Mr. Hidekazu Kawakubo possesses over three decades of experience in research, development, and management within the pharmaceutical and health food industries. He currently holds the position of Executive Fellow at the Institute of Health Sciences, Kirin Holdings, and has served as President of the Japan Alliance of Health Food Associations (JAOHFA) since 2025.
Mr. Kawakubo has played a significant role in advancing the industry, making substantial contributions to the promotion and institutional development of Japan’s Foods with Function Claims (FFC) system. Under his leadership, Kirin’s “IMMUSE” obtained Japan’s first approved claim for “immune care,” creating new market value in the immune field.
This presentation will address the origins and development of the FFC system, assess its influence on the market, and prospects for future immune-related functional foods. The session is designed to provide valuable insights for professionals working within the health food sector and related industries.
Japan’s Foods with Function Claims (FFC) system is reshaping how the health food industry approaches both R&D and market strategy, with scientific evidence becoming the core foundation of product value. As the first case to receive an approved claim for “Immune Care,” "IMMUSE" demonstrates a full pathway from long-term scientific research to market success. This session will examine the evolution of the FFC system, emerging opportunities in the immunity sector, and how companies can build sustainable product and brand competitiveness through science-based evidence.