Kao Corp. Named Among the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 19th Consecutive Year

Kao Corp. has been recognized as one of the world’s most ethical companies in 2025 by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

The distinction marks 19 consecutive years of recognition since the award’s 2007 inception. Kao is one of six companies worldwide and reportedly the only Asian company to have received the award for 19 consecutive years.

The World’s Most Ethical Companies list honors companies excelling in transparency, integrity, ethics and compliance. In 2025, 136 companies in 19 countries were selected from 44 business categories with Kao standing as the sole recipient in the Health and Beauty Care category to be honored every year.

“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,” said Yoshihiro Hasebe, representative director, president and CEO. “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.”