2025 Nobel Prize Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, Shimon Sakaguchi, Appointed Chairman of "Shokuso-kai"

The Ando Foundation for Sports and Food Culture Promotion (Chairman: Hiroki Ando, hereinafter referred to as the Ando Foundation), which presides over "Shokuso-kai ~Association to Encourage the Creation and Development of New Foods~," is pleased to announce the appointment of Shimon Sakaguchi, the 2025 Nobel Prize Laureate in Physiology or Medicine and a specially appointed distinguished professor at Osaka University, as its new chairman. Concurrently, Mr. Junichiro Koizumi (former Prime Minister of Japan), who has led the development of "Shokuso-kai" as its chairman, has been appointed honorary chairman.

Chairman Shimon Sakaguchi

Professor Sakaguchi has made significant contributions to the advancement of medicine and life sciences through his pioneering research on the mechanisms controlling immune responses. His original and leading-edge research findings on the maintenance of immune homeostasis have provided new insights beneficial to the realization of a healthy longevity society, and are also expected to open up new possibilities for research and development in the field of food science from the perspectives of immunity and biological regulation.

Under Professor Sakaguchi's profound knowledge and broad vision, we will further promote activities aimed at realizing the philosophy of the Ando Foundation's founder, Momofuku Ando: "Shokuso Isei (Create food, and serve the world)."

Comment from Chairman Shimon Sakaguchi

I am deeply honored to be appointed chairman of "Shokuso-kai."

As a researcher myself, I have realized that it takes a long time and much support for new seeds of knowledge to bear fruit as social value. In today's increasingly complex challenges surrounding "food," the journey of "Shokuso-kai," which has pioneered new food possibilities through the commendation of original researchers and developers, is truly meaningful.

Under Momofuku Ando's philosophy of "Shokuso Isei," I will do my utmost to support those who are engaged in challenges to promote food science and pioneer the future of food.

<Brief Biography>

1976 Graduated from Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine

1977 Research fellow, Experimental Pathology Division, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute

1983 Completed Doctor of Medicine degree at Kyoto University Graduate School, then Visiting Researcher at Johns Hopkins University

1987 Visiting Researcher at Stanford University

1999 Professor, Division of Biological Function Regulation, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University; subsequently served as Director of the Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University

2011 Professor, Department of Experimental Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University

2016 Specially Appointed Professor, Department of Experimental Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University

2018 Grand Prize winner of the "22nd Momofuku Ando Award" by Shokuso-kai

2025 Specially Appointed Distinguished Professor, Osaka University

Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of regulatory T cells.

Comment from Honorary Chairman Junichiro Koizumi

"Food" is the source of life and the foundation of health. Without the advancement of food science, there can be no healthy longevity for people worldwide, nor strong growth for Japan.

It is extremely reassuring that Professor Shimon Sakaguchi, a world leader in immunology research, has accepted the position of new chairman of "Shokuso-kai."

Today, the field of food is intertwined with medicine and life sciences, holding infinite possibilities. Under the excellent insights of the new Chairman Sakaguchi, in pursuit of Momofuku Ando's philosophy of "Shokuso Isei," I have great expectations that Japanese innovations will be born one after another, contributing to global food science and human health.

Shokuso-kai Officers (As of July 2026 / Titles omitted)

【Honorary Chairman】

Junichiro Koizumi Former Prime Minister of Japan

【Chairman】

Shimon Sakaguchi Specially Appointed Distinguished Professor, Osaka University

【Vice Chairmen】

Takeo Kawamura Former Chief Cabinet Secretary

Hisamitsu Arai Former Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office

【Officers】

Hiroki Ando Chairman, Ando Foundation for Sports and Food Culture Promotion

Takashi Arakawa Chairman, Japan Food Industry Association

Shuichiro Kitamura President, Japan Patent Attorneys Association

Hitomi Kumagai Specially Appointed Professor, Faculty of Bioresources Sciences, Nihon University

Katsumi Takano Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University of Agriculture

Keiko Takeshita Ambassador, NPO WFP Japan Association; Actress

Toshiro Matsui Chairman, The Japanese Society for Food Science and Technology

About Shokuso-kai

In 1996, "Shokuso-kai" was established with the aim of promoting the creation of new foods and contributing to the development of the food industry, based on Momofuku Ando's philosophy of "Shokuso Isei." The Ando Foundation presides over "Shokuso-kai," supporting original basic research, food development, and food-related ventures, and annually awards the "Momofuku Ando Award."

About the Ando Foundation for Sports and Food Culture Promotion

The Ando Foundation, based on Momofuku Ando's philosophy that "food and sports are the two wheels supporting health," works to foster the sound development of mind and body in young people and improve societal well-being. Through five areas of activity—sports support, nature experience activities, food culture promotion, operation of the Invention Museum, and social welfare—it provides diverse opportunities for learning and growth, while also responding to new social challenges.

For details, please visit the Ando Foundation for Sports and Food Culture Promotion website.

[URL] https://www.ando-zaidan.jp/