kaizen

American  

[kahy-zen] / kaɪˈzɛn /

noun

1. a business philosophy or system that is based on making positive changes on a regular basis, as to improve productivity.

2. an approach to one’s personal or social life that focuses on continuous improvement.

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kaizen British  

/ kaɪˈzɛn /

noun

1. a philosophy of continuous improvement of working practices that underlies total quality management and just-in-time business techniques

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Usage

What is kaizen? Kaizen is a business philosophy based on making small, positive changes over time, such as for improving productivity. A Japanese concept, kaizen refers to taking small steps toward a goal over a longer period of time instead of taking big steps that may be difficult. Kaizen is most often practiced in businesses and the workplace, where the concept is used to increase profits by consistently and slowly improving productivity, a product, or something similar. Kaizen is also an approach to improving your own life by making one small change a day or spending a small amount of time, such as one minute a day, toward improvement. You might hear of people using kaizen to learn something, improve in a sport or hobby, or create healthier food habits. Many people like kaizen because it’s much easier to commit a small amount of time each day to slowly achieve a goal than it is to commit to a big change all at once. Example: Ever since I discovered the concept of kaizen, my work productivity has risen tenfold.

Etymology

Origin of kaizen

From Japanese: literally, “continuous improvement”

Example Sentences

But inside the walls of Kaizen Martial Arts & Fitness, in a program known as Kaizen Kinetics, they are heavyweight champs.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2025

Vassilakis has become an important figure in underground dance music over the past five years, founding the influential Kaizen record label.

From The Guardian • Apr. 15, 2019

This year, Servais chose a Japanese word: Kaizen.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 31, 2019

We also instituted Kaizen, the continuous-improvement system, which made a big difference in our operations.

From New York Times • Aug. 31, 2013

Those investors lend money to companies such as Kaizen Furniture Makers, a 35-employee firm.

From Washington Post