In accordance with Yakult's corporate philosophy, the Yakult Central Institute has continued to undertake new research with the aim of contributing to the health of Japan, the rest of the world, and the earth itself without forgetting the importance of personal integrity and human warmth. This unchanging desire is, and will continue to be, held by each and every researcher at the Yakult Central Institute.

　The philosophy of Yakult's founder, Dr. Shirota, and the research achievements we have enjoyed over the many years since our founding, have given rise to research and human resources that will lead us into the future. In addition, the point of focus for our unique research is to gain state-of-the-art, innovative research insights rooted in microbial research that can ultimately improve the global environment.

　At the Yakult Central Institute, we have pioneered the use of preventive medicine and produced numerous achievements in research focused on intestinal microorganisms. We utilize these insights in the development of and application research for food, cosmetic, and healthcare products that are useful in maintaining and improving people's health. In these research activities, we strive not only to create an organization and environment that will allow researchers to devote themselves to their work, but also to establish a system that facilitates the dissemination of reliable research results.

　The Central Institute consists of the following: seven functional laboratories each with its own distinct focus; the Administration Department, which carries out work relating to management of the laboratories; and the Research Management Center, which is responsible for formulating research strategies, promoting research activities both in Japan and overseas, as well as managing and disseminating information. We also have the Quality Assurance Unit, an independent specialized department that is responsible for ensuring and guaranteeing the reliability of various studies, research work and research data at the Institute.

　In addition, we are advancing our global research activities in collaboration with our non-profit Yakult Honsha European Research Center for Microbiology VOF, established in Ghent, Kingdom of Belgium.

　Many steps need to be completed before a new product is created. The Central Institute is mainly engaged in the development of functional materials, which itself is broken down into three steps: basic research, ingredient development research, and commercialization research. Fully fledged product development using candidate materials is carried out in the Product Development Department of each business division.

　A particular theme is set for each field of study. Yakult carries out its own unique research into and development of ingredients in a variety of domains, including the following: ingredients for food products that contribute to maintaining and promoting health and quality of life; ingredients for use in cosmetics whose safety profile is undeniable and which are rooted in dermatology and microbiology; and ingredients for pharmaceuticals in medical products that utilize the microbiome.