Ethics Based of Past Japanese CEOs

Many of the major companies within Japan have a long standing tradition. Unlike many foreign companies such companies have an abundance of history and have gone through many different economic times. I believe that there is benefit in learning how such CEOs were able to stand the test of time and continue to grow their business while adhering to their own personal ethical conducts. This will be a compilation of their quotes to take inspiration from and to base your own company off such ethical codes.

Akio Morita, Co-founder of Sony Corporation

Akio Morita

Akio Morita emphasized trust, innovation, and societal contribution. The Sony Group Code of Conduct reflects these values, highlighting the importance of earning trust and contributing to the world. Morita once stated, "Just as each person has their own character and virtues, I want our company to continue to be loved, and respected, by people everywhere.

Masayoshi Son, Founder and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp.

Son Masayoshi

Masayoshi Son advocates for integrity and ethical conduct. The SoftBank Group Code of Conduct underscores the necessity of conducting business not only in accordance with the law but also with the highest ethical standards. Son emphasizes that integrity must be the foundation for all business activities and encourages employees to act with honesty and uphold high principles.

Kiichiro Toyoda, Founder of Toyota Motor Corporation

Kiichiro Toyoda

Kiichiro Toyoda, inspired by his father Sakichi Toyoda's teachings, established the "Five Main Principles of Toyoda" in 1935. These principles serve as ethical guidelines for Toyota employees:

1. Always be faithful to your duties, thereby contributing to the Company and to the overall good.

2. Always be studious and creative, striving to stay ahead of the times.

3. Always be practical and avoid frivolousness.

4. Always strive to build a homelike atmosphere at work that is warm and friendly.

5. Always have respect for spiritual matters, and remember to be grateful at all times.

Specific quotes from Japanese CEO

Konosuke Matsushita, Founder of Panasonic Corporation

• "Business is people. The most important asset of any business is the people.

• "A company is a public entity. Its mission is to contribute to society."

Eiichi Shibusawa, Pioneer of Japanese Capitalism

• "The separation of moral and economic concerns is fundamentally flawed; true business success requires integrating ethical considerations."

Hiroshi Yamauchi, Third President of Nintendo

• "The reason Nintendo is what it is now is because I tried to do things no other company would do."

Tsunekazu Ishihara, President and CEO of The Pokémon Company

• "As we evolve in accordance with changes in device and communications technology, what’s of greatest importance to us is to enable many people to experience, through Pokémon, the memories and excitement of things they likely experienced as children—things like bug collecting, growing plants, or raising a pet."