Can a simple stone monument hold the weight of a nation’s health? Here, at the Yakult Stone in Fukuoka, it does. This unassuming memorial marks the spot where, in 1935, Yakult’s founder, Dr. Minoru Shirota, first sold his now-famous fermented milk drink in Japan. The Yakult Stone itself isn’t ancient, but the story it tells is deeply rooted in history. The monument, topped with a replica of the iconic Yakult bottle, was erected in 2009 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Fukuoka Yakult Sales Company. It stands as a testament to Dr. Shirota’s vision. The Yakult Stone bears the inscription “Kencho Choju,” meaning “healthy intestines, long life.” This reflects Dr. Shirota’s belief that gut health is key to longevity. He developed the Shirota strain of lactic acid bacteria at Kyoto Imperial University, aiming to create an affordable drink that would improve public health. He chose Fukuoka as the launching point for his dream. Imagine those first bottles of Yakult being sold right here, near the bustling Hawks Town Mall, just a short walk from Tojinmachi Station. The inscription below the bottle commemorates the founding of the Yakult business in 1935. It also celebrates the establishment of the Fukuoka Yakult Sales Company fifty years later. Dr. Shirota’s vision, born here at this very spot, has since spread across the globe, bringing his “Shirota-ism” of preventive medicine and affordable healthcare to millions. The Yakult Stone, a simple monument, reminds us that big things can start small.
Ohki Elementary School
Nestled within Fukuoka City is Ohki Elementary School. It’s a place brimming with the energy of young learners. Ohki Elementary