Founded as a domestic chemicals and soap manufacturer in 1887 in Japan, Kao Corporation’s offerings have expanded to include cosmetics, specialty chemicals, and laundry and health products. In 2013, the company achieved net sales of JPY 1,315.2 billion and employed over 6,000 people. The cosmetics and chemical manufacturer subscribes to the management philosophy of “Yoki-Monozukuri”
Đ
or excellent product development, as its
overarching operational strategy, with JPY 49,650 million dedicated to research and development. Its consumer product segment has three divisions:
Beauty Care Business, which offers cosmetics, skin care and hair care products; Human Health which offers health beverages, feminine and baby
products; and Fabric and Home Care Business, which includes laundry detergents and household cleaners. The company’s Chemical Business supplies
raw materials to other Kao Group companies and provides a range of products to a range of industries. 43% of its sales come from the Beauty Care, and
Fabric and Home Care account for 23.6% of total revenue, the majority of which is derived from a very strong domestic market presence