W. Edwards Deming, the man many feel is responsible for Japan’s post-war economic success of the 1950s  thru the 1980s, was largely ignored by U.S. industry before the Japanese heard about his theories and realized the benefits.

Due to his post WWII work, Deming is revered in Japan. They even have an annual competition for the top implementers of quality management and the winner is awarded the Deming Medal. Named after, you guessed it, Edwards Deming.