Kao

Kao creates products that enrich the lives of consumers around the world. Through its portfolio of over 20 leading brands such as Bioré, John Frieda, and Molton Brown, Kao is part of the lives of people around the world. Kao employs about 33,000 people worldwide and has 130 years of history in innovation.
Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao delivers high quality products that make life beautiful. Our mission is “Kirei – Making Life Beautiful”. The Japanese word “kirei” describes something that is beautiful and clean both inside and outside. It expresses the value that Kao desires to bring to society: products and services that care for the needs of our consumers while respecting our planet. Kao aims to become an indispensable part of society, as a company making essential contributions to the protection of all life on the planet and enabling a more beautiful life for people around the world.
‘Guard Our Future:’ Kao's Vision to Balance Business with Solutions to Social Issues
Kao’s Guard Our Future project aims to greatly reduce transmission of dengue fever by focusing on three main areas: community activities, raising awareness among the next generation, and dengue fever forecasting. ... View More
How Kao Is Creating a More Sustainable, Beautiful, ‘Kirei’ Life for All
Through its Kirei Lifestyle Plan, Kao aims to empower at least 1 billion people to live more gently and sustainably by 2030. We caught up with Kao’s Dave Muenz to hear about the company’s progress toward its goals; and how the pandemic has both i... View More
Kao: Striving for 'Yoki-Monozukuri' (‘Excellent Manufacturing’) Through the Pursuit of 'Kirei'
Kao’s new ESG strategy is centered on kirei (meaning “clean, beautiful and orderly”) — a Japanese word that is not yet well known worldwide but one that the company aims to make aspirational throughout the world. ... View More
Companies Worth $15T Named to CDP's 2020 ‘A List’ of Environmental Leaders
Over 300 companies have today been named on this year’s A List by environmental non-profit CDP. This is a major increase on last year, despite the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19. ... View More
SB’20 Yokohama: Collaboration, Co-Creation Tackling the Challenges Facing Japan and the World
On the theme of “Delivering the Good Life,” SB'20 Yokohama was held on February 19–20 in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, just outside of Tokyo. The fourth SB conference in Japan attracted 231 speakers and more than 3,300 attendees, making i... View More
Kao USA, Inc announces the launch of MyKirei New product collection inspired by the Kirei philosophy promotes sustainability and simplicity, without sacrifice
Kao USA, Inc is bringing a radically new level of care to the personal care category—and redefining corporate responsibility —with the launch of MyKirei by Kao, a comprehensive collection of products founded on the credence that caring for oursel... View More
Consumer Goods Forum Launches Local Group to Tackle Sustainability Challenges in Japan
As part of its ongoing regionalization strategy, The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) has created a Japan Sustainability Local Group. Chaired by Koji Inoue of Ajinomoto Co., Inc., the Local Group will help local and multinational CGF members in Japan share... View More

