Kao Corporation has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies 2025 by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.
Kao is one of only six companies worldwide and the only Asian company to have received the award for 19 consecutive years since it was established in 2007.
Yoshihiro Hasebe, Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, said,
“We are honored to have been selected as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 19 consecutive years. ‘Integrity as the only choice’ is at the heart of our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, and external recognition such as this is invaluable to us. We remain committed to tackling challenges with courage as we strive toward ambitious goals, aiming to lead our industry and fulfill our purpose—creating a Kirei world in which all life lives in harmony.”
In 2025, 136 companies in 19 countries were selected from 44 business categories.
The Ethisphere accolade is based on an assessment of companies’ efforts in the areas of transparency, integrity, ethics, and compliance—values that are deeply ingrained in Kao’s heritage and culture.
The Kao Group upholds “Integrity as the only choice” as one of the fundamental values that form the basis of its corporate philosophy, the Kao Way.
To implement the Kao Way, the Kao Group worldwide shares the Kao Business Conduct Guidelines.
Kao is one of only six companies worldwide and the only Asian company to have received the award for 19 consecutive years since it was established in 2007.
Yoshihiro Hasebe, Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, said,
“We are honored to have been selected as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 19 consecutive years. ‘Integrity as the only choice’ is at the heart of our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, and external recognition such as this is invaluable to us. We remain committed to tackling challenges with courage as we strive toward ambitious goals, aiming to lead our industry and fulfill our purpose—creating a Kirei world in which all life lives in harmony.”
In 2025, 136 companies in 19 countries were selected from 44 business categories.
The Ethisphere accolade is based on an assessment of companies’ efforts in the areas of transparency, integrity, ethics, and compliance—values that are deeply ingrained in Kao’s heritage and culture.
The Kao Group upholds “Integrity as the only choice” as one of the fundamental values that form the basis of its corporate philosophy, the Kao Way.
To implement the Kao Way, the Kao Group worldwide shares the Kao Business Conduct Guidelines.
The company operates in alignment with these Guidelines, which act as a guide in times of uncertainty, a core principle in daily work, and a foundation for achieving sustainability for the company and society.