{"id":31708,"date":"2025-10-23T17:46:28","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T08:46:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sonomono.jp\/?page_id=31708"},"modified":"2026-03-03T11:40:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T02:40:04","slug":"ogasawara-kazuya","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sonomono.jp\/en\/ogasawara-kazuya\/","title":{"rendered":"Kazuya Ogasawara Profile “Dr. Natto”"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Who is Dr. Natto? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Centuries after his ancestors in the Genji clan discovered natto, Dr. Natto continues the legacy as a researcher with 39 years of expertise in fermentation, microbiology, and functional foods.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kazuya Ogasawara<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Academic Advisor to sonomoto Inc.\/Former Specially Appointed Associate Professor at Kyushu University Graduate School<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His ancestor was Minamoto no Yoshimitsu<\/strong>, the younger brother of Minamoto no Yoshiie<\/strong>, who is said to have discovered natto.
A thousand years later, as one of his descendants, he is deeply devoted to natto research.
He completed his graduate studies at the Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University<\/strong>.
Building on 39 years of experience in research and development of microbiology, fermentation, and enzymology, focusing primarily on Bacillus subtilis<\/em> (natto bacteria), as well as in functional food ingredients such as nattokinase<\/strong>, he continues to contribute widely to the field.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4 theories about the origin of natto in Japan<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWe present the most accepted theories of the origin of natto in Japan, ranging from its early development during the Jomon period, to its possible introduction …<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Short curriculum vitae<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
March 1983<\/td>Graduated from Okayama University of Science High School (General Course)<\/td><\/tr>
April 1983<\/td>Enrolled in the Department of Applied Microbial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kumamoto Institute of Technology (now Sojo University)<\/td><\/tr>
March 1987<\/td>Graduated from the Department of Applied Microbial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kumamoto Institute of Technology<\/td><\/tr>
April 1987<\/td>Enrolled in the Master’s Program in Applied Microbial Engineering, Graduate School of Kumamoto Institute of Technology<\/td><\/tr>
March 1989<\/td>Completed the Master’s Program in Applied Microbial Engineering, Graduate School of Kumamoto Institute of Technology<\/td><\/tr>
April 1989<\/td>Joined Yamato Kasei Co., Ltd. (now Amano Enzyme Co., Ltd.) and served in the Research and Development, Technology, and Quality Assurance departments. Developed enzyme preparations for food, industrial, and research use (Research and Development Department). Designed and constructed microbial culture tanks for production, liquid enzyme preparation, purification, and manufacturing facilities, and implemented measures to prevent microbial contamination and foreign matter contamination (Technical Department). Engaged in preparations for ISO 9001 certification and the establishment of new quality inspection methods (Quality Assurance Department).<\/td><\/tr>
<\/td>Since 1997, engaged in contract manufacturing of natto bacteria culture extract (nattokinase).<\/td><\/tr>
March 2000<\/td>Retired from Yamato Kasei Co., Ltd.<\/td><\/tr>
April 2000<\/td>Joined Nippon Biological Science Institute, Inc. as the head of the research laboratory and the quality assurance department. As head of the laboratory, he is involved in the development of deodorized natto culture extract, the development of a simple nattokinase identification method, the development of a powdered plant fermentation extract, research and development related to the production of useful substances from microalgae, and the education and training of researchers. He also established the quality assurance department, where he is involved in establishing quality inspection and testing methods, codifying internal laws, validating proprietary analytical methods, inspecting subcontractors, and educating and training quality assurance personnel.
He delivered lectures on nattokinase in China and Taiwan, conducted training programs on nattokinase activity measurement methods for business partners and public institutions, and provided technical guidance and carried out audits at angelica tree farms and processing facilities in Indonesia.<\/td><\/tr>
April 2006<\/td>Enrolled in the doctoral program in the Department of Visual Function and Pathophysiology (Ophthalmology) at the Graduate School of Medical Education, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Reconstructive Surgery, Kumamoto University. Conducted research on the application of nattokinase as an adjuvant in ophthalmic surgery and on the use of angelica chalcone in optic nerve protection and regeneration therapy.<\/td><\/tr>
March 2010<\/td>Graduated from the Doctoral Program in Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery and Reconstruction, Department of Clinical Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Education, Kumamoto University. <\/td><\/tr>
March 2020<\/td>Retired from Japan Biological Science Institute, Inc.<\/td><\/tr>
April 2020<\/td>Joined Japan Life Science Institute, Inc. as Director and Head of Research and Development.<\/td><\/tr>
December 2020<\/td>Retired from Japan Life Science Institute, Inc.<\/td><\/tr>
January 2021<\/td>Founded Yamato Biotech and began working as a freelance scientist.<\/td><\/tr>
February 2021<\/td>Appointed Academic Advisor (Part-time) to Somono Co., Ltd.<\/td><\/tr>
September 2021<\/td>Appointed Academic Researcher (Part-time) at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University (National University Corporation)<\/td><\/tr>
October 2021<\/td>Appointed Special Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University (National University Corporation)<\/td><\/tr>
December 2021<\/td>Appointed Special Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University (National University Corporation)<\/td><\/tr>
March 2025<\/td>Retired from the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University (National University Corporation)<\/td><\/tr>
<\/td>Appointed advisor to several other companies, continuing to serve to the present.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Affiliated Academic Societies<\/dt>\n\n\n\n
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