Just over a week ago, I got back from Katie Anderson's Japan Study Trip. It was amazing! I have so much to write about and share.
But first, Facebook reminded me of something from exactly ten years ago–the second time I visited Japan with the Kaizen Institute.
Read my blog posts from all of my Japan tours
I asked 2024 ChatGPT to translate this 2014 news story that's pictured below (with me sitting there and taking notes in the front row of the meeting room). See the English text below the image:
(Translated by ChatGPT)
Date: November 21, 2014 (平成26年)
Main Headline: “Focused Attention on Kaizen Activities”
Subtitle: “Foreign Healthcare Professionals Observe at Kanto Central Hospital”
The article discusses an event where international healthcare professionals visited the Kanto Central Hospital to observe and learn about its “Kaizen” activities. The hospital is actively implementing these improvement methodologies, rooted in the Toyota Production System, to enhance healthcare processes.
The group included 19 participants from various countries who came to learn how Kaizen principles are applied in a hospital setting. The hospital conducted tours and provided detailed explanations about their efforts to continuously improve patient care, reduce waste, and streamline operations.
One of the focal points was how the hospital's staff members actively contribute to Kaizen initiatives by identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes. A doctor, likely featured in the accompanying photo, explained specific examples of Kaizen improvements in action.
Additional Section (Bottom of the Article):
There is a smaller section mentioning a celebration of the hospital's fifth anniversary and the introduction of a new vehicle (likely related to hospital operations or patient transport). It also includes details about the attendees and the broader context of the event.
This article highlights the growing global interest in applying Kaizen in non-industrial fields like healthcare and shows the hospital's role as a leader in these efforts.
Another Article from 2014
Summarized and translated by ChatGPT 5.0.
Foreign Visitors Tour Kanchuo Hospital
On November 19, a group of foreigners visited Kanchuo Hospital (in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture) to learn about its initiatives in “kaizen” (continuous improvement). The group, made up of 32 participants from countries including the United States and Sweden, toured the hospital's facilities.
The visitors were particularly interested in how the hospital applies kaizen practices in its operations, such as improvements in the pharmacy department's setup and workflow. Pharmacy Director Hiroshi Takahashi explained the measures being taken to reduce mistakes and improve efficiency.
This tour was part of an international training program planned by the Kaizen Institute (headquartered in Switzerland), which regularly organizes visits to Japanese sites.
Participants commented that they were impressed with the hospital's ingenuity, such as its approach to reducing errors in medication management. They also praised how kaizen practices were adapted effectively to a healthcare setting.
Some said things like,
“We want to take this back home and try it out,” and “It was very useful.”
The hospital hopes that showcasing these efforts will not only improve safety and quality for patients but also help spread Japan's approach to kaizen more widely overseas.
Hospital Director Fukumoto said,
“By having overseas people see our efforts, we gain confidence, and it encourages us to move forward.”
Come to Japan with Me!
If you're curious about joining our next Lean Healthcare Accelerator Experience in Japan this October-or if you're exploring how this kind of immersive learning could benefit you and your organization-I'd love to talk. Visit www.japanleantrip.com or reach out to me directly for more details.
Please scroll down (or click) to post a comment. Connect with me on LinkedIn.
Let’s build a culture of continuous improvement and psychological safety—together. If you're a leader aiming for lasting change (not just more projects), I help organizations:
- Engage people at all levels in sustainable improvement
- Shift from fear of mistakes to learning from them
- Apply Lean thinking in practical, people-centered ways
Interested in coaching or a keynote talk? Let’s talk.
Join me for a Lean Healthcare Accelerator Trip to Japan! Learn More
How wonderful the full-circle experience was! It’s wonderful to see how your path toward Kaizen and continuous improvement has gone full circle throughout the years, from your visit to the Kaizen Institute in 2014 to Katie Anderson’s study trip to Japan in 2024. The translated piece serves as a fantastic reminder of how these ideas apply to a variety of industries, including healthcare.