Wakunaga - by Sanjiv Jagota

This year Mona and I had the opportunity to visit Wakanuka of Japan, leaders in Aged Garlic Extract Research, operating under the brand Kyolic®. They are truly a seed to shelf, company with quality and efficacy being their main priority.

As many of you know Nature’s Source has always been committed to delivering evidenced based products. With over 750 scientific studies and counting, it’s no surprise that Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract is the number one choice for consumers looking to promote immune and heart function, including healthy cholesterol, blood pressure and circulation.

The unique aging process applied in manufacturing Aged Garlic Extract distinguishes Kyolic from other garlic products available on the market. Did you know it takes 2 years to make a bottle of Kyolic®?

Kyolic originated from time-tested organic farming techniques free from pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. Organic cultivation is essential to grow pure and natural garlic bulbs that are well balanced in nutrients. Harvested at full maturity, the garlic cloves are naturally aged to convert harsh and odoriferous compounds such as allicin, into mild, odourless and stable water-soluble sulphur containing compounds which offer the benefits of garlic.

We were honoured to travel with Erin from Purity Life the Canadian distributor for Kyolic®, who continues to invest in Canadian natural health retailers. Over our seven days of touring Japan, we experienced Japanese culture and values that words cannot begin to describe.

Highlights Of Our Japan Trip:

Asakusa Kannon Temple Tokuyo 

A Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple.

Our Official Welcoming By The Wakunaga Family 

The Wakunaga group owes its origin to two gentlemen a scientist and a banker. Dr. Eugene Schnell, former Professor of Berlin University, immigrated to Japan in the 1930’s, when he was invited by a leading Japanese chemical company to build its technical foundation. After World War II, he served under General MacArthur heading the Drug Administration of Japan. This experience led to his belief that the Japanese people needed basic natural nutrition to regain their physical strength and protect themselves from adverse post war health conditions.

In 1954, Dr. Schnell met a banker of insight, Mr. Manji Wakunaga, who emphasized the obligation of the pharmaceutical industry to devote itself to research and development rather than misleading advertising. Sharing the same philosophy, these two men joined forces to develop natural and beneficial products and to market such products with truthful information.

In 1955, Mr. Manji Wakunaga established Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Company in Osaka, Japan. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Schnell developed an aging extraction process for garlic, which resulted in a unique Aged Garlic Extract preparation. After establishing the foundation of the market in Japan, Mr. Wakunaga turned his eyes overseas. In 1972, together with his son, Gisuke Wakunaga, he established Wakunaga of America, headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was now able to extend the distribution of Aged Garlic Extract under the “Kyolic®” brand to Americans and other health conscious people of the world.

Plant Tour In Hiroshima 

Visiting Hiroshima one can only have admiration for the Japanese and what they have endured and where they are today.

Quality checks cover every aspect of the manufacturing process - from the organic cultivation of garlic through production, packaging and distribution. Wakunaga products are manufactured according to the guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practices established by the World Health Organization. In addition, Wakunaga has earned the distinctive ISO 9001:2008 certifications, recognizing compliance to the international quality standard and demonstrating the company’s commitment to total quality assurance.

Heian Temple 

A giant torii gate marks the approach to the shrine, around which there are a couple of museums. The actual shrine grounds themselves are very spacious, with a wide-open court at the centre. The shrine's main buildings are a partial replica of the original Imperial Palace, from the Heian Period. It is built on a somewhat smaller scale than the original.

Todaiji Tempe And Kasuga Grand 

This is a lovely place, it feels atmospheric and old as the lanterns which are moss covered and there are deer wandering around, although not in the same numbers as the nearby Todaiji Temple. It is really atmospheric and a lovely shrine

In closing I want thank you and Wakunaga in trusting us and supporting us.