"Cho-iine! Project" Launched to Make Tsuruoka City, Yamagata a "Gut-Friendly" Town Through Food Culture and Gut Microbiome Science

Metagen Therapeutics Inc. (HQ: Tsuruoka, Yamagata; CEO: Taku Nakahara) will cooperate with and sponsor the "Cho-iine! Project," a city-building initiative for gut health in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata, launched in May 2026. The project is a student-led initiative by volunteers from Yamagata University, Tohoku University of Community Service and Science, and Keio University. It aims to promote Tsuruoka's appeal from a "gut health" perspective, blending the city's rich food culture with its advanced gut microbiome research to form a new regional brand and create tourism resources. Tsuruoka is Japan's first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and a hub for cutting-edge gut microbiome research at the Tsuruoka Science Park. Metagen Therapeutics, a venture from Juntendo, Keio, and Tokyo Tech universities, opened Japan's first stool donation facility, the "Tsuruoka Kenben Room," there in April 2025. However, a 2023 city survey revealed that only about 30% of young people wish to live in Tsuruoka in the future, citing a lack of attractive industries and future prospects. In response, students devised this project. It will certify restaurant menus that meet criteria (e.g., using over 10 types of plant-based foods) with a "Cho-iine! Mark," promoting them via SNS to encourage gut-health-themed tourism. Metagen Therapeutics will provide scientific advice and sponsorship, contributing to the city's development as a leader in gut microbiome medicine.