| Genchi Genbutsu | 現地現物 | Go and see for yourself |
| Genba (Gemba) | 現場 | The actual place |
| Kaizen | 改善 | Continuous improvement |
| Just-In-Time | ジャストインタイム | Produce only what is needed |
| Jidoka | 自働化 | Automation with human intelligence |
| Andon | 行灯 | Signal / visual alert |
| Heijunka | 平準化 | Production smoothing / leveling |
| Kanban | 看板 | Signboard / signaling system |
| Poka-Yoke | ポカヨケ | Mistake-proofing |
| Hansei | 反省 | Self-reflection |
| Nemawashi | 根回し | Laying the groundwork / consensus building |
| Muda | 無駄 | Waste |
| Mura | 斑 | Unevenness / irregularity |
| Muri | 無理 | Overburden |
| Obeya | 大部屋 | Large room / war room |
| Seiri | 整理 | Sort |
| Seiton | 整頓 | Set in order |
| Seiso | 清掃 | Clean and inspect |
| Seiketsu | 清潔 | Standardize |
| Shitsuke | 躾 | Sustain / discipline |
| Konnyaku Stone | — | Finishing stone (“devil’s tongue”) |