Advanced research and development into mushrooms is the driving force behind HOKUTO. The company established its Mushroom General Research Institute in 1983. Since then, the institute has taken up a variety of R&D challenges in the field of mushrooms, taking full advantage of its progressive biotechnology. Activities range from the development of new mushroom varieties to meet newly arising needs for healthier foods, to development of new culture mediums and technologies.

Our Mushroom General Research Institute is devoted to undertaking a wide range of R&D activities utilizing the most cutting-edge technologies. Its purpose - to deliver tastier and healthier mushrooms to consumers. In 1986, it achieved a world first by developing a pure-white Enoki-take mushroom (Flammulina velutipes). This was followed by a succession of other remarkable research achievements in the ensuing years, thus bringing the name HOKUTO into the limelight. The successful development of a non-bitter Bunashimeji mushroom allowed the company to deploy a number of large-scale Kinoko (Mushroom) Centers in various locations across Japan. We also overcame a number of difficulties inherent in the culture of Eryngii, enabling stable mass-production of this mushroom. Furthermore, the successful development of a new variety of Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) and its in-bottle culture technology led to mass-production in fully automated factories. Many of our new mushroom varieties have either been registered on the Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries Ministry’s list of seeds and seedlings, or acquired intellectual property rights (including patents).

Our dietary lifestyle is approaching a vital turning point given the rapidly aging 21st century society. The key word today is “Health.” Accordingly, our Mushroom General Research Institute is undertaking research in pursuit of mushroom attributes that could prove useful in promoting good health. For example, it was recently discovered that Eryngii mushrooms help prevent liver disorders and promote regular bowel movements. Through the development of mushroom-based health foods, functional foods and pharmaceutical raw materials, the institute aims to make growing contributions to life science, focusing on cures for disease and maintenance and promotion of good health.