History of Yakult
1930
Dr. Minoru Shirota succeeds in strengthening and culturing lactic acid bacteria, useful for maintaining health (Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota).
1935
Yakult is manufactured and introduced to the market.
1940
Local offices of the Association for Promotion of Preventive Bacteria Strain Shirota are established in various parts of Japan for the purpose of marketing and distributing Yakult.
1955
Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. is established (Nishi Hatchobori, Chuo-ku, Tokyo).
Research Institute is established in Kyoto.
1963
Yakult launches its unique Yakult Lady home delivery system.
1964
Yakult Taiwan Co., Ltd. begins operations as the company’s first overseas operation base.
1967
Research institute is established in Kunitachi, Tokyo (later known as Yakult Central Institute).
1968
The company takes over the management of the Sankei Atoms baseball team (now the Tokyo Yakult Swallows).
Yakult is introduced to the market in a new plastic container.
1971
The company begins the full-scale sale of cosmetics.
1972
New head office building is completed in Higashi Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
Program of regular visits to senior citizens by Yakult Ladies begins.
1975
Biolactis Capsules ethical drug is introduced to the healthcare industry, thereby marking Yakult’s entrance into the pharmaceutical business.
1979
Yakult Seichoyaku intestinal regulator,an over-the-counter medicine,is introduced to the healthcare industry.
1981
Company stocks are listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
1992
Yakult Bioscience Research Foundation is established.
1994
The manufacture of irinotecan hydrochloride, a cancer chemotherapeutic agent, is approved, and the drug is introduced to the healthcare industry under the brand name of Campto.
The company receives the Minister for Health and Welfare Award for distinguished volunteer service in recognition program of the regular visits to senior citizens.
1997
The company receives the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Award (in the Consumer Division) at the Excellent Corporations of Food Industry Awards.
1998
Yakult is approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare for labeling as Foods for Specified Health Uses.
Bansoreicha is introduced to the market.
2004
Entered into a strategic alliance with Groupe Danone.
2005
Research center is established in Europe (Belgium).
Oxaliplatin, a cancer chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer, is approved under the name of Elplat.
2006
The name of Yakult’s brand of cosmetics is changed to Yakult Beautiens.
Our new corporate slogan is decided: In order for people to be healthy, everything around them must also be healthy.
2008
Yakult receives a 2008 Good Design Long Life Design Award (G-Mark).
2008
Yakult starts business in India