Although Japan is a developed nation, medical expenses are extremely high because of the large population with lifestyle diseases. Learning the reasons were mainly related to eating habits, I decided to start a health food business after cosmetics. However, I soon realized that the industry was not properly developed, and hence I was challenged to change the common sense of the industry. I changed the term “Health Food” to “Supplement”, setting a normal price of just one-fifth of market prices. As the pioneer in supplements, looking at today’s supplement boom, I found the world changed so fast.

To compete with big companies, I believed that research and development power is the key, therefore I put effort into it since FANCL was founded. At present, our R&D force has grown up to 215 researchers (including 24 PhDs), and also we have obtained 150 overseas patents and 460 Japanese patents.

In 2019, through the new capital and business alliance with Kirin Holdings Company, Limited, I look forward to the birth of the state of the art products by mutual sharing of original ingredients and technologies.

FANCL also had an early start on social contribution. In 1999, FANCL Smile Co., Ltd., a special subsidiary, was established to recruit employees with intellectual disabilities. Currently, over 100 employees are energetic at work.

Lastly, I would like to send my endless thanks for your trust and support for FANCL over the past forty years.

And also, I look forward to your continuous support in the future.