Minoru Shirota

Minoru Shirota (1899–1982) was a Japanese scientist and entrepreneur, best known for his work in the field of probiotics. He is the founder of Yakult, a probiotic dairy product company, and the developer of the strain of bacteria known as Lactobacillus casei Shirota.

Early life and education

Shirota was born in Japan in 1899. He developed an interest in microbiology at a young age, which led him to pursue a career in the field. He studied at the Kyoto Imperial University, where he focused on the study of lactic acid bacteria.

Career

After completing his studies, Shirota began working at the Kitasato Institute, a private research institution in Japan. Here, he conducted research on lactic acid bacteria and their potential health benefits. In 1930, he successfully cultivated a strain of lactic acid bacteria that could survive in the human intestine. This strain was named Lactobacillus casei Shirota, after him.

In 1935, Shirota founded Yakult, a company that produces a probiotic dairy product containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota. The product, also named Yakult, was designed to promote digestive health and boost the immune system. Today, Yakult is sold in over 30 countries worldwide.

Legacy

Shirota's work has had a significant impact on the field of probiotics. His development of Lactobacillus casei Shirota has led to a greater understanding of the role of bacteria in human health. His company, Yakult, continues to be a leader in the probiotic industry.

See also

• Probiotics
• Lactic acid bacteria
• Yakult