1930

Dr. Minoru Shirota succeeds in culturing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota at the Universtiy of Kyoto in Kyoto, Japan. This later became the main ingredient in Yakult.

1935

Yakult is manufactured and introduced to the market.

1955
Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. is established in Tokyo, Japan.

1963

1964

Yakult launches its unique Yakult Ladies system of door-to-door distribution.

Yakult Co., Ltd. Taiwan begins operations as the company's first overseas operation.

1967

1980

Yakult Central Institute for Microbiology Research is established in Tokyo.

Company stocks are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

1986

1995

1999

Fuji Susono Plant is completed for dairy-product manufacturing.

Yakult enters first European market (The Netherlands)

The cancer prevention efficacy of Lactobacillus casei Shirota is announced at the 58th General Meeting of the Japan Cancer Society.

1999

2005

Yakult enters select Asian markets in the United States.

Yakult enters select Hispanic markets in the United States.

2007

2008

In Southern California and Las Vegas, Yakult sells in its first general market grocery store.

Yakult expands to general market stores in Northern California and Phoenix, Arizona.

2009

2012

Yakult expands to general market stores in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.

Yakult expands to general market stores in Utah.