Kao Corp.

Japan’s second-largest diaper maker is apparently struggling to meet surging demand from Tiger Moms.

Kao Corp.’s breathable Merries diapers have gained a reputation abroad for being good for a baby’s development, appealing to mothers who want to maximize the head start they give their children, Kao Chairman Motoki Ozaki said in a recent interview.

Mr. Ozaki said Japanese diapers are selling much better than expected in China, and also in Russia, fetching up to double their selling price in Japan–though only the made-in-Japan nappies are attracting premium prices, he added, not locally made ones. Read More »