Region, which includes the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Kao emphasizes thriving on change, embracing differences, and drawing strength from one another. They operate with integrity and through innovation and deep understanding, delivering excellent products that make the world a better place. Kao's commitment to ethical practices has been recognized by being named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for multiple consecutive years. The company is dedicated to making life beautiful for its consumers, communities, and employees, driven by a purpose to create a 'Kirei Life for all' – a beautiful life that respects the needs of consumers and customers as well as the planet.