Kao has again been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies 2011, by Ethisphere Institute, a U.S. think tank. Since the first listing in 2007, Kao is the only Japanese company that has been included on the list for five consecutive years.

Ethisphere Institute specializes in research on corporate ethics and social responsibility. Since 2007, Ethisphere Institute has analyzed companies around the globe to select the World’s Most Ethical Companies, based on the following categories: Ethics and Compliance Program; Reputation, Leadership and Innovation; Corporate Citizenship and Responsibility; and Governance. Out of a record number of nominations for the award, 110 companies in 38 industries were named to the list of this year’s World’s Most Ethical Companies. Even among global companies, only very few companies have had the honor of being recognized for five consecutive years.

As a foundation of its business activities, Kao advocates integrity, a principle inherited from Kao’s founder, abiding by laws and ethics to engage in honest and healthy corporate activities. Kao training programs take into account the characteristics, culture and circumstances of each individual country.

Kao also expresses the deepest compassion for the people and regions suffering from the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan on March 11: “We sincerely wish to extend our genuine condolences to those closest to the victims who lost their lives. Kao will continue to give as much support as we can to assist the swift recovery of the affected communities.”