Sakichi Toyoda (February 14, 1867 – October 30, 1930) was a Japanese inventor and industrialist. He was born in Kosai, Shizuoka. The son of a poor carpenter, Toyoda is referred to as the "King of Japanese Inventors". He is often referred to as the father of the Japanese industrial revolution. He is also the founder of Toyota Industries Co., Ltd.
He invented numerous weaving devices. His most famous invention was the automatic power loom in which he implemented the principle of Jidoka (autonomous automation). The principle of Jidoka, which means that the machine stops itself when a problem occurs, became later a part of the Toyota Production System.
Toyoda developed the concept of 5 Whys: When a problem occurs, ask 'why' five times to try to find the source of the problem, then put into place something to prevent the problem from recurring. This concept is used today as part of applying Six Sigma methodologies to solve problems, improve quality, and reduce costs.
Sakichi Toyoda had two younger brothers, Sasuke Toyoda and Heikichi Toyoda (1875–1954, father of Eiji Toyoda). Sakichi's three children were: son Kiichiro Toyoda (1895–1952), founder of Toyota Motor Corporation, and daughter Aiko Toyoda. He was awarded the Medal of Honor with Blue Ribbon and the Order of the Sacred Treasures Third Class.
