Sakichi Toyoda
1867-1930 · Japanese · Early 20th Century
Known for: King of Japanese Inventors who created the foundation for Toyota and lean manufacturing
Carpenter's son obsessed with looms. Invented the automatic loom that stopped when a thread broke—'jidoka' (automation with a human touch). Sold patents to fund his son Kiichiro's auto venture: Toyota.
His '5 Whys' problem-solving method is now used worldwide. Humble, persistent, methodical.
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