# Kaikaku

Operations · `Kaikaku` · verification: source checked

Kaikaku is a radical, revolutionary improvement of a value stream intended to quickly create more value with less waste. It is also called breakthrough kaizen and is contrasted with gradual, step-by-step kaizen. Examples include relocating equipment over a weekend to create single-piece flow in a compact cell, or switching a large product such as a commercial airliner from stationary to moving assembly.

## Specification

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Kind | methodology |

## Connected

- Related: [Kaizen](https://machineschema.com/operational/kaizen.md)

## Study notes

- Sometimes called kakushin.
- Also called breakthrough kaizen, in comparison with more gradual, step-by-step kaizen.
- Example: moving equipment over a weekend so products formerly fabricated and assembled in batches in isolated process villages are made in single-piece flow in a compact cell.
- Example: quickly switching from stationary to moving assembly for a large product such as a commercial airliner.
- The document cross-references PDCA and process village.

## Sources

1. [Kaikaku - Lean Enterprise Institute](https://www.lean.org/lexicon-terms/kaikaku/) (accessed 2026-10-25)

---

Source page: https://machineschema.com/operational/kaikaku  
JSON: https://machineschema.com/operational/kaikaku.json  
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite Machine Schema and the original sources.