Events

Kaizen: A Japanese business philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement across an organization. The term translates to “change for the better” and is based on the idea that there is always room for improvement, no matter how well something is working. Kaizen originated in post-war Japan, where Toyota employees used it to prevent manufacturing defects. The concept was introduced to the West in 1986 by Masaaki Imai’s book Kaizen: The Key to Success in Competition. Today, Kaizen is used in many industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, retail, and hospitality.

Summary of the ARMA/SAMA Zenkai Improvement Partners Study Tour

Intent and Overview

A specialized study tour to Japan in May, 2025 for Austin Regional Manufacturers Association (ARMA) and San Antonio Regional Manufacturers Association (SAMA) members, tailored to member’s specific needs. Focus areas: Toyota Production System (TPS), people-centric leadership, culture building, employee retention, and Kaizen/Lean methodologies.

Project Objectives

• Expose participants to leading Japanese manufacturers excelling in TPS and Lean principles.
• Facilitate discussions and strategy sessions for participants to create actionable improvement roadmaps.
• Encourage networking among ARMA/SAMA members to foster collaboration and mentorship.

Training Content Highlights

• Core topics include Toyota Production System basics, Kaizen practices, culture building, agile and Lean overlaps, and industry-specific applications.
• Certification courses in Toyota management principles and practical Kaizen training.

Sample Site Visits

• Tokyo Electron – VIP tour coordinated through ARMA member Tokyo Electron.
• Lexus – Curated VIP tour to Lexus production facility.
• Additional visits to renowned organizations (e.g. Suzaki Industries, Subaru, Omron, Toto) offering insights into TPS practices, Kaizen-driven operations, and innovative workplace strategies. Visits to certification and training centers for hands-on experience.

Tour Leaders

• David Fitzpatrick: Expert in TPS, cross-cultural communication, and operational optimization.
• Reiko Kano: Veteran Kaizen consultant with decades of experience, mentored by TPS founders.

Tour Pricing and Policies

• Cost:Early bird discounted pricing through January 31 is $7,500 ($8,250 thereafter).
• Price includes hotel accommodations, ground transportation in country to tour sites, meals, and program content.
• Excluded: Airfare, incidentals, add-ons. Travel arrangements will be handled by our travel agent.

Assurance of unique, impactful content with a focus on participant engagement and operational excellence.