KAO Corporation is a Japan-based manufacturer of consumer and chemical products, headquartered in Chūō-ku, Tokyo. Founded in 1887 by Tomiro Nagase as a soap producer, the company has grown into a diversified multinational group serving both personal care and industrial markets. Over more than a century of operations, KAO has established a reputation for combining scientific research with consumer-driven innovation.
The company’s main business activities are organized into four segments: Beauty Care, Human Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Chemicals. In Beauty Care, KAO develops and markets skincare, haircare and cosmetic products under brands such as Biore, Curél and Molton Brown. The Human Health Care segment offers over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, oral care and sanitary goods. Fabric & Home Care includes laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids and household cleaners. In the Chemicals division, KAO produces specialty coatings, film-forming polymers and electronic materials, serving industries from electronics to textiles.
KAO maintains a global footprint with operations in Asia, the Americas and Europe. The company operates manufacturing sites across Japan, China, Southeast Asia and the United States, along with regional sales offices and research centers in key markets. Its R&D network focuses on biotechnology, materials science and sustainable product development, supporting both consumer and industrial applications.
Under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer Michihiro Kawanabe, KAO emphasizes sustainability and circular-economy solutions. The company has set targets to reduce environmental impact, leveraging innovations in biodegradable polymers and resource-efficient production. With a history spanning more than 130 years, KAO continues to balance tradition with forward-looking strategies in beauty, health and chemical sectors worldwide.
AI Generated. May Contain Errors.
