Founding philosophies of Nissin, Calbee, and Yakult in Japan’s sustainability

Nissin Foods, Calbee, and Yakult are three major Japanese companies that have significantly influenced the food industry. These three brands are now so popular that they can be easily found in grocery stores outside Japan. However, not many are aware of the founders’ philosophies and strong passions, founded through a wish to help people in postwar days. Let’s learn more about the stories behind these companies and their impact.

Nissin alleviated people’s hunger in the postwar days

Nissin Foods, founded in 1948 by Momofuku Ando, was driven by the philosophy of “creating food innovations” to provide accessible and nutritious meals. Ando, an entrepreneur and innovator, was deeply moved by the sight of people suffering from food shortages and malnutrition after World War II. Witnessing long queues at ramen stalls, he was inspired to create instant ramen that could be easily prepared at home.

While there are multiple claims regarding the first inventor of instant noodles, Ando undoubtedly played a crucial role in making ramen widely accessible and alleviating hunger. His motto, “​食足世平 (Shoku soku se hei),” meaning “only when there is enough food will there be peace in the world,” continues to guide Nissin’s mission even after his passing.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by チキンラーメン ひよこちゃん (@chickenramen_hiyoko)

Calbee utilized surplus foods to provide calcium and vitamin B1

Calbee, founded in Hiroshima in 1949 by Takashi Matsuo, aimed to “harness the natural goodness of food” by developing snack products that promote health and nutrition. Leveraging prewar confectionery industry expertise, Matsuo decided to start his company during the chaotic post-war period.

At that time, Japan had a surplus of rice and wheat flour supplied by American food aid. Matsuo sought innovative ways to utilize these resources, leading to the development of nutritious snack products. The company name “Calbee” is derived from a combination of “Calcium” and “Vitamin B1,” reflecting its founding mission to provide health-conscious food choices.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Calbee カルビー (@calbee_jp)

Yakult introduced preventive medicine through probiotics

Yakult, founded by Minoru Shirota, has upheld the principle of “contributing to human health” through probiotics and scientific research. In 1930, Shirota discovered the Shirota strain of lactic acid bacteria and believed that improving gut health could help prevent disease. His philosophy of preventive medicine was crucial in postwar Japan, a time when nutritional deficiencies were widespread.

Yakult’s commitment to promoting gut health through probiotic beverages helped establish a global brand that continues to support well-being through science-backed nutrition.

A legacy of sustainable business practices looking out for people’s well-being

Today, more companies integrate sustainability and social responsibility into their business models. However, long before the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) emerged, the founders of Nissin, Calbee, and Yakult had already embedded social contribution into their core philosophies. Their passion and vision remind us of what true business should strive to be: not just for profit but for the betterment of society.