Monozukuri
/ˌmoʊnoʊˈzuːkəri/noun
A Japanese philosophy and practice of making things through skilled craftsmanship, continuous improvement, and close attention to quality.
Did you know?In modern Japan, monozukuri became strongly associated with the craftsmanship ideals behind Toyota’s production culture, where improving the process is considered part of the maker’s character.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Japonic
Proto-Japonic
*mono
“Thing, object, or material entity”
Old Japanese, 8th century
Old Japanese
もの (mono)
“Thing, object, or sometimes an unseen being or spirit”
Old Japanese, 8th century
Old Japanese
つくる (tsukuru)
“To make, create, build, or produce”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
ものづくり (monozukuri)
“The making or production of things”
20th century
Japanese
ものづくり (monozukuri)
“A cultural ideal of manufacturing through craftsmanship, discipline, and quality improvement”
Modern English
English
monozukuri
“A Japanese approach to manufacturing that emphasizes craftsmanship, process improvement, and quality”
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