Kazuo Inamori (1932–2022) was a Japanese business executive who founded Kyocera and DDI, a predecessor of KDDI, and led the turnaround of Japan Airlines. Born in Kagoshima, he graduated from Kagoshima University’s Faculty of Engineering in 1955 and began researching advanced ceramics at Shofu Industries in Kyoto. In 1959, he established Kyoto Ceramic, now Kyocera, developing a business in fine ceramics used in electronic components and other applications. He entered the telecommunications industry by founding DDI in 1984. At the Japanese government’s request, he became chairman of the bankrupt Japan Airlines in 2010 and led its recovery toward a return to the stock market in 2012. He also established the Inamori Foundation with his own funds and created the Kyoto Prize to recognize achievements in science, technology, the arts, and philosophy. In “A Compass to Fulfillment,” published in Japanese as “Ikikata,” he draws on his experience in research, product development, and business leadership to examine the purpose of life. He presents a philosophy of developing one’s character through everyday work and relationships with others. In “Amoeba Management,” he explains the management system he developed at Kyocera, which divides an organization into small units responsible for their own plans and financial performance. Unit leaders and employees set goals, monitor revenues and expenses, and work together to improve results. The book describes how employees can connect their daily decisions with the performance of the wider company and participate in management rather than leaving business judgment solely to senior executives.
