Abstract

Management vs. unorthodox developer. In the end, they trusted "customer feedback."

This book explores the hidden struggles of creating the revolutionary hit product "Quickle Wiper," which changed the world of cleaning, and the fierce six-year battle between management and unorthodox developers.

"Stop making this shoddy product right now!"
"We're not just some local inventor!"
"That's enough. Get out!"

How did the developers manage to transform the "rejected product" (Quickle Wiper), which never received the official go-ahead from management until the very end, into a "revolutionary product" that has sold a total of 62 million units worldwide?

Drawing on past records and memories, a senior executive officer candidly describes the behind-the-scenes manufacturing process at Kao, one of Japan's leading manufacturers of daily necessities and consumer goods.

Author’s Information

Senior Executive Officer, Kao Corporation

Born in Tokyo in 1963. Graduated from the Faculty of Law, Keio University in 1986. Joined Kao Corporation the same year and assigned to the Chubu Branch of Kao Sales Co., Ltd. From 1992, he was in charge of manufacturing and marketing in the Kao Corporation business division for 33 years. In 1992, he was assigned to the Paper Business Headquarters. After working in hair care and cosmetics, he became the Head of the Home Care Business Group in 2014, the Head of the Skin Care Business Division in 2018, the Head of the Health & Beauty Care Business Division and Executive Officer in 2020, and the Head of the Health & Beauty Care Business Division and Senior Executive Officer in 2022.