[THE 5TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE] INTERVIEW (MR. KAZUNARI ISHIDA, SOPHIA CO., LTD.)

Innovations brought about by intestinal flora transplantation to realize “Symbiosis with Bacteria

CORPORATE SUPPORTING MEMBER MR. KAZUNARI ISHIDA, SOPHIA CORPORATION

SOPHIA CO., LTD. MANUFACTURES SUPPLEMENTS MADE FROM LACTOBACILLI AND OTHER INGREDIENTS AND RAW MATERIALS WITH THE MISSION OF SPREADING THE “WISDOM OF HEALTH AND LONGEVITY” FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AND APPLYING IT TO THE “PRESENT” AND “FUTURE” OF HUMANKIND. WE ASKED THEM ABOUT THEIR HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS FOR INTESTINAL FLORA TRANSPLANTATION AT THE 5TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

Expectations and “Symbiosis with Bacteria” as felt in intestinal flora transplantation.

Humans live in symbiosis and coexistence with a variety of bacteria. We cannot live without bacteria. One of those bacteria is the intestinal bacteria. However, in modern society, the intestinal bacteria are said to be weakening, not only in Japan but also among Westerners. Factors contributing to this include the trend toward sterilization and disinfection, and a disordered diet. As a result, there is an increased possibility that the health maintained by the intestinal bacteria will be harmed, or that a disorder will appear.

Although we are a manufacturer that develops and sells supplements from metabolites of intestinal bacteria, we hope to see a world in which such supplements will no longer be necessary in the future. We feel and hope that intestinal flora transplantation has this potential. Intestinal flora transplantation is a means to improve intestinal bacteria that are out of balance. If it becomes more accessible than it is now, I believe it will help create the “society in which humans live in harmony and coexist with bacteria,” which is what we hope for.

Be a part of communicating evidence-based and correct knowledge.

Recent studies have shown how important the intestinal microbiota is to health. Case reports have been presented at the conference on intractable diseases such as ulcerative colitis and autism spectrum disorder.

As a manufacturer that helps consumers improve their health, the opportunity to learn correct knowledge based on evidence is very valuable to us, and we use it in our daily product development and in brushing up our existing products. However, the term “intestinal flora” itself is just now gaining public recognition, so we believe we have a major role to play as a manufacturer.

As a manufacturer, it is our duty to provide products that are good for the body and to serve as a bridge to convey correct knowledge to consumers and other people suffering from illnesses through our products. We believe that this will ultimately lead to the creation of true health for everyone.

Research on gut flora transplantation could revolutionize the field of education.

I am currently supporting children with autism spectrum disorder through my work, and they have outstanding ideas and creativity. I even feel a sense of hope that with this inspiration and ability, Japan can change even more.

I am also very hopeful that research on intestinal flora transplantation may shed light on the field of education. Japan’s global competitiveness is declining, and I feel that new ideas, new perspectives, and a high level of creativity are essential in order to create a stir.

There are case reports of intestinal flora transplantation not only for intractable diseases but also for mental disorders. If symbiosis and coexistence with bacteria can change children’s education, I believe that they will be able to live their lives with a carefree body and mind. From this point of view, I feel that the existence of intestinal flora transplantation is significant for today’s society.

▼CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE SOPHIA CORPORATION WEBSITE.