Kao

Kao is a term with several uses, the most prominent being Kao Corporation, a Japanese multinational consumer goods company. The name Kao comes from the Japanese kanji 花王, which translates to “flower king.” Headquartered in Tokyo, Kao produces cosmetics, personal care, and household products and operates globally in Asia, North America, and Europe. Its product portfolio includes well-known brands such as Biore (cleansers and skincare), Liese (hair color), Gatsby (hair styling), and Merries (diapers). Kao engages in research, development, manufacturing, and marketing across its consumer care and chemical segments.

In addition to the corporate entity, Kao is also used as a surname or given name in East Asian contexts and among diaspora communities. The romanization Kao can reflect different underlying surnames or given names in Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean-influenced naming traditions, and it may correspond to surnames such as Gao in Mandarin. Individuals with the name Kao appear across various fields, including academia, politics, and the arts.

Etymologically, the association of the corporate Kao with the kanji 花王 highlights a branding choice that emphasizes quality and tradition, while the use of Kao as a personal name demonstrates its cultural reach beyond the company.