Japan's adoption (and adaption) of QC circles 10 years earlier than most of the rest of the world, and the role this has played in Japan's advancement as an industrialised nation, is examined. The growth of circles in Japan is charted, and a consideration is given of the implementation of QC circles in other Far Eastern countries, South America, Europe and the US. Training at various levels, to overcome the shortage of qualified people, is discussed. A comparison is made between QC circles and other more conventional motivational plans, and five main issues are analysed; a comparison is also made between Japanese and Western industry and their respective worker attitudes. The necessity for QC circles to become established in the US, and considered a fundamental human resource enhancement, rather than a foolish fad, is stated.