Our Story

Our Origins

Shirota and Microbiology

To talk about the origins of Yakult, we need to take a step back in time to Japan in 1899, the year Minoru Shirota was born—a scientist, microbiologist, and the founder of Yakult.

In the early 20th century, poor hygiene conditions and widespread malnutrition in Japan drove the young Minoru Shirota to pursue medical studies, with a particular focus on microbiology. His goal was not only to treat patients but, above all, to promote effective disease prevention.

Dr. Shirota’s dream was to contribute to people’s well-being and happiness around the world through scientific research and specialization in the field of probiotics.

A unique story for a unique product

It was 1930 when Dr. Shirota, a physician and microbiologist, successfully isolated and cultivated a unique probiotic strain in milk—one so resilient that it could withstand stomach acid and reach the intestines alive. That strain was L. casei Shirota, Yakult’s exclusive and unique probiotic strain.

Since 1935, through a slow production process that respects the natural fermentation time, Dr. Shirota began producing the fermented skim milk drink that we all know today as Yakult.

The First Steps of Yakult

Dr. Shirota initially distributed Yakult locally. Later, to make his small bottles available throughout Japan, he adopted a unique approach. In 1963, he introduced the innovative Yakult Ladies home delivery system. These were Yakult’s first steps toward contributing to people’s well-being and happiness worldwide.

However, his vision extended far beyond Japan. Dr. Shirota’s dream was to share his discovery and bring his fermented milk drink to as many people as possible across the globe.