YKK is constantly pursuing contributing to a sustainable society through its core business. The foundation of all such corporate activities is the “Cycle of Goodness” corporate philosophy of YKK founder Tadao Yoshida. This philosophy clearly expresses YKK’s spirit of continuing to prosper together with society, customers, related industries, and employees. It is a concept that is highly compatible with sustainability. The founder repeatedly conveyed the essence of this corporate philosophy to employees, speaking of it in various ways.
Tadao Yoshida’s words, “Business is like building a bridge,” which are
connected to the “Cycle of Goodness,” can be understood in terms of
sustainability, as he believed that unless we benefit society as a whole, we will not be able to prosper ourselves.
The words “manufacturing like pure spring water” and “trash can be a great resource if it is utilized with ingenuity” are linked to environmental consideration, and the words “the strength of a forest is better than a big tree” are linked to respect for human rights and individuality.
A philosophy that is highly compatible with sustainability has been at the core of YKK’s management since the time of the founder. It continues to be inherited at the company even today, more than 80 years later.