Inspired by our founder's vision, Yakult remains committed to promoting health and happiness worldwide through the pursuit of a disease-resistant body. Dr. Minoru Shirota, Yakult's founder and a medical doctor, began his studies at Kyoto Imperial University in 1921. At the time, poor sanitation and malnutrition in Japan led to many deaths from infectious diseases like cholera and dysentery.
1930
Dr Minoru Shirota successfully cultured Lactobacillus Caseistrain Shirota
1935
Yakult started to be manufactured and sold
1955
Yakult Honsha building was established in Tokyo Research institute was established in Kyoto
1963
New Studios in Nairobi & Cape Town
1964
Yakult Taiwan opens, Yakult’s first overseas business