Despite being an advanced nation, Japan has a high prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, resulting in abnormally high medical expenses. Recognizing that many of these issues stem from dietary habits, I turned my attention from the cosmetics industry to the health food sector. However, upon entering this field, it became clear that the industry was not properly developed, prompting my decision to challenge the status quo and transform it. We changed the term “health food” to “supplements” and reduced the price to about one-fifth the market price of health foods being sold at the time. As a pioneer in the supplement industry, and with the current supplement boom, I now look back on those earlier days with a sense of nostalgia.

When a small company like ours sets out to take on larger companies, research and development capability is going to be the most important factor, so R&D has been a core focus since day one. Today, we have 189 researchers (including 21 PhDs) and approximately 110 overseas and 430 Japanese patents.

FANCL became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kirin Holdings Company, Limited in December 2024 following a tender offer that was completed in September of the same year. I have high hopes that we can create innovative new products and services by combining our respective strengths and technologies.

Contributing to society has always been important to FANCL. In 1999, we established FANCL Smile Co., Ltd., a special subsidiary company for people with intellectual disabilities. Today, over 100 employees are working there energetically.

I would like to offer my deepest gratitude to everyone who has believed in FANCL and supported us over the years. Words cannot express how much we appreciate your support.

We look forward to your continued support in the years to come.