Morinaga & Co., Ltd. has launched the project "Making 'Eating' Healthier" from April, with details rolling out from late May, through its proprietary lactic acid bacteria strains 'Shield Lactic Acid Bacteria®' and 'Happines Lactic Acid Bacteria®'. The "Making 'Eating' Healthier" project was born from Morinaga's desire to deliver the value behind its new corporate tagline, "What You Can Do for Your Gut Today," to consumers together with various BtoB partner companies that develop everyday food products. Through this initiative, Morinaga aims to share with consumers collaborative efforts with partner companies across diverse categories, all working together to spread smiles. This time, we spoke with Mr. Kasuya, Section Chief of the New Business Promotion Department at Sugiyo Co., Ltd.—a long-time user of 'Shield Lactic Acid Bacteria®' in its 'Yakakama Stick' product, and since spring this year, also incorporating the strain into its new product 'Totono Eiru'. ● What is Totono Eiru? Positioned as a health-supportive sweet that meets the growing consumer interest in gut health, Totono Eiru is designed around the concept of a food that makes 'balancing your body' easy and sustainable, even in a busy daily life. Unlike typical health foods that often feel like a compromise, Totono Eiru prioritizes great taste that consumers will want to reach for daily. The product line includes two familiar, comforting flavors: cheesecake and sweet potato. Designed for one-handed, convenient consumption, it fits easily into busy routines—such as hectic mornings or work breaks—when you're short on time but want to eat something. Combining deliciousness and functionality, Totono Eiru gently supports daily well-being. ● Could you share the background behind Totono Eiru's development and the reason for incorporating 'Shield Lactic Acid Bacteria®'? Our company specializes in manufacturing seafood-based processed products. With the rising popularity of high-protein diets, kamaboko (fish cake)