"Get to Know and Nurture Your Gut": A Success Story Ichimaru Shoten to Launch a 7-Day Intensive Kit Combining Gut Health KIKUIMO (Jerusalem Artichoke) and Gut Microbiome Testing Starting June 22

Ichimaru Shoten Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sapporo, Hokkaido; Representative Director: Koichiro Ichimaru; hereinafter “Ichimaru Shoten”), which develops healthcare products utilizing Hokkaido-grown Jerusalem artichokes, will launch the “Intestinal Health KIKUIMO 7-Day Intensive Kit” on Monday, June 22, 2026, utilizing test kits from Saikinsou Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo;President and CEO: Yosuke Hara; hereinafter “Saikinsō”) to launch the “Gut Health KIKUIMO 7-Day Intensive Kit” on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Gut Health KIKUIMO 7-Day Intensive Kit

“I’ve been trying things I’ve heard are good for my health, but I don’t know if they’re right for me”—this kit is for those feeling “gut health fatigue.” By combining “scientific visualization” based on one of Japan’s largest datasets with “practical application” that harnesses the power of Jerusalem artichokes, this kit supports confident health management.

Going beyond simply selling food, we provide a “success experience” that allows you to accurately understand and nurture your own gut environment.

■Background of Development | Why Is “Scientific Gut Health” Necessary Now?

In recent years, science has revealed that the gut environment is deeply linked to immune function, sleep quality, and even skin health and obesity prevention. In particular, the close relationship between the brain and the gut—known as the “brain-gut axis”—is gaining attention for its impact on mental well-being and stress relief.

Research trends are rapidly evolving from “unraveling the big picture” to identifying causal relationships with specific diseases and “clinical applications” in medical settings.

[User Challenges]

Many users face challenges such as “unclear which method is best for them” and “difficulty feeling the effects.” Ichimaru Shoten developed this kit based on the belief that a “scientific perspective”—accurately understanding each individual’s gut environment—is the key to efficient and sustainable health maintenance.

■A Testimony of Trust | The Story of “Co-Creation” Born from a Chance Encounter

This project began with an encounter at a comprehensive health screening center.

[Track Record at the Health Screening Center]

Ichimaru Shoten’s “Intestinal Health KIKUIMO” series has been adopted by a health screening center that serves approximately 15,000 patients annually. This project began because the same center had also introduced Saikinsou’s gut flora test, “MyKinsou.”

[10 Years of Experience and Big Data]

Since launching its service in 2015, Saikinsou has built a track record spanning over 10 years, with cumulative test results exceeding 250,000.

Through collaboration between experts in gut microbiome analysis and nutrition, the evidence-based “7-Day Intensive Kit” was developed.

■ 3 Steps to Success | Kit Contents and How to Use It

This kit guides users toward an ideal gut environment through the following three steps.

MyKinsou

Step 1 | [Learn] “MyKinSo” Gut Microbiome Test

This simple test—which involves collecting a stool sample at home and mailing it in—provides a clear picture of your current gut environment. In about 3–4 weeks, you’ll gain a deep understanding of your gut environment, including the diversity of gut bacteria, the proportions of butyrate-producing and acetate-producing bacteria, and even the proportions of “slimming bacteria” (test item name) and bacteria related to beauty.

Gut Health KIKUIMO Tea 28g (2g × 14 bags)

Step 2｜[Nurture] “Gut-Health KIKUIMO Tea”

Take “prebiotics,” which help nurture beneficial bacteria, twice a day for 7 days as an intensive regimen. Prebiotics are food components that are not digested in the stomach or small intestine but reach the large intestine, where they serve as food for beneficial bacteria and help regulate the gut environment.

・The Power of Jerusalem Artichoke: Made with 100% Hokkaido-grown Jerusalem artichokes, which are rich in the water-soluble dietary fiber “inulin.”

・Net Weight: 28g (2g × 14 packets)

・How to Prepare: For hot tea, pour hot water over the contents and let steep for 2 minutes; for cold brew, let steep for 30 minutes. Since it is caffeine-free, it is safe to drink even before bedtime.

7-Day Intensive Gut Health Manual

Step 3 | [Guidance] “7-Day Intensive Gut Health Manual”

This digital guide (PDF version) is provided as a bonus for purchasers. It systematically explains key points for your diet and daily routine over the course of a week and provides a concrete roadmap for incorporating your test results into your daily lifestyle.

■ Real-Life Testimonials | Verification Report by Ichimaru Shoten Staff

Ahead of the product’s release, our staff actually went through this process themselves. Our internal testing confirmed the test’s ease of use and the reliability of the results.

Staff Member H

Staff Member H (Rating: A)

“I gained confidence in my habits”

Seeing the highest rating of “A” made me very happy as someone who handles processed Jerusalem artichoke products. Having numerical evidence confirming sufficient beneficial bacteria and diversity has given me a positive conviction to continue living a lifestyle focused on inulin.

Staff I

Staff I (Rating: B)

“My doubts were dispelled by the specific recommendations for improvement”

Although my rating was “B,” I was relieved to learn that my diversity was on the higher side, indicating a positive trend. The test results provided me with specific advice on how to address the areas where I was lacking.

Examples of Scientific Advice

・Consume oligosaccharides: Incorporate “milk and cheese,” which contain oligosaccharides that serve as food for gut bacteria.

・Water-soluble dietary fiber: Actively consume “fruit,” which serves as food for gut bacteria.

・Moderate exercise: Add a “10-minute walk” to your current routine.

*In addition, several members, including Staff M, have tried this service and confirmed the test’s ease of use and the reliability of the results.

■Product Overview and How to Purchase

This kit is a strategic package that offers higher value than purchasing the test alone, for only a slight additional cost.

From the release date (Monday, June 22, 2026) through Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the product will be available for pre-order only. Shipments of purchased items will begin sequentially starting Monday, July 6.Regular sales will begin on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

・Pre-order Period: Monday, June 22, 2026 – Tuesday, June 30, 2026

・Product Shipping: Starting Monday, July 6, 2026, on a rolling basis

・Regular Sales Start: Friday, July 3, 2026

[Gut Health KIKUIMO 7-Day Intensive Kit]

Contents: 1 Mykinso kit

　　　　　　　　　 Gut Health KIKUIMO Tea: 28g (2g × 14 bags)

　　　　　　　　　 7-Day Intensive Manual (1 copy / digital download)

Release Date (Pre-orders Begin): Monday, June 22, 2026

Price (tax included)　　　: 22,000 yen

Sales Channel: Ichimaru Shoten e-commerce site only

“My Kinsou” Sold Separately

Contents: 1 My Kinsō kit

Release Date (Pre-orders Begin): Monday, June 22, 2026

Price (tax included): 19,800 yen

Sales Channel: Ichimaru Shoten Online Store Only

Gut Health KIKUIMO 7-Day Intensive Kit

■Company Overview

Saikinsou Co., Ltd.

Guided by our corporate philosophy of “Promoting Health Through the Microbiome,” we aim to elucidate the relationship between the gut microbiota and other resident microbial communities, physical and mental health, and disease risk. By providing personalized solutions tailored to each individual’s daily life, we strive to create a society where everyone can achieve natural health.

URL: https://cykinso.co.jp/

Ichimaru Shoten Co., Ltd.

Using plump, round Jerusalem artichokes grown in Hokkaido as our main ingredient, we plan, manufacture, and sell easy-to-incorporate gut-health foods that harness the power of their key component, inulin (a water-soluble dietary fiber). Under the slogan “Clean Gut, Healthy Gut!”, we support a healthy daily life.

URL: https://www.ichimarushoten.com

Company Name: Ichimaru Shoten Co., Ltd.

Representative: Koichiro Ichimaru, Representative Director

Address: 3-25, Kita 35-jo Nishi 8-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Established: December 2020

URL: https://www.ichimarushoten.com/