https://doi.org/10.24928/2024/0193

Exploration of Lean Construction in Japan and Its Paradoxical Stance

Jeferson Shin-Iti Shigaki¹, Lauri Koskela², Algan Tezel³ & Barbara Pedo⁴

¹Senior Researcher, Research & Development Institute, Takenaka Corporation, Inzai, Chiba, Japan, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0003-4513-6334
²Adjunct Professor, Building Lifecycle Research Group, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0003-4449-2281
³Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0003-3903-6126
⁴Ph.D. Researcher, Innovative Design Lab (IDL), University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK (Lean Manager, Arcadis UK, Manchester, UK), [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0002-6520-0981

Abstract

Japanese construction, appraised for its high quality and production efficiency, holds virtues that Lean advocates have long admired in the Toyota Production System. However, Japanese building construction academia and industry organizations have remained disconnected from the mainstream IGLC community until recently. Therefore, its current state is insufficiently understood overseas. This study has employed a literature review, including resources in English and Japanese languages, and gathered first-hand testimonials to shed light on such a gap. This paper identified practices and routines from Japanese construction sites that could be incorporated into the Lean Construction repertoire, and identified points from which Japan could learn, such as the role of dynamic ecosystems in the birth and expansion of the Lean Construction movement and the presence of heavy-weight champions who nurtured conduit leaders. Japanese constructors have aspired to pull their engineering strength to the next level and combine it with innovative management practices, including incorporating good ones learned from overseas. That is where the role of Lean resides. Lean may help fill the gap of converting tacit knowledge into structured knowledge, increasing transparency, smoothing the transmission of know-how, creating more efficient project deliveries, and turning itself into a more attractive business.

Keywords

Lean Construction, Japan, Theory, Toyota Production System, Ecosystem.

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Reference

Shigaki, J. S. , Koskela, L. , Tezel, A. & Pedo, B. 2024. Exploration of Lean Construction in Japan and Its Paradoxical Stance, Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 32) , 1219-1231. doi.org/10.24928/2024/0193

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