Yoji Akao

Yoji Akao (赤尾 洋二, Akao Yōji, 1928 – 2016) was a Japanese professor and quality management consultant, best known as the originator of Hoshin Kanri (Policy Deployment) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD).

Akao graduated from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and subsequently became a professor at Tamagawa University. He dedicated his career to improving quality management practices.

Akao, along with Shigeru Mizuno, is credited with developing Quality Function Deployment (QFD) in the late 1960s. QFD is a structured approach to defining customer needs and translating those needs into specific plans to produce products or services to meet those needs. Its methodology emphasizes customer satisfaction and cross-functional teamwork. Akao saw QFD as a "customer-driven quality assurance" methodology.

He also systematized Hoshin Kanri (Policy Deployment), a strategic planning and management system that aligns the goals of a company from top management to frontline workers. Akao's work on Hoshin Kanri helped to refine and promote its adoption in various industries globally.

Akao authored numerous books and articles on quality management, Hoshin Kanri, and QFD, contributing significantly to the field and influencing management practices worldwide. His work has had a lasting impact on manufacturing, product development, and service industries.