Kao Museum

The entrance to Kao Museum

This museum traces the lifestyles of people from ancient times to the present from the perspective of “cleanliness” and unravels the spirit of Kao’s Yoki-Monozukuri^*, great process of development and manufacturing that has continued unceasingly since the birth of Kao soap in 1890.
We hope that you will deeply understand the culture of cleanliness and feel the essence of Kao’s spirit and culture which we continue to inherit to this day.

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Yoki-Monozukuri means an excellent creation process that is good for everyone involved and enriches the lives of consumers and customers. To learn more, please refer to the Kao Way, our corporate philosophy.

Exhibit Overview

1. Culture of Cleanliness

This zone explores the lifestyles of people from ancient times to the present from the perspective of “cleanliness” and introduces the development of cleanliness culture such as washing, cleaning, bathing, and facial makeup.

Culture of cleanliness of Edo (old Tokyo in the 17-19th centuries)

Full-scale display of a Japanese apartment interior in 1960s

2. Kao History

Since the launch of Kao Soap in 1890, we have contributed to the improvement of people’s lifestyles and the development of industries through Yoki-Monozukuri. Innovative products and advertisements at the time trace the company’s history.

The Founder of Kao and the first Kao Soap

Historical Kao advertisements

3. Communication Plaza

This space shows Kao’s latest technologies and co-creation. We introduce our initiatives of solving social issues through our unique products aiming for a better future.

Wide room with a white base