Chapter 10
Father of the QC Circle:
Prof. Kaoru Ishikawa

Prof. Kaoru Ishikawa advocated forming “QC Circle” in order to educate andpromote Quality Control for front-line workers in the workplace, on the way to realize
Total Quality Control, and strived to promote it by establishing the QC Circle
Headquarters, within JUSE, in 1962 for systemization.
QC Circle is small groups consisting of people from the same workplace that
operate quality control activities autonomously. These small groups promote self-andmutual-development as a part of Total Quality Control activities, utilizing quality
control tools and methods for management of the workplace and improvement
continuously, with total participation. QC Circle activities aim to bring out and develop
members’ potential capabilities.
This activity was extensively developed due to the dedicated effort of Prof. Kaoru
Ishikawa and, today, there are 9 regional chapters covering entire Japan. The
accumulated number of registered circles at the QC Circle Headquarters, from its
foundation in 1962 to the present, amounted to 340,000 circles with 2,630,000 members(As of the end of December, 1991). Generally speaking, there still seems to be asignificant number of unregistered circles. On the contrary, this figure includes thenumber of circles once registered a long time ago, however, which have disappeared atpresent, due to operation shutdown, organizational reform etc. Under the initiative ofProf. Ishikawa, the actual status of QC Circle, regardless of registration status, required
investigation, which was conducted by sampling, targeting workplace with 30
employees or over.
The result shows estimates as follows:Dissemination rate of QC Circle at workplace (nationwide): 26%
Investigation conducted: Approx. 66,000 workplaces
Number of QC Circles: Approx. 750,000 Circles
Number of participated members: Approx. 5,500,000 members(Reference: QC Circle-monthly magazine, No. 319, 1988)

PART III Accomplishments of Prof. Kaoru Ishikawa

QC Circle made a profound impact on foreign countries as a feature of JapaneseQuality Control activities, and similar activities were deployed in more than 60
countries and regions.
It can be said that this activity, which welcomed its 30th anniversary in 1992, since
foundation, is a characteristic business culture of Japan. Prof. Ishikawa was literally abirth parent, as well as a foster parent of QC Circle, exceling leadership in every aspectof planning and operation from its foundation to promotion, enlightenment,
systemization and activation.
‘‘QC Circle Koryo, General Principles of the QC Circle” published by the QC
Circle Headquarters in 1970, is referred as a bible for QC Circle activities, in which theforeword of the book ends with “a wish for happiness to all human kinds.” Thedomestic and global dissemination status of QC Circle today, tells of Prof. Ishikawa’s
vision.
For his achievement in dissemination and development of QC Circle, Prof.
Ishikawa along with Mr. Tatsuo Sugimoto and Mr. Masumasa Imaizumi, were given thefirst Management Technique Development Award by the Japan Management
Association in 1983.
Given the above great success, Prof. Ishikawa is called the Father of the QC Circle.

10.1

Towards Company-Wide Quality Control

Prof. Kaoru Ishikawa felt, from an early stage, the necessity to disseminate Quality
Control to front-line workers in the workplace. In Hinshitsu Kanri (Statistical Quality
Control) magazine, Prof. Ishikawa served as the editorial committee chair, the following
articles were published, in order to give direction to so-called, Company-wide Quality
Control, involving front-line workers that was different from the top-down approach,using the ladder of office organization, often seen in the United States and in othercountries: (Refer to Section 8.3)
Round-table talk “Foremen’s experience on Quality Control” (January issue, 1956)“Workers in the workplace and QC” (March issue, 1960)“Various issues surrounding leaders in the workplace” (July issue, 1961)
Meanwhile, when we looked into a company, the internal education on Quality
Control for workplace supervisors in the manufacturing department, was just beginningat several companies. Internal education and training for foremen, accelerated soon after
256Chapter 10 Father of the QC Circle: Prof. Kaoru Ishikawa

the Quality Control Education and Training Manual of Mitsubishi Electric’s Foremen(Japan Standards Association) was published in February, 1954 and Quality Control for
Foremen of Fuji Tsushinki Manufacturing Corporation, in October, 1956.
In January 1960, Quality Control Textbook for Foremen (A)(B) (Coauthored by
Kaoru Ishikawa, Ikuro Kusaba, Yo Matsumoto, Masumasa Imaizumi, Seinosuke Niki,
JUSE Press, Ltd.) was published with an extraordinary number of copies being sold†and steadily built up interest about Quality Control among workers in the workplace.
Prof. Ishikawa looked back during his special lecture at the 7th Quality Control
Convention in 1969 as follows:“When we started Quality Control in Japan, 20 years ago, we intended to start
it with the Japanese way, as the background was different from Japan to that ofoverseas. Quality Control in the U.S.A., is quality control for professionals with astrong aspect of that for, so-called, QC engineers. On the other hand, there was nosuch professionalism in Japan, which is considered as pros and cons. As webelieved that Quality Control with total participation was suitable for Japan, we
promoted Quality Control for Top Management and Quality Management at theworkplace. Quality Control in the workplace is performed just as a part ofCompany-wide Quality Control. More specifically, there is Quality Control by Top
Management, also by managers, and by staff members. As a part of the chain, theworkplace must carry out QC Circle activities in a responsible way.”“Japanese workers are the best in the world with a superior level of
educational standard. Just following the SOP would make such people sick. Why
don’t we take advantage of their knowledge?”“Conventionally, foremen are just nominal and not showing real leadership.
We must change it to a way in which they can take leadership.”This way, Prof. Ishikawa thought, Japanese Quality Control must be a form ofCompany-wide Quality Control, where front-line workers willingly participate, andwhich is promoted at every occasion, with the intention of leading the way to make thissystem. This is how the foundation to give birth to QC Circle was steadily created.
(Tatsuo Sugimoto)†As of 1991, Quality Control Textbook for Former has 189 printings and 380,000 copies.
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10.2

The Birth of QC Circle(1) Publication of the Magazine Genba To QC (Quality Control for the Foreman)

The direct motive which gave birth to QC Circle, was the following requests fromeight foremen during a round-table talk on “Various issues surrounding foremen,” thatwas initially planned for Hinshitsu Kanri (Statistical Quality Control) magazine issue inJuly, 1961.
“We would like to learn Quality Control. We would like a magazine published
for us to learn Quality Control.”“We would like an opportunity where we can speak and exchange opinions.
We are also retaining consciousness on Quality, problems and improvement.”
In order to respond with these requests, the following epoch-making, andhistorically important decision for Japanese QC, was made by Prof. Ishikawa, who
served as the editorial board chair at the time, after deliberate discussion during theeditorial committee of Hinshitsu Kanri (Statistical Quality Control) magazine, inautumn 1961.
“We will set afloat Genba To QC-magazine from April 1962. With which, each
workplace forms QC Circle, learns Genba To QC at the core, and holds discussions.
We will start to call for registration, at QC Circle Headquarters.”
The reason why Genba To QC-magazine started as a quarterly issue, was that
although there were strong requests from some foremen, it was difficult to predict
response from others, at the time of the first issue, letting editorial committee members
concerned, if it was not well received for sale. Prof. Ishikawa assumed the post of
editorial board chair of Genba To QC-magazine, along with 20 editorial committee
members.
Prof. Ishikawa played a central role in organizing committees for research anddevelopment, planning and editing upon the first number of the magazine, where Prof.
Ishikawa’s message to readers “Upon the first number of the magazine” appeared. It
was then the term, “QC Circle” was used for the very first time. QC Circle activity cameinto existence as a result of launching Genba To QC-magazine. The following is part ofhis message:“I am very pleased to deliver, herewith, the first issue of Genba To
QC-magazine. Last year, when we held a round-table talk among foremen for the258

Chapter 10 Father of the QC Circle: Prof. Kaoru Ishikawa

sister magazine, Hinshitsu Kanri (Statistical Quality Control), there was a strong
request for a magazine to be published, which could easily be approached byforemen and for the workplace. After deliberate discussion by the sub-committee,
as well as questionnaires being conducted, at the 11th Quality Control Convention,
it was finally decided to launch the first issue of Genba To QC-magazine.
Quality Control in Japan is approaching 15 years since its introduction, andentering into an era of Total Quality Control. The era, featuring Quality Control at
the workplace, where quality is actually created, as the center of activities, andquality assurance, where the workplace takes responsibility for quality, is about tocome.
We started to edit this magazine in a friendly manner for people in theworkplace. We would like to listen to your opinions as consumers and exchange
various opinions in the magazine. Furthermore, you may form a reader’s QC circle
at each workplace. We appreciate your cooperation as we intend to edit thismagazine by, not only editorial committee members alone, but also, by all readersinvolved.
We may be able to publish the magazine bi-monthly or monthly in the future,according to your request.
In any case, we would be most grateful if QC activities, rooted in theworkplace are carried out, and significant outcome is achieved by workplace people
for real. Best wishes for your success.”
When Prof. Ishikawa recalled the time when QC Circle was born, he mentioned theobjective of forming a QC Circle as follows:“Study first to keep in mind, at least, QC methods. As it will be difficult tocontinue to study alone, forming a group to study Genba To QC at the core would
work. As the next step, what is learned there, is to be applied in the workplace forreal situation. With these two objectives, forming QC Circle is extensively calledfor.” (Special lecture, the 7th Top Management Quality Control Convention in
1969)(2) Formation of the Nation-Wide Organization for Promoting QC Circle and its Activities

1) QC Circle Headquarter, regional and sectional chapter organizations

In May 1962, the QC Circle Headquarters of Japan was established at JUSE. The
QC Circle Headquarters was comprised of the President and CEO at JUSE, as President,
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Chair and three vice-chairs from the editorial board of the QC Circle-monthly magazine
as Executive Directors, editorial committee members as advisors, and the 3rd divisionof JUSE as the Secretariat.†
In September 1964, the Kanto, Tokai, Hokuriku and Kinki regional chapters were
founded. Chugoku-Shikoku regional chapter followed in June 1965, Kyushu regional
chapter in November 1968, Hokkaido regional chapter in March 1971, Tohoku regional
chapter in April 1974, and Okinawa regional chapter in February 1984, respectively. At
present, there are 37 sectional chapters, mostly at the prefectural level, under theregional chapters. Some sectional chapters have even been divided into blocks.
As an organization, the composition of regional chapters is the same as sectional
chapters, which hold one President, one Vice-President, a few Honorary Advisors, one
Advisor, a few Assistant Advisors, one Executive Secretary, one Assistant Executive
Secretary, and a number of Secretary Members, at each regional and sectional chapter,
respectively. As of the end of June 1991, there were 1,704 Secretary Members at
Regional and Sectional chapters, nationwide. Past and successive executive andsecretary members have made substantial contributions to develop QC Circle in eachregion. We are unable to explain the dissemination and development of QC Circle up to
the present without referring to their dedicated voluntary activities. There arenationwide organizations for various voluntary activities, industrial activities or sport
promotion activities in Japan, as well as in other countries. When comparing suchorganizations, QC Circle Headquarters, regional and sectional chapter organizations are
unique, as voluntary activities from both companies and individuals, form thefoundation.
Also note that Mr. Heizo Nanbo of Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd., Mr. Takeaki Shirai of
Nippon Denso Corp., Mr. Taro Kuninobu of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.,and Mr. Iwao Iwasaki of Komatsu Ltd., were strong-armed into accepting the posts ofregional presidents, when the four regional chapters were founded in 1964.
Prof. Ishikawa had been assigned to the Executive Director, which is the nerve
center of this organizational structure, for over 27 years, since its foundation until his
demise away. Although “Provisions regarding QC Circle Headquarters and Regional
Chapters” were stipulated in order to smoothly operate activities at QC Circle
Headquarters, regional and sectional chapters, Prof. Ishikawa insisted not to rule indetail, so as to respect the autonomy of respective chapters.

†

At the time of organizational reform within the JUSE Group, the QC Circle Headquarter wastransferred to JUSE.
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2) Registration System at QC Circle Headquarters

At the same time as Genba To QC-magazine was first published, the registration
system for QC Circle that started the activity, to register at the QC Circle Headquarter,
was introduced in 1962, under the philosophy that direct communication with readers
could be made. The names of registered circles were also published in Genba To
QC-magazine.
In response to this call, the first QC circle registered at the QC Circle Headquarterwas “Matsuyama Delivery Communication Department Machine Circle” from Nippon
Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation, in May 1962. The number of registeredcircles grew by leaps and bounds, against all odds, by the editorial committee members.
Prof. Ishikawa mentioned the significance of registration as follows:“Registration is as simple as filling out and posting the form which is at theend of Genba To QC-magazine in the odd months. You may feel embarrassed tomake registration at first. It is rather important to become more confident about
registration which shows “our circle is officially recognized throughout Japan”.
Then, I would like each and every one to express strong motivation to promote QC
Circle in a responsible manner. Others also feel afire with fight to participate
actively, not to be left behind by other circles.” (1967, [193])
3) QC Convention for Foremen/QC Circle Convention

QC Convention in November began taking place in a stratified manner, and the QC
Convention for Foremen started in 1962. Prof. Ishikawa mentioned the scene that thisconvention became more and more crowded year after year, in his speech in 1966, as
follows:“When we first hosted the QC Convention for Foremen, the first concern
which hit upon me was whether the company would allow foremen to be present at
the convention, as is unprecedented in the past. Anyway, we tried the first QC
Convention for Foremen in Tokyo in 1962. At most 200 participants wereconsidered the best we expected at the planning stage. Our anticipation was deemed
irrelevant. There were more than 400 applications. At last, we had to decline morethan 200 people because the venue went over quota. Similarly, while we could
expect only 2 or 3 case presentations, assuming that foremen would not be able toleave their workplace easily, we received a flood of applications for presentation
but only one third of them were accepted. We rented a venue at Tokyo Chamber ofCommerce and Industry the following year. As this venue could accommodate
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approximately 900 people, we felt safe. However, capacity was instantly filled up
and we finally had to decline applications at 950. There were 60 case presentations
as well. The majority of foremen were serious and sincere. When they came toTokyo, they never failed to be present for discussion with enthusiasm. At this time,
only 7 out of 950 were absent, which marked a 99.3% attendance rate. When it
comes to managers, staffs and above, they were ever so sloppy and went elsewhere
for their pleasure, making use of the opportunity. If the capacity was 1,000, wewere easily able to accept as many as 1,300 of them. In the third year, we rented the
Yomiuri Hall with application of 1300 participants and 160 case presentations.
When we first started this convention, we were saying that we wanted to hold it at
Hibiya Public Hall someday. The dream came true last year in 1965. Although we
had not attained the full house yet, the ground floor was filled up and there werepeople on the second floor, too.” (1966, [190])
Note: The capacity of Hibiya Public Hall was 2,060.

Prof. Ishikawa must have developed more confidence from the fact that theconvention turned out to have a much greater turnout than expected, while theconvention started gingerly. Professor mentioned the significance of this convention as
follows:“Conventional foremen at workplace are like big fish in a little pond and only
know their workplace. Gathering such people at the QC convention for foremen or
QC Circle convention, they make presentations on what they have achieved, andenlighten each other. Unless they are able to make presentations in front of an
audience, there is a concern about their leadership. Making a presentation itself will
be a big learning opportunity for them. Once they have made presentations at theseconventions, they will become more confident. They will also stimulate others who
are not familiar with QC activities, in a significant way, by dragging them out.”(1970, [204])
The first QC Circle convention was held in the year following the start of the QC
Convention for Foremen. Prof. Ishikawa recalled this convention with a big smile, and aproud look, as follows:“The first QC Circle convention took place in Sendai, where a forewoman inher 30’s made a presentation about achieving a huge effect by changing materials.
Questions came out after her presentation; “It is always managers or generalmanagers who stand in front of us when we try to make things better. Managers
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would hardly do as we say. Design would not change as we wish. Materials would
not change though we try hard. How could you make it possible?” She replied that
half of her job is to chase mangers with data.” (1966, [190])
QC Circle conventions hosted by the QCC Headquarters, regional and sectional
chapters are assigned with consecutive numbers. In May 1963, the first QC Circle
convention took place. Nearly 180 conventions are held annually nationwide in recent
years, counting 2,803 conventions by the end of February 1992 with an accumulated
total participant count of 1,946,911.
In November 1971, the first All Japan QC Circle Conference was held. Since then,the conference takes place in Tokyo in November every year. Prof. Ishikawa made a
lecture on “Recent QC Circle activity” at every All Japan QC Circle conference until
1988. This conference is considered with the highest level of QC Circle casepresentations, where a large number of participants join from overseas.
Note: The difference between the QC Convention for Foremen and the QC Circle
convention is that, while the former is an opportunity for QC case presentations
implemented by foremen, not necessarily limited to QC Circle activity cases, the latteris solely for QC Circle activity. Also the QC Convention for foremen is held in Tokyoin November every year, as a part of the events for Quality month. On the other hand,
QC Circle conventions are held a number of times, nationwide.

4) Mutual Visit and Discussion of QC Circle“We planned a mutual plant visit, where discussion of QC Circle with foreman
would take place. Conventionally, we cannot think of plant visits for foremen. At
first, our requests were often turned down, as foremen had no such time to spare.
Eventually, with repeated requests, the first Mutual Visit and Discussion of QC
Circle took place in March 1963, between Tokyo Vehicle Manufacturing Works of
Mitsubishi Nippon Heavy Industries (Currently, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) in
Shimomaruko and Kameido Plant of Daini Seikosha. First, we took people from
Daini Seikosha to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for plant visits and discussion. In
turn, people from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries were taken to Daini Seikosha forplant visits, followed by discussion.
Frankly speaking, we would not be able to understand what they were talking
about, when managers, plant head, or staffs are involved in discussion, as it would
become like a congressional discussion. To the contrary, when foremen are put
together, significant intensive discussion takes place. In the beginning, we took carewhen making requests, however as the beneficial effect of mutual visits, and263

PART III Accomplishments of Prof. Kaoru Ishikawa

discussion of QC circle became widely known, an increasing number of mutual
visits were carried out without our help. As a result, a good deal of effects wereseen.” (1970, [204])
Note: Thanks to Mr. Tatsuo Sugimoto for cooperation in compiling this section.

Recollections of Regional Chapter Establishedand the QC Circle SongMs. Haruko Mitsuaki
About two years after Genba To QC-magazine was published, we, at the editorialcommittee in both April and May, 1964, decided to establish Regional Chapters,
because the QC Circle Headquarters alone, could no longer, take adequate care of thenumber of registrations at the QC Circle Headquarter, which were increasing
dramatically month by month. Prof. Ishikawa instructed the Secretariat to make a draft
plan at the next editorial committee meeting.
At that time, the 2nd editorial section of JUSE Press, with fewer than 10 staff
members, was responsible for editing three monthly magazines, namely Genba To
QC-magazine, Hinshitsu Kanri (Statistical Quality Control), and Operations Research(transferred to Operations Research Society of Japan at present), as well as layout andproofreading of the Reports of Statistical Application Research, JUSE (so called, “JUSE
English Report”). In addition, operation of QC Circle Headquarters Secretariat was on
them.
While issuing magazines on time was the best they could manage, making a draftof organizations covering all Japan in a month sounded unfeasible. I knew Prof.
Ishikawa would have said that “Don’t say it is impossible without trying. Do whateverfeasible, you can perform”, if we said so to him. Therefore, I explained the significanceto a couple of staff members and tried to branch out and search for materials.
We decided to narrow the examined organizations to the Former Japanese Armyand Soka Gakkai, which was rapidly increasing members at that time. We managed tosubmit a draft at the editorial committee meeting which was held one month later,
through the course of going to the library, purchasing relevant books for repeateddiscussions. The draft became, by and large, the foundation of the current organization.
Consequently, four regional chapters from the advanced area of QC Circle were264

Chapter 10 Father of the QC Circle: Prof. Kaoru Ishikawa

established at Kanto, Tokai, Hokuriku and Kinki in September, 1964. I went to visit
companies in these 4 regions, in order to explain; from the organizational structures of
unprecedented QC Circle Headquarters and regional chapters, to requesting to assume
positions of Regional President and Regional Executive Secretary. Mr. Kenichi
Koyanagi, Managing Director at JUSE, who also served as the President of QC Circle
Headquarters at that point, stayed for a long time in hospital due to treatment. Therefore,
I went to visit companies to make requests, though I was merely a manager. When I
recall, I feel really ashamed of my fearless action, under the encouragement of Prof.
Ishikawa and other editorial committee members.
Around 1965, the number of QC Circle regional chapters increased and QC Circle
activities rapidly expanded. With increasing opportunity to meet fellows from other QC
Circle at conventions and social gatherings, we desired to sing a song together at suchoccasions. We decided to call for lyrics from the readers of Genba To QC-magazine.
Lyrics by Mr. Yoshio Suzuki of Honshu Paper were selected and announced in
November 1966. I think the lyrics are excellent without showing signs of age to thisday.
Because composing a song is impossible for amateurs, we agreed to make arequest to a professional composer. While we were fumbling without any prospect, Prof.
Ishikawa advised us to consult NHK about it, a collaborating organization for Quality
Month at that time. Professor Kozo Masuda of Kunitachi College of Music wasintroduced. Prof. Masuda proposed to offer two kinds; dance-style and march-style andtold us to choose whichever we liked.
We decided to vote at the editorial committee meeting. However, the result turned
out to be evenly-divided. As it was in a rule that the committee chair should decide incase of a tie, decision was entrusted to Prof. Ishikawa. While Prof. Ishikawa seemedfamiliar with children’s songs, he had hardly sung, even with drinks. In such extreme
circumstances, Prof. Ishikawa chose to sing solely “Fuji no Shirayuki.” We, at theeditorial committee, waited anxiously for his decision as to which one to choose. Prof.
Ishikawa sensed the atmosphere, felt a little nervous, and finally decided to choose amarch-style after a while.
This QC Circle song is widely loved and sung at QC Circle conferences sponsoredby the headquarters, regional and sectional chapters, as well as at social gatherings
today.
(Former Executive Director, JUSE Press, Ltd.)265

PART III Accomplishments of Prof. Kaoru Ishikawa(3) NIKKEI QC Literature Prize, FQC Award

One of the case studies at the workplace published in Genba To QC-magazine of
the April 1963 issue, was awarded the Nikkei QC Literature Prize in November of thesame year. This practice that the case study published in Genba To QC is awarded the
Nikkei Literature Prize, continued till 1989 as a result of powerful promotion by Prof.
Ishikawa.
In January 1965, the editorial committee established a system of giving “FQC
Award” to the best case studies published in Genba To QC-magazine, which motivated anumber of QC Circle to promote superior activity cases. In order to praise achievements
by Prof. Ishikawa for eternity, as well as further develop QC Circle, this Prize has beenrenamed as the “QC Circle Kaoru Ishikawa Award” since 1990.
The article which follows was contributed by a QC Circle leader who received the“FQC Award.” You will understand that Prof. Ishikawa was accepted by people in theworkplace in an affectionate way.

QC Circle Leaders Talking of Prof. Ishikawa:
Memories of the FQC Award and an Autograph
Ms. Tatsumi Kawauchi
Offering a word of encouragement, “Congratulations” and “Good job” to everyone,Prof. Ishikawa smiled and squeezed my hand back, in a hesitant way, with his soft andbig hand, when the shield award was given. It was at the prestigious FQC Award
ceremony in November, 1986. In order to preserve this honor, I prepared a signatureboard and attended the award party. While I received a congratulatory autograph fromProf. Ishikawa, I spoke to him, “QC Circle activity with total participation was quite
hard to achieve. Please give me advice on how we could deal with it better.” Although
we received the FQC Award, our circle was not in a condition which operated with total
participation, in fact.
Prof. Ishikawa replied, “Hold an opportunity to talk with each and every memberof the circle in a cordial manner. Listen to their stories carefully. I know someone who
took one and half years before they could receive their understanding, with satisfaction.”
He followed in a soft tone, “Circle activity has to be promoted in a way members like.
You will be able to find your own way by overcoming difficulties though repeated trial
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and error. Master the basics with both feet and put them into practice.”
With this word of encouragement, I thought about our operation, that fits our circle
with other members. In communicating with each other, Mr. K confessed that he wasinstructed to rewrite the report many times before, and became fed up with the activity.
Making use of this experience, we started with the basics of QC methods in which Mr.
K acted as the center of activity. As a result, we were given the FQC Award a second
time with Mr. K in 1987. I also had an opportunity to report to Prof. Ishikawa who
asked, “Do you start to see the fun of QC Circle?” When I replied “Yes,” Prof. Ishikawa
nodded in satisfaction, and wrote a big “Congratulations” on the reverse side of thesame signature board when we received the FQC Award the first time. Thank you very
much, Professor. We will keep trying hard even at constant pitches.
(QC Circle Leader, Second machinery manufacturing dept.,
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.)

10.3

Development of QC Circle(1) Publication of QC Circle Koryo (General Principles of the QC Circle), and How to
Operate QC Circle Activities

The QC Circle Koryo (General Principles of the QC Circle) edited by the QC
Circle Headquarter, was published in November 1970. Prof. Ishikawa said, in theforeword, as follows, in which you will understand its nature and prehistory well.
“Nearly 10 years have passed since QC Circle activity was introduced. We cansay that the basic philosophy, fundamental attitude, and operational method toward
the activity are mostly decided in principle, and that there are a number ofpublications, in the form of brochures and books. On the other hand, due to therapid growth of the activity in recent years, where you can see QC Circle
throughout Japan, and the number goes beyond hundreds of thousands of circles, it
may become difficult to keep uniformity of general principles and basic operation,with variations growing wider and wider.
To make the fundamentals clear yet again, advisors of the QC Circle
Headquarters (Editorial committee member of Genba To QC-magazine) held
overnight discussions three times to seek unity of thought. QC Circle Koryo was
put into shape, summing up only the essentials. We would like to continue to workon compiling instruction manuals, operation methods, etc.
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This book was initially written by 10 advisors at the QC Circle Headquarters.
Then, Imaizumi and Sugimoto, Executive Directors of the QC Circle Headquarters(Vice-chairs, editorial committee) brought them together and I summed it up in theend. In view of this, I am responsible for all the contents.
Due to the nature of general principles, only the basic outlines have been
written. Beginners may feel it a little difficult to understand. There are various
opinions and comments other than that. If you have any opinion or requireclarification, please do not hesitate to contact the Secretariat at the QC Circle
Headquarters. We will humbly accept opinions to make QC Circle activity better.
With prayer for QC Circle Activity to be further activated, each and every
Japanese should exercise human capabilities for a meaningful and lively workplace.
Let Japan and Japanese companies get further developed, Japanese mental andphysical standard of living be improved, and bring happiness for all human kinds.”
In October 1971, How to Operate QC Circle edited by the QC Circle Headquarters
was published. Prof. Ishikawa expressed at the beginning of the foreword as follows:“As a series book of QC Circle Koryo which described the general principles
of QC Circle, this book, How to Operate QC Circle, was written as a manual for
Foremen, first-line supervisors, QC Circle leaders and members on how to
introduce, activate, develop and operate QC Circle, taking into account thephilosophies from the QC Circle Koryo.”Reflecting on the experience of promoting QC Circle for almost 10 years, it ischaracteristic in these books, QC Circle Koryo and How to Operate QC Circle, that QC
Circle was high-lighted as activity for general workers, stepping out of education, forfirst-line supervisors.
(2) The Enhancement of Promotion Activities and Improvement of the Organization: QC
Circle Cruising Seminar, Magazines, Seminars, Regional Chapter in Okinawa

1) QC Circle Cruising Seminar

In June 1971, the first QC Circle Cruising Seminar (Yokohama-Keelung-Hong
Kong-Yokohama) went into operation. It was not performed in the following year 1972,
and the “QC Circle Summer School” was conducted at Mt. Koya, instead. From 1973,
the QC Circle Cruising Seminar was carried out once or twice a year, which amounted
to 28 times, with participation of 11,420, until September 1991. Prof. Ishikawa
contributed largely to its development, from the initial planning stage, as the Principal
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of QC Circle Cruising Seminar (QCCCS).

Greeting speech during the networking meeting with
Chinese Society for Quality Control (Taiwan) on board“Sakura-maru” during the first QC Circle cruising
Seminar (1971)

Although a captain is appointed to function centrally for planning and operation ateach QCCCS, Prof. Ishikawa was on board, as a dignified President. Prof. Ishikawa
always respected and left practical duties to the captain, drawing a clear line.
At the 5th QCCCS (October, 1976), Prof. Ishikawa concurrently served as thecaptain and was onboard, for the entire course from Yokohama, Manila, Hong Kong andback to Yokohama. Otherwise, he was usually onboard for the section between Hong
Kong and Taiwan, or Taiwan and Yokohama (or Harumi). Except for other overseas
trips, Prof. Ishikawa went onboard almost every time, which makes the frequency ofboarding, the most often among lecturers and the Secretariat.
Cruising duration between Taiwan and Yokohama was fully 3 days. Except for one
lecture targeting all participants, Prof. Ishikawa spent a relatively relaxed time, ascompared to his busy everyday life, by writing articles and sorting documents. It was
his routine to take various recreational photographs. In addition he enjoyedconversations with lecturers and Secretariat members at night, until midnight. When
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Prof. Ishikawa was onboard, there was the impression that the cabin became vivid andbrighter.
There was a farewell party on the last night of the cruising seminar, where Prof.
Ishikawa complained of not being able to have time for drink, because participants
made a long queue to receive his autograph, as their memories. The reason why Prof.
Ishikawa joined a cruising seminar, out of his busy schedule, was that he liked the sea,
the ship and the QC Circle, in addition to a sense of commitment, as the President of
QC Circle cruising seminars.
(Kohei Yokota)
Note: Thanks to Prof. Hiroaki Nakazato for cooperation in compiling this section.

In a Cabin of the Ship, Shin Sakura Maru
Masaji Ita
It was in 1961, when the Professor came to our company for counseling about QC.
Unfortunately, I had no opportunity to receive his counseling directly, as I was working
in the technical sales department in Tokyo, at that time. I only knew his laid-back andconsiderate personality and face from the magazine. It was during the discussion session
on the 5th day of the QC Seminar, Manager Course, held in Hakone-Yumoto in January
1962, that I saw him in person, and received his guidance.
Two-month later, the QC lecture session was held at the headquarters of ourcompany in Tokyo, on 9 March. 29 years have passed since then. The contents of thelecture were about how QC should be, including points for introduction and promotion.
Prof. Ishikawa passionately lectured, “In the company where Top Management isreluctant, QC will not succeed, no matter how hard you try to introduce and promote it.
When visiting a company for counseling or a lecture, company will never progress well
if no Top management turns out.”
The following happened in the Japanese-style cabin of the Shin-Sakura Maru
during the QC Circle Cruising Seminar. When we enjoyed conversation, after thelecturer’s meeting, Prof. Ishikawa called me next to his seat, and talked about the time
he came to our company for counseling, 20 plus years earlier. We were quite drunk by
the time our conversation was nearly finished. We noticed no one was around, and mywatch showed 3 a.m., when I happened to look at it. However, in the same morning,
Prof. Ishikawa made a lecture in a dignified posture. I learned tremendously from Prof.
Ishikawa through the QC Seminar Manager Course, the QC Basic Course, the QC
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Circle Cruising Seminar, on the editorial committee of QC Circle-monthly magazine, at
QC Circle Symposium, in QC Circle Headquarters Executive Director’s meeting, at QC
lectures at Toyama prefectural government, etc. At our company, Prof. Ishikawa’s book,
Introduction to Quality Control, 3rd edition, is used as textbook for in-house educationand training. I will make an effort to further develop Quality Control for the happinessof people, by making use of lessons learned from Prof. Ishikawa, in our daily
operations.
May his soul rest in peace with respect.
(Advisor, Education department, NACHI-FUJIKOSHI Corp.)
2) Magazine: From Genba to QC, FQC, to QC Circle

Genba to QC-magazine successfully developed after the first issue, and continued
as a bimonthly from January 1964, then monthly from January 1965 to date. The title ofthe magazine, renamed FQC, which stands for Quality Control for the foremen fromJanuary 1973, and changed again to the present QC Circle, from January 1988.
Prof. Ishikawa brought this magazine up with love, like his own child and served
as the chairman of the editorial committee for over 27 years. Initially printed with 5,000
copies, this magazine has developed to reach 160,000 copies as a QC Circle organ, withcurrently 151 editorial committee members. The QC Circle-monthly magazine
welcomed its 25th anniversary in April 1987. I think there is probably no magazine ofthis kind, targeting first-line workers in the workplace, which is printed with as many
copies as QC Circle-monthly magazine, even throughout the world.

A God in Everyday Clothes
Yoshiaki Yamada
I guess many people who engage in TQC or QC know the name of Prof. Ishikawa
or have heard one of his lectures, but few of them knew him directly. Actually, I was
one of them until one time.
The first time I heard his name was around 1978 when I joined the TQC promotion
department in my company. So, as I often saw his name in the QC-related books anddocuments, I created my own image of Prof. Ishikawa, which was “the father and theworld leader in Japanese quality control and the QC Circle.” And, from his photo, helooked grumpy to me. I thought he was such a grand man that he lived in a different
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PART III Accomplishments of Prof. Kaoru Ishikawa

At a QC Circle presentation in 1981, I got a chance to hear his lecture for the firsttime. There I encountered a diagram of overlapping circles that showed that relationshipbetween QC and the QC Circle. Since then, that diagram, which is the best way torepresent the quality control relationship, has always been in the center of my quality
control activity. This was the time that I started to feel he was a familiar “god.”Six years later in 1987, I became an editorial committee member for the QC
Circle-monthly magazine, and had a chance to meet him. When I nervously attended thefirst editorial committee meeting with other new editors, I found him often interrupting
the Secretariat’s reporting and helping us, new editors, to understand unfamiliar
expressions with a clear explanation. At that moment, my image of him as the grand old
man of QC had disappeared. I felt his warm desire to treat everyone in the same way,
just like a real “god.” He told us that it was people who conduct the TQC and QC Circle
activities, so it was the people that counted. The people must have the spirit to make theactivities worthwhile. In the autumn of the same year, I joined the 22nd QC Circle
Cruising Seminar as a lecturer. On this occasion, I enjoyed talking and drinking withhim and realized that he was more like “the friendly god in everyday clothes,” not “areal god.”
Since then, my view of the TQC and QC Circle activities has changed. I think I canhear his voice saying: “Conduct the TQC and QC Circle activities in your relaxed
everyday style!”(Manager, Business Planning & Controlling Department, Komatsu Zenoah)
3) QC Circle-related Seminars

At JUSE, a number of seminar courses have been carried out in a series, startingwith the “QC Circle Seminar Promoter Course” in 1972, followed by the “QC Circle
Seminar Top Management Course”, the “QC Circle Seminar Leader Course”, the “QC
Circle Seminar Middle Management Course”, and the “QC Circle Seminar
Administration, Sales and Service Course” to promote QC Circle activities. Prof.
Ishikawa, as a top adviser, directed and supported the Secretariat in an appropriatemanner, with regard to choosing a steering committee chair and lecturers, thecurriculum of the course, etc., upon opening a new course.
Prof. Ishikawa took charge of a lecture himself on the first day for the “QC Circle
Seminar Top Management Course” started in 1973, and was carried out in Tokyo,
Nagoya, Sendai and so on. As this course was carried out in a training camp style, for
one night and 2 days, group discussion took place till late, always followed by anoptional social gathering, over drinks. Prof. Ishikawa seemed to enjoy conversation with272

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senior executives from a range of companies over drinks, and typically stayed until it
was over.
It is apparent Prof. Ishikawa infused a lot of love and passion into this course, fromthe fact that he completed a lecture for 3 hours, on 26 February, 1988, without using thechair prepared by the Secretariat, while recovering soon after a surgical operation.
4) Establishment of the QC Circle Okinawa Regional Chapter

It started in 1973, when Okinawa prefecture was returned to Japan. Althoughactions were taken such as the National Athletic Meet in 1973 and the International
EXPO in 1975, after returning to Japan, the economy in Okinawa prefecture was notalways favorable, due to its lack of major industry and its remote location. Quality
control finally drew attention as industry gradually grew. While it has not very often,
lectures on QC and lecture meeting during Quality month started to take place.
Eventually QC Circle activity developed in Okinawa and 13 circles from 2 companies
registered at the QC Circle Headquarters, by the end of 1979.
While Kyushu Regional Chapter was interested in QC Circle, in Okinawa, becauseof its geographical location, adequate support was not provided, due to budgetary
reasons. Nevertheless, hope, that people in Okinawa would like to practice QC Circle
activity, gradually strengthened. From March 1982, Mr. Tomoo Higa of Kanehide Tekko
Co., Ltd, as the regional secretary of Chubu section of Kyushu Regional Chapter, started
to participate in the movement, resulting in the first QC Circle convention in Okinawa
prefecture, co-sponsored by Kyushu Regional Chapter and Okinawa Employers’
Association in October 1983.
At the same time, QC Circle Headquarters announced a policy to support QC
Circle activity in Okinawa, not leaving it to Kyushu Regional Chapter alone. First of all,it was decided that the National QC Circle Convention was to be carried out in Okinawa,
once in a year, and the Okinawa Regional Chapter was to be established with a range of
support extended by Headquarters, if demand was high, after listening to local voices.
Based on this policy, the National QC Circle Convention was held in Naha City on the
16th and 17th of February, 1984.
Taking this convention as an opportunity, it was decided that the Okinawa
Regional Chapter should be launched after a series of discussions between Kanehide
Tekko Co. Ltd., and the locals. Mr. Kureya, the President of Kanehide Tekko Co. Ltd.,assumed the post of Regional President with 14 regional secretary companies joining in.
Half of the regional secretary companies were composed from the service industry,
which showed the local character of Okinawa prefecture. On the evening of 17th
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February, an inauguration ceremony was held with expectations that “QC Circle ispromoted, by which people find a purpose of life and strive to lever up, and become oneof the foundations, of prosperity, for Okinawa prefecture.”(Ikuro Kusaba)

Enthusiasm for Organizing
the Regional Chapter in Okinawa
Kenyu Nishi
When I first met Prof. Ishikawa, introduced by Ms. Haruko Mitsuaki, former
executive director of JUSE Press, Ltd., he opened the conversation by saying, “Let’sestablish QC Circle Okinawa Regional Chapter.” Prof. Ishikawa added with enthusiasm,“Japan overcame a sense of crisis out of waves from liberalization by introducing QC
Circle activity. Okinawa is now in the same situation and the constitution of its
companies needs improvement.” I was very impressed by Prof. Ishikawa’s bold idea
and his passion, which was an unprecedented attempt to establish one regional chapter
with one prefecture, Okinawa, alone.
When I participated in the 13th QC Circle cruising seminar as a trainee, Prof.
Ishikawa spoke again about establishing the QC Circle Okinawa Regional Chapter anddirected me to list up approximately 10 companies that could serve as the Regional
Secretary. Later on, all preparation was made and the 9th Regional Chapter was born on
the 16th of February, 1984. After that, I had opportunities to meet Prof. Ishikawa fromtime to time. Fortunately, each time I met him, Prof. Ishikawa consistently paid
attention to the Okinawa Regional Chapter and offered a range of advice. The mostimpressive memory was that Prof. Ishikawa danced all night to disco music, together
with younger people at the farewell party of the 13th QC Circle Cruising Seminar. I was
also invited to dance by Mr. Masao Hashimoto. I felt Prof. Ishikawa’s admirable
personal magnetism, in my bones, by witnessing him integrate well, and without
hesitation, with young people.
When I met Prof. Ishikawa at a social gathering, he spoke to me in a didactic tone,“you have to become a social drinker in the QC scene.” I replied “Yes” to him, but I was
not yet able to drink to Prof. Ishikawa’s expectation. In accordance with Prof.
Ishikawa’s philosophy, “Think how to make it possible,” I contrived ways to drink byadjusting the amount of water, under self-management.
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By way of my sincere appreciation to Prof. Ishikawa’s kindness, which he wasliving, I would like to further deepen his teachings such as “QC is the knowledge oftheory and practice,” and “TQC is targeting world prosperity and peace,” and transmit
these learnings to more people.
(Professor, Management Studies, Faculty of Law and Letters,
University of the Ryukyus)

On a Small Southern Island
Tetsuo Shimabukuro
I first met Dr. Ishikawa on February 20, 1985, right before our company introduced
the QC circle activity, at a lecture Dr. Ishikawa was delivering on “Japanese Quality
Control” intended for all executives and managers.
After that, our company took on the role as the leading company for the QC Circle
Okinawa Regional Chapter. On November 19, 1987, when I was the executive secretary
for the regional chapter, I had the chance to accompany Dr. Ishikawa to the QC circle
lecture meeting held for the purpose of starting the QC Circle Yaeyama Regional
Chapter. For the lecture meeting, 100 seats were prepared with the support of Yaeyama
JC, but as it turned out, the meeting was a huge success exceeding the expected turnout,and had many spectators standing in the gallery.
The lecture meeting ended at 6:30 in the evening. It was already pitch dark outside,
and we hurried to the harbor to sail to Kohamajima Island where our accommodation
for the night was located. We were to stay at the Hotel HAIMURUBUSHI. The managerof the hotel, Mr. Ohno had requested us to witness with our own eyes how soundly their
QC circle activities were developing, at the southernmost small island in Japan, as thefounder and raiser of the world famous QC circle activities.
In November, the MININ (northern wind) would announce the arrival of winter in
Okinawa, and the weather sometimes changed suddenly. That weather that evening was
terrible. The passengers on the boat smaller than 5 tons were 3 of us: Dr. Ishikawa,
Professor Nishi of the University of the Ryukyus, and I. There were 4 crew members:
Mr. Ohno, the manager of HAIMURUBUSHI, Mr. Yamamoto, the sub-manager, and 2
QC Circle leaders. They had all come to attend the lecture meeting.
I become seasick easily, and on that day, the boat’s engine sounded louder thanusual. Every time the boat lurched against the surging waves, my heart leapt and I
became increasingly worried about that we might not make it to Kohamajima Island, i.e.
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we might sink. Since going on the boat, there was hardly any conversation, and I sat
next to Dr. Ishikawa, holding his bag on my knees and keeping silent. I peeked at Dr.
Ishikawa and saw that he had his eyes closed silently with his arms crossed.
35 minutes had already passed since we’ve departed. On my previous visit to the
Kohamajima Island for the QC Circle regional secretary’s meeting, we had reached theisland in 25 minutes. That night, I could not even see the island lights. On board, thecrew members were dressed against the cold, and were lighting the course with flash
lights, hollering to one another to avoid large waves. Captain Yamamoto was largely
steering the boat right and left, desperately trying to avoid large waves. I was full of
anticipation on the boat, but the team spirit and endeavor of the 4 crew members deeply
touched me. Yet, sitting next to the great teacher, I was filled with another kind of
emotion. I also closed my eyes quietly.
Finally, 50 minutes after departing, we safely arrived at Kohamajima Island.
“Dr. Ishikawa, are you all right?” I asked.
“Yes, I had served the Japanese Navy for 2 years,” he replied calmly.
With a dinner of fresh seafood, we had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Ishikawa’s
thoughts based on the analysis of customers’ questionnaire on HAIMURUBUSHI until
almost midnight.
This precious experience will leave with me forever. I never forget Dr. Ishikawa’s
words encouraging me as the promoter of QC circle activities. He is telling me, “I’mcounting on you!”(Deputy Manager, Human Resources Development Department,
Bank of the Ryukyus)(3) Deployment to Non-manufacturing Sectors

As a supplemental volume of QC Circle-monthly magazine, “Learn from thepractices of QC Circle activity” (vol.1–3) has been published every 5 years since 1977,
and the Collection of QC Circle activity cases from Administration, Sales and Service
every year since 1986. These attempts contributed to develop and disseminate QC
Circle activity, from production sites to non-manufacturing sectors of the manufacturingindustry and the service industry. Somewhere down the line, these sectors started to becalled “JHS” in the QC Circle domain, taking out the first letter from “Jimu”(administration), “Hanbai” (sales) and “Service”. Just for the record, the total number ofregistrations at the QC Circle Headquarters in recent one year (March, 1991 to February,1992) is approximately 10,000, of which about 45% are from the non-manufacturing276Chapter 10 Father of the QC Circle: Prof. Kaoru Ishikawa

sectors of the manufacturing industry and about 20% are from the service industries.
Prof. Ishikawa contributed the following article, as the Executive Director of QC
Circle Headquarters, in the 25 year History of QC Circle activity published in April,
1987.
“QC Circle activity which started in 1962, grew to realize its 25th anniversary
issue, herewith. QC Circle activity is promoted, not only in the secondary industry
sector, but also by many of the tertiary. QC Circle activity is also practiced in morethan 50 countries and regions overseas.”“There are 3 major reasons, as follows, why QC Circle activity has developed: QC Circle activity is being promoted as a part of Total Quality Control(TQC)
 QC Circle is an activity that suits human nature Dedicated efforts with passion were made by many people including
directors and advisors in the headquarters, regional chapters andsections, establishing a system of QC Circle Headquarters, regional
chapters and sections.
Although QC Circle activity has developed continuously, I am sure it willfurther develop if we keep satisfying the above conditions.”“Essentially, there is no difference between industry sectors, whether
secondary or tertiary, no matter which you are in. As long as you make products,
offer services and sell them, TQC as well as QC Circle activity must continue
forever, in order to satisfy consumers and customers.”

Quality Control in Hospitals
Koji Morooka
I was much obliged to Prof. Ishikawa for being over 20 years on the Ishikawa Prize
Committee and “Quality Control Seminar for Procurement and Materials (KQC).” One
day, Prof. Ishikawa and I spoke at a seminar together, where bureaucrats from the
Ministry of Health and Welfare, and hospital directors gathered. First, Prof. Ishikawa
spoke about the philosophy of quality control through his experience at the Universityof Tokyo Hospital. After his speech, one director-general from the Ministry asked aquestion. “Professor, hospitals are public service so that things wouldn’t work as you
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PART III Accomplishments of Prof. Kaoru Ishikawasay.” The audience dropped to silence for a moment wondering how Prof. Ishikawa
would answer. Abruptly, Prof. Ishikawa answered straightforwardly, “Things are badbecause of saying such things! Hospitals may end up like the National Railways, if you
say public service, public service!” The audience burst into laughter, because Prof.
Ishikawa crushed a powerful figure in the Ministry with a single blow. Prof. Ishikawa
didn’t seem to understand why the audience laughed, so I informed him quietly that “Heis a dominant figure in the Ministry” and he nodded with understanding.
That made it very easy when I took the podium next. Everybody enthusiasticallylistened to the analysis of data within the hospital, and the QC Circle activities of nurses,
as their own issues, as Prof. Ishikawa had changed the mind-set of the audience, that ahospital has nothing to do with TQC, a hospital is not a factory, a hospital is a
not-for-profit business.
At KQC, I was assigned to subjects related to the “Learning Curve and Work
Design.” I was surprised the subjects were adopted as, initially, all were fresh subjects
and were not something understood by general public, but it seemed Prof. Ishikawa
understood them very well. When Prof. Ishikawa ordered me to take the Chair of theSteering Committee, for the KQC introductory course, although I had to accept theposition without a choice as result, because the offer was made in the atmosphere of“Do it without question!”, I am grateful for having been given an opportunity to learn.
I pray from my heart that Prof. Ishikawa’s soul may rest in peace.
(Professor, Dept. of Management Engineering, Tokai University)

Introduction of QC Circle
to the Service Industry
Noriharu Kaneko
In February 1980, I, working at a hotel by Lake Hamana, back then, took the QC
Circle Top Course in Inuyama and met Prof. Ishikawa for the first time. Everything I
saw and heard in the course was fresh and surprising for me, especially because it had
been just over one year since I had started learning about QC Circle activities.
During the course, Prof. Ishikawa mentioned the importance of QC in the service
industry, and introduced cases in the U.S. (Bank of America, United Airlines, and Sears),
maybe because he was concerned about our group who were participating in the course,from the service industry.
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I remember, nostalgically, that Prof. Ishikawa had an open and frank personality,and he asked me, whom he had just met, many questions during the dinner and social
gatherings. I floundered and sweated to answer his questions, as I didn’t even know theABCs of QC.
It wasn’t long ago that I received the call which could be called a turning point of
my life. It was from a secretary of Musashi Institute of Technology (Currently Tokyo
City University), and as soon as the secretary said “the President will come on the line”
Prof. Ishikawa talked to me with the usual friendly voice, “Hello, how are you doing?
Let me get straight to the point, I want you to give a presentation about the introductionof QC Circle, the same with the last one, in Tokyo, OK?” “We are not doing enoughactivities to present to an audience.” “No way. In any case, do it as a lesson, OK?”That’s how I was, inconceivably, given an opportunity to present a case study,
following Prof. Ishikawa’s speech in May 1980. It seemed the presentation,
unexpectedly, drew some response, and it turned out to be a starting point of the trend to
introduce QC Circle activity to the service industry. Since then, I have been supported
by everyone and many teachers, to date.
Looking back now, I am convinced that the current development of QC, in theservice industry owes much to Prof. Ishikawa who kept the door open without prejudice,even to someone like me, and I am once again filled with much appreciation to Prof.
Ishikawa.

(Executive Director, Service Quality Management Ltd.)(4) Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of QC Circle Activities

In April 1987, QC Circle activity celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Upon celebrating a big milestone like the 25th anniversary, it was in July 1986, theyear prior to the 25th anniversary, when a small planning committee for the 25th
anniversary, was organized with Tatsuo Sugimoto, Executive Director of QC Circle
Headquarters, as the chair.
The following 1) through 4) took place, as the main events of the anniversarycelebration.
1) Publication of commemorative annals

In “The 25-year annals of QC Circle activity,” Prof. Ishikawa wrote a message
titled “Moving to the Next Era,” and he closed his message with “Making the 25th
anniversary a milestone, let’s further aim to the 30th anniversary and the 50th
anniversary, by promoting TQC and QC Circle activities, seek human enhancement, a279

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pleasant workplace, and corporate development, and create a fun and prosperous Japan,
and world.”
2) Conducting a national survey on the actual condition of the spread of QC Circle activities

Under Prof. Ishikawa’s direction, a national survey on the actual condition of the
spread of QC Circle activity was conducted, through a research company. A meeting
was held several times, and Prof. Ishikawa, who had technical knowledge andexperience, counseled and instructed the research company for extraction of the sample,
creating the questionnaire, and so on. (As for the result, please refer to the beginning of
the chapter.)3) Compilation of QC Circle-monthly magazine commemorative April edition

Prof. Ishikawa’s portrait was on the cover of QC Circle-monthly magazine
commemorative special edition in April 1987.

At the 25th anniversary celebration party with Prof. Masumasa
Imaizumi of Musashi Institute of Technology and the lateProf. Koichi Ohba of Science University of Tokyo.(Keidanren
Hall, 1987)4) Holding a memorial celebration (including honoring)

The memorial celebration was successfully held in the evening, on Saturday, April
25, 1987, at the Keidanren Hall, with attendance by roughly 300 guests. At the opening,
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longtime committee members of FQC magazine (currently QC Circle-monthly
magazine) were recognized, and Prof. Ishikawa received the honor representing 8
members, who had been on the committee for 25 years.
After being awarded the prize, Prof. Ishikawa gave an acceptance speech on behalfof the honorees, and expressed his appreciation to the people involved with QC Circle
nationwide, he stated as below.
“Recently, there are people who say ‘the strong Yen is due to QC and QC Circle,’
but we, oppositely, would like to say ‘Come on America.’ This issue won’t be resolved
unless American companies become strong.”
I didn’t pay much attention to the above statement back then, but I once again feelthe same when I see the recent economic environment in the U.S. and Japan.
At any rate, the memorial celebration must have been particularly unforgettable forProf. Ishikawa. The after party, held at the Palace Hotel, went on until late at night.
(Kohei Yokota)

A Picture of the Late Prof. Ishikawa
Kohei Yokota
It was February 1987, the year both QC Circle-monthly magazine and the QC
Circle activities reached their 25th anniversaries. Back then, I belonged to the 3rd
Operations division in JUSE, and editing a magazine was one of my important
responsibilities, although indirectly.
There were discussions about the cover design of the commemorative edition for
April 1987, which corresponded to the commemorable 25th anniversary, and the editor
in charge already had an idea and was in negotiation. Thinking it was the perfectopportunity, I strongly insisted that I would like to put a portrait of Prof. Ishikawa on the
cover, at my responsibility. That was because I wanted people involved with QC Circle
nationwide, to know the appearance of Prof. Ishikawa, the father of the QC Circle, at
this occasion.
I made a request to Prof. Ishikawa, right away, and I was given the privilege oftaking his photograph by bringing a photographer with me to the President’s office, atthe university. I was also allowed to clear up the desktop of the large desk, in the
President’s office, and the bookshelf which would be in the background.
I demanded him like a director how to pose and all sorts of things. Prof. Ishikawa
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direction.
About 10 days later, a pre-print sample photo was delivered to me, but I somehow
couldn’t come to like it. Instantly, I decided to ask Prof. Ishikawa to let us take his
photograph again. The schedule was tight, and although I thought it would be difficult
to ask Prof. Ishikawa to give us some time again, I asked him forcefully. A 2nd takephoto was picked for the cover of the commemorative edition.
I still self-praise myself secretly, that it is a great picture which captured Prof.
Ishikawa with dignity and warm-heartedness. Prof. Ishikawa liked it, too, and I
delivered him a copy of the picture.
It was 2 years and 2 months later that I heard the sad news of the passing of Prof.
Ishikawa. The picture placed at the funeral altar was the one from that time. When I
looked up the altar, remembering the time I had the privilege of taking his picture at 2
occasions, I couldn’t help but well up with tears.
(Board Member, General Manager, Sales Department, JUSE Press, Ltd.)

10.4

QC Circle Spreads to the WorldThe 2nd QC Team dispatched in May, 1965, introduced the QC Circle activities at

the ASQC Conference. Additionally, Prof. Ishikawa was present at the 10th EOQC
Congress in June, 1966 to be a part of the special panel discussion session on QC Circle.
In October, 1969, the ICQC’69-Tokyo (the first International Conference for Quality)
was held, where a large number of papers by QC Circle was submitted.
In November, 1973, a special observation team for QC Circle (Leader: Wayne
Rieker, Refer to Section 12.2 for his contribution) came to Japan from Lockheed
Missiles and Space Company (LMSC), of the U. S. A. In September, 1982, JUSE, incooperation with the Japan-China Economic Association, dispatched the QC Circle
delegation to China. It was Prof. Ishikawa who took leadership in these activities fromthe planning stage to implementation.
The Quality Circle boom started in the U.S.A., in the beginning of the 1980s, andspread across the countries in the world. As described in the opening of this chapter, QC
Circle activities are practiced in over 60 countries and regions today. It is probably fairto say that there are only Judo and QC Circle that started from Japan, and spread to theworld. (Refer to the contribution by Wayne Rieker in Section 12.2, and by Jean-Marie
Gogue in Section 12.3)

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1) Dr. J.M. Juran

By Prof. Ishikawa’s strong recommendation, Dr. J.M. Juran participated in the 14th
QC Circle Convention (hosted by Kanto Regional Chapter) and listened to presentations
on QC Circle practice. He wrote the following words in the Q flag. “The QC Circle
Concept is on the road to world Quality leadership.”At the 10th EOQC Congress in June, after visiting Japan, Dr. Juran stopped hisscheduled speech in the middle to introduce Japanese QC Circle activities, which
initiated the promotion of QC Circle to the world. He followed by publishing an article
to sum up observations on QC Circle, “The QC Circle Phenomenon,” Industrial Quality
Control, Vol. 23, No. 7, January, 1967 (Article translated by Masumasa Imaizumi(1967)), “QC Circle Katsudo wo Tsuku,” Hinshitsu Kanri (Statistical Quality Control)
magazine, Vol. 18, No. 4, pp. 25–34). This article influenced greatly the deployment of
QC Circle to the world.
Prof. Ishikawa was pleased with that QC Circle was recognized by Dr. Juran andwrote about this in the following article; “Dr. J. M. Juran and the QC Circle: QC Circle
capturing attention from the world,” Genba To QC, No. 31, pp. 2–6, 1966.
2) Foremen’s QC Circle Team (FQCT)The first “Foremen’s QC Circle Team” was formed as a dispatch to the U.S.A. in
April, 1968. Since then, this team has been dispatched to various countries in the world
every year. (Refer to the contribution by Shoichi Shimizu in Section 4.3)
3) Translated edition of QC Circle Koryo and How to Operate QC Circle Activities

QC Circle Koryo had sold 798,600 copies as of the end of September, 1992 andhas been translated into 7 languages; English, French, Chinese, Indonesian, Spanish,Portuguese and Marathi. How to Operate QC Circle Activities has been translated for
sale, in 5 languages; English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese and Italian, as of the end of
September, 1992.
4) International Convention on QC Circle (ICQCC)

Under the leadership of Prof. Ishikawa, the International Convention on QC Circle(ICQCC ’78-Tokyo) began to take place. In addition to the first convention, held in
October, 1978, ICQCC was held in Tokyo in September, 1981 and in May, 1985, 3
times, while Prof. Ishikawa was alive. In all of which, he assumed the post of theProgram Committee Chair.

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PART III Accomplishments of Prof. Kaoru Ishikawa

At the ICQCC ’85-Tokyo (May, 1985)

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