With over 80 years of experience in scientific research, Yakult is committed to delivering highest quality products to people all around the world.
1930
Dr Minoru Shirota successfully cultured and strengthened a special type of bacteria, our exclusive Shirota strain.
Based in the Medical Faculty of Kyoto University, Japan at the time, he became the first person in the world to succeed in culturing a strain of lactic acid bacteria beneficial to gut functions. This bacterium was named “Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota strain” (or Shirota strain) after Dr Shirota.
1935
Yakult is first introduced in Japan.
1955
Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. is established with Dr Shirota as the President.
1963
Putting a priority on products delivered directly to the customer’s home with sincerity and a smile, Yakult Lady system is introduced in 1963.
1967
The Yakult Central Institute is established in Kunitachi, Tokyo.
Today, the 404 scientists and medical doctors here are actively pursuing research with the goal of applying beneficial bacteria effectively to contribute to human health.
1968
The now iconic Yakult plastic bottle is launched. 30 years later, Yakult is acknowledged by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as a “Food for Specified Health Usages” (FOSHU).
The FOSHU status is only awarded to food products that can prove through studies in humans, that they have positive health effects, both medically and nutritionally.
2004
Yakult officially started its business in Malaysia.
2005
The Yakult European Research Centre for Microbiology is set up in Belgium.
2008
Yakult Lady door-to-door product delivery service is launched in Malaysia.
2013
Yakult business is expanded to East Malaysia.