Exploration of Lean Construction in Japan and Its Paradoxical Stance

Shigaki, Jefferson; Koskela, Lauri; Tezel, Algan; Pedo, Barbara

Abstract

Japanese construction, appraised for its high quality and production efficiency, holds virtues that Lean advocates have long admired in the Toyota Production System. However, Japanese building construction academia and industry organizations have remained disconnected from the mainstream IGLC community until recently. Therefore, its current state is insufficiently understood overseas. This study has employed a literature review, including resources in English and Japanese languages, and gathered first-hand testimonials to shed light on such a gap. This paper identified practices and routines from Japanese construction sites that could be incorporated into the Lean Construction repertoire, and identified points from which Japan could learn, such as the role of dynamic ecosystems in the birth and expansion of the Lean Construction movement and the presence of heavyweight champions who nurtured conduit leaders. Japanese constructors have aspired to pull their engineering strength to the next level and combine it with innovative management practices, including incorporating good ones learned from overseas. That is where the role of Lean resides. Lean may help fill the gap of converting tacit knowledge into structured knowledge, increasing transparency, smoothing the transmission of know-how, creating more efficient project deliveries, and turning itself into a more attractive business.

Citation

Shigaki, J., Koskela, L., Tezel, A., & Pedo, B. (2024, July). Exploration of Lean Construction in Japan and Its Paradoxical Stance. Presented at 32nd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 32), Auckland, New Zealand

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: 32nd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 32)
• Start Date: Jul 1, 2024
• End Date: Jul 5, 2024
• Acceptance Date: Jun 26, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jul 1, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 23, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 13, 2024
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 1219-1231
• Book Title: Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC32)
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.24928/2024/0193
• Keywords: Lean Construction; Japan; Theory; Toyota Production System; Ecosystem
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/37544741
• Publisher URL: https://www.iglc.net/Papers/Details/2272