| 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). |
| 1955 |
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). |
| 1968 |
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. |
| 1972 |
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. |
| 1994 |
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. |
| 1998 |
Bansoreicha is introduced to the market. |
| 2004 |
Entered into a strategic alliance with Groupe Danone. |
| 2005 |
Research center is established in Europe (Belgium). |
| 2006 |
The name of Yakult’s brand of cosmetics is changed to Yakult Beautiens. |
| 2006 |
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 |
