Interview with Researchers
Hironori Nishikawa
Health Care & Nutritional Science InstituteNutritional Foods Research Section
Aiming for food innovation that contributes to the health of all generations
At the Health Care & Nutritional Science Institute, we aim to make people healthier and happier through innovation in nutrition.
All of us at the Nutritional Foods Research Section are developing a wide range of nutritional foods, including formula milk for domestic and overseas markets. Recently some of our products have even received certification for use in space exploration projects. As of December 2021, my focus is on products for both domestic and 9 overseas markets where I work closely with our manufacturing partners and sales distributors.
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In 2017, we heard from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) that it was necessary to devise better ways to ensure more efficient nutrition intake in space. A project team was established to determine whether our product Milk Seikatsu, which contains nutritionally balanced components for adults, could be of use to astronauts. After about three years, in 2020, our product received Japanese Space Food Certification from JAXA. In May of the same year, Milk Seikatsu flew into space.
Morinaga Milk Seikatsu
(for use in space exploration)
New product development in Indonesia made possible through mutual understanding of cultures
My first job at the institute was the development of a milk drink for children to be sold in Indonesia. I was working on this project just as a new manufacturing plant for local contractor was under construction. It had only been a few months since I had been assigned to the institute, so I had to ask my predecessor to teach me how to make samples from scratch. At first, I was often confused by the difference in taste preferences and way of thinking between the Japanese people and people from other countries. Two years after starting this project, I went on a business trip to the plant site for the first time. I had no experience studying abroad, so I was very worried about whether I would be able to communicate with my limited language skills.
Over the following two and a half years, I visited Indonesia more than ten times. I experienced some failures, but with the support of my senior team members and the experience from working in Indonesia, I gradually gained confidence. The products we developed for this project were not just for the Indonesian market, as some of the products were also exported to Myanmar. All of us on the team believed that we were able to make a meaningful contribution to the expansion of the market for our first milk beverages produced outside Japan.
While I was in Indonesia, I was able to spend a pleasant time eating and talking with the local staff about each other's cultures. I still keep in touch with the local manager in charge at the time. Working in Indonesia gave me the opportunity to rediscover the good points of Japan, learn about the culture and history of the other country, and build a solid relationship of trust with the local staff. This experience has been a great asset for me.
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In Indonesia, local production began in 2007 as a joint venture with the country's largest pharmaceutical company, PT. Kalbe Farma. We dispatched Japanese engineers, when needed, to help manufacture hygienic, high-quality infant formula, and to contribute to improving the nutritional condition of children in developing countries who were still lacking sufficient nutrition. In addition, several engineers from Indonesia regularly participate in training* at Morinaga Milk facilities in Japan to acquire the technology and knowledge of our production techniques and quality control systems.
*What is the training program at Morinaga Milk?
A variety of employee education programs are conducted at our Morinaga Milk University, an in-house educational institution within our Manufacturing Department, with the aim of passing down technology and skills to maintain and improve quality technology.
Construction of joint venture manufacturing plant in Pakistan
Local employees working as a part of Team Morinaga for product development
Two years after developing new products for Indonesia, I was involved in a project to manufacture formula for young children at a local joint venture in Pakistan. In Pakistan, Morinaga Milk now holds the No. 1 share* in the imported formula milk market which is expected to continue expanding in the future. To further expand our share of the market, NutriCo Morinaga (Pvt.) Limited, our joint venture in Pakistan, built a manufacturing plant.
Exterior view of NutriCo Morinaga (Pvt.) Limited
I went to Pakistan to witness the trial production of our product and to evaluate the product samples. Members from many departments of our company participated in the project which included the installation of manufacturing equipment and the training of local employees. Although we encountered some unexpected problems, we were able to release the product as planned by working together as Team Morinaga.*According to Euromonitor International, milk formula category (2019, Area: Pakistan).
Example of formula for young children sold in Pakistan
Products loved through the generations for the healthy growth and happy smiles of infants
Breastmilk is the best nutrition for infants, but we belive that infant formula can also support the healthy development of infants. Based on the latest scientific knowledge, we are striving to develop infant formula that can support mothers who do not have enough breastmilk.
Morinaga Milk separated and refined lactoferrin, which is also found in mothers' colostrum, from cow's milk and blended it into infant formula as a pioneer in the world. Currently, lactoferrin is also used in our products for overseas markets. We hope to contribute to the growth of as many children as possible with our products.
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Morinaga Dry Milk BF-L
(at the time of release in 1986)
Lactoferrin is most abundant in colostrum, which is secreted in the first few days after birth, and is thought to protect the newborn. In 1986, Morinaga Milk was the first in the world to add lactoferrin to infant formula.
There is a limit to the period a child will consume formula milk. However, if the children who grow up with Morinaga Milk's formula milk choose that milk for their own children in the future, then as those children grow up, we will have developed a product that will be loved throughout the generations. It is my goal to develop such products. We believe that our mission is to develop products that bring smiles to customers everywhere in the world.
