By Mukesh Bector
Modern Japan is international, open and adaptive. It’s also one of, if not the, most technologically advanced nations on earth. But there’s an interesting dichotomy in Japanese culture and business. As much as it embraces modernity, it combines this with long-held traditions. This is reflected in Japan Monozukuri principle, translated as, ‘the art and science of manufacturing.’ It’s been at the heart of customary Japanese craftsmanship for centuries and often acts as a guiding light for modern techniques. It combines high-tech and traditional notions in one simple philosophy.
The term itself is made up of two Japan words ‘mono’ and ‘zukuri’. Mono is the thing that is made and Zukuri means the act of making. Monozukuri focuses not only on the tools of continuous improvement, but on the corresponding culture as well.
The concept historically refers to a work ethic based on deep knowledge, multiple skills and a lot of passion. It is accompanied by a strong ambition to achieve perfection, an aspiration that is highly recognised in Japanese society. There is also the notion of pride in achievement. A sense of responsibility and a deep respect for the materials used.
With a focus on a long-term vision rather than short-term results. Japanese businesses are pushing for sustainable growth, while adhering to age-old principles of craftsmanship and contributing to society. From cars to electronics, the country has a reputation for quality and its commitment to excellence. This is still evident in the products today.
Monozukuri and Sustainable Manufacturing
Businesses today face intense scrutiny over their social and environmental impact. Stakeholders expect every company to tackle global warming, plastic pollution, human-rights concerns, and broader Environmental, Social, and Governance [ESG] goals.
In manufacturing, the Japanese philosophy of Monozukuri calls on us to use resources with care, avoid waste, and create products that benefit society while respecting nature. We must keep production, resources, and community in balance.
Monozukuri rests on three active pillars that drive low-cost, sustainable, and continuously improving operations:
- Product & Development
Designers minimize resources and costs by standardizing processes, promoting transparency, and fostering teamwork from the outset. - Production
Plant teams streamline workflows to cut waste and optimize every step of the manufacturing process. - Supply Chain
Logistics partners work together to shrink the environmental footprint and reduce total costs across sourcing, transport, and delivery.
By focusing on these pillars, businesses actively build efficient, sustainable practices that serve both society and the bottom line.
By adopting the concept of Monozukuri, businesses can focus on removing waste and streamlining processes to secure sustainable cost reduction. Whilst re-investing profit and effort into employees, society, and the planet. This holistic approach not only results in a positive impact on the business and its customers, but ensures sustainable growth.
A number of Japanese businesses, such as Epson, are examples of this. Epson’s core values revolve contributing to the development and the welfare of society at large. The company delivers innovative products that reflect the needs of customers today. Grounded in its spirit of craftsmanship, Epson is dedicated to its customers and employees. It is committed to helping to protect the world we all live in. This is reflected by the Responsible Business Alliance [RBA] Platinum status for Responsible Manufacturing granted to the company’s Philippines factory in November 2022.
The RBA is the world’s largest industry coalition dedicated to corporate social responsibility in global supply chains and is committed to supporting the rights and wellbeing of workers and communities worldwide. The coalition recognises factories and sites across the world that achieve the highest standards of corporate social responsibility in their production processes and focuses on fair working conditions, human rights and sustainability.
There are a lot of lessons that we can learn from Japan and its way of managing business. Innovative new technology isn’t the only road to success, traditional methods that have stood the test of time can also be applied and critically, harmony with our environment and those around us is essential.
Focus on the Customer
Although individuals and businesses should hold a clear vision, they must keep it realistic and align it with the needs of those they serve. In Monozukuri, Japanese companies embrace this principle: they adopt a long-term perspective, anticipate customer desires, and address industry requirements. As a result, they deliver top-quality products and service levels that earn customer trust.
Quality Over Quantity
Individuals and businesses need a clear vision, yet they keep it realistic and align it with the needs of the people they serve. Practicing Monozukuri, Japanese companies model this approach: they take a long-term view, anticipate customer desires, and meet industry demands. As a result, they deliver top-quality products and service that win customer trust.
Life-Long Learning
Monozukuri urges employees to “bring their minds to work.” The company empowers and trains them to handle diverse situations, which builds a strong sense of ownership. Employees don’t just make products; they also cultivate pride and passion in their roles. They tap into their creativity and draw on craftsmanship often gained through apprenticeships.
Because people build every product, the company must support them for manufacturing to succeed. That support lives in Hitozukuri—our commitment to develop each employee’s skills and knowledge throughout their career. Continuous learning lets employees grow alongside their work and achieve excellence in their craft.
Epson, for example, has a dedicated programme in Japan that considers the first year of employment to be a training period during which new employees learn about its approach to work. New employees will gather for group training, where they learn the mindset and attitude necessary for practicing Monozukuri, which is the foundation of Epson’s efficient, compact and precision technologies.
In a world where innovation is a consistent buzzword, it’s easy to forget that some of the best ideas come from time-tested traditions. Japan has a long history of creating quality products, and there is much we can learn from the country’s approach. By applying the principles of Monozukuri, we can create products that are not only functional, efficient and reliable, but also aesthetically pleasing, timeless and – most importantly – sustainable.
