Kamishibai
紙芝居·kamishibai·"paper drama, picture story"
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Kamishibai boards are visual audit systems using cards to ensure regular checks of process conditions and standards.
Definition
Kamishibai is a visual audit system using cards or boards to ensure that regular checks of process conditions, standards, and safety are completed. Named after traditional Japanese paper storytelling theaters, kamishibai boards display cards representing different audit items. Cards are flipped or moved when checks are completed, making it visually obvious which items have been checked and which haven't. Leaders conduct these brief, focused audits as part of their standard work, ensuring that standards are maintained and problems are caught early.
Examples
A kamishibai board at a work cell has 20 cards—each representing a standard to verify: 5S condition, safety equipment, visual controls, quality checks. Each shift, the team leader randomly selects and audits three cards, flipping them when complete. The board shows audit coverage over time.
Key Points
- Kamishibai makes audit status visual—anyone can see what's been checked
- Random selection ensures all items get attention over time
- Brief, focused audits fit into leader standard work
- Uncompleted checks become immediately visible
Common Misconceptions
Kamishibai is just a checklist. Kamishibai's visual and random-selection elements differ from static checklists. The board makes compliance visible and the random selection prevents predictable shortcuts.
Kamishibai replaces formal audits. Kamishibai supplements formal audit systems with frequent, brief checks. Both are valuable—kamishibai for daily discipline, formal audits for comprehensive review.