The World's First Red Shiso Extract: The Persuasive Power of a Cosmetic Ingredient Brought by an Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration

A research institute dedicated to red shiso, the AKASHISO LABO, is located in Ashiya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture's Onga District. Conducting research under an industry-academia-government collaboration, fascinating discoveries have been made regarding the beauty and health benefits of red shiso.

This time, we interviewed Seiichi Kanai, the chief director of the AKASHISO LABO. We asked Kanai about the founding background and the notable research results of the institute focusing on red shiso.

According to Kanai, the match with red shiso came naturally, given that Ashiya Town, home to his cosmetic manufacturing company, PALSEYLLE Co., Ltd., is known for its red shiso.

“Before establishing the AKASHISO LABO, PALSEYLLE had been researching Japanese herbs for many years and decided to experiment with cosmetics using locally sourced red shiso. Turning red shiso into an extract and essential oil resulted in something incredibly fragrant.