Tokyo Microbiota 2025 celebrated outstanding contributions to microbiota research through its Scientific Awards, Healthy Impact Awards, and Innovation Awards, highlighting progress from fundamental science to clinical and industrial innovation.
Scientific Awards
The Scientific Awards honored academic excellence and scientific rigor across diverse areas of microbiota research, including host–microbe interactions, immune regulation, metabolism, and translational microbiology:
• Hiroshi Ohno (RIKEN), for pioneering work in mucosal immunology and host–microbiota interactions
• Naoko Otani (Osaka Metropolitan University), for innovative studies linking microbiota function to metabolic and physiological regulation
• Kiyoshi Takeda (Osaka University), for mechanistic insights into immune–microbiota crosstalk
• Alain Stinzi (University of Ottawa), for advancing translational and comparative microbiota research
• Masayuki Amagai (RIKEN & Keio University School of Medicine), for bridging fundamental microbiology with clinical investigation
Healthy Impact Awards
The Healthy Impact Awards recognized initiatives with clear relevance to human health and clinical application:
• Metagen Therapeutics, represented by Hikaru Watanabe, for microbiota-based therapeutic development
• Meiji, for long-standing contributions to nutrition and gut health research
• Sethic, represented by Kim Jing, for clinically oriented microbiota solutions
• Metabiogenix, represented by Mario Acosta, for translational approaches in microbiome medicine
• Glyco, for innovation in glycobiology and microbiota-related health applications
Innovation Awards
The Innovation Awards highlighted companies driving applied innovation in microbiota science and related technologies:
• Morinaga, represented by Akari Hiraku, for innovation in functional foods and microbiota-supporting nutrition
• Yakult, represented by Osamu Chonan, for leadership in probiotic research and consumer health applications
• Freda, represented by Yang Su-Zhen, for developing microbiota-informed health products
• Ninapharm, represented by Sawako Hibino, for collaborative innovation in microbiota-based therapeutic development
Together, these awards reflect the strength of the microbiota ecosystem showcased in Tokyo, emphasizing scientific excellence, health impact, and innovation across academia and industry.
