Japan A2 Milk Association Holds 6th Regular General Meeting

The General Incorporated Association Japan A2 Milk Association (Furano City, Hokkaido; Representative Director: Yuichiro Fujii, hereinafter referred to as "the Association") held its 6th Regular General Meeting on June 17, 2026 (Wed).

In addition to previous agenda items, this Regular General Meeting featured a keynote lecture by Honorary Professor Tadao Saito of Tohoku University (hereinafter referred to as "Honorary Professor Saito"). The lecture, titled "What is A2 Milk? - What We Know, What We Don't Know Yet, and Future Prospects and Challenges -", was based on academic research data from Japan and abroad.

◾️Keynote Lecture: What We Know About A2 Milk from Academic Evidence, and the Current State of Research Evaluation in Japan and Abroad

In this keynote lecture, Honorary Professor Tadao Saito, a leading figure in milk science research, provided a detailed explanation of the essence of "A2 Milk" from a scientific perspective.

The lecture systematically explained everything from the basic definition of "What is A2 Milk?" to the metabolic mechanisms after ingestion of beta-casein that have been elucidated to date, and the clinical research challenges of casomorphin 7 (BCM7), with concrete examples. This provided a valuable opportunity for attending members and stakeholders to deepen their understanding of A2 Milk's market position and its scientific evidence.

Furthermore, regarding the "effects on lactose intolerance (symptoms of stomach rumbling after drinking milk)," which is attracting particular attention, clinical cases from overseas were introduced. The current state of research evaluation of A2 Milk, being advanced by researchers worldwide, was also explained using cinematic visual materials (video and data visualization).

On the occasion of this general meeting and the sharing of knowledge by Honorary Professor Saito, the Association will further strive to expand the recognition of certified A2 Milk in Japan and promote the development of sustainable dairy farming and the dairy industry, working together with new members.

◾️The Association's "Objective Audit by a Third Party" to Support Proper Dissemination

As attention to A2 Milk grows, ensuring quality in the market has become a challenge.

To deliver safe and secure products to consumers, the Association has established and operates a strict certification system based on objective audits by a third party. At this general meeting, the importance of this system and the reinforcement of its future operations were re-shared.

◾️Comment from Representative Director Yuichiro Fujii

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for holding the 6th Regular General Meeting and for the keynote lecture on A2 Milk by Honorary Professor Tadao Saito of Tohoku University.

In this lecture, a wide range of topics were covered, from basic explanations of beta-casein structure to the current research status based on domestic and international research literature, and even cases of A2 Milk overseas. It was a very valuable opportunity to organize what is currently known about A2 Milk and what requires further verification in the future.

For the dissemination of A2 Milk, it is essential not only to have expectations and images but also to accumulate research based on scientific evidence and to communicate accurate and sincere information.

The Association will continue to work towards creating an environment where consumers can confidently choose A2 Milk through beta-casein testing, certification systems, research support, and standard setting.

We will strive for the sound dissemination and development of A2 Milk as a new value for Japan's dairy farming and industry, rooted in science and trust, by collaborating with member companies, research institutions, and stakeholders.

◾️Comment from Honorary Professor Tadao Saito, Tohoku University

I pay tribute to the A2 Milk Association for its efforts in promoting and educating about A2 Milk in Japan. I feel that the development and introduction of inexpensive and accurate testing methods for verifying the final product A2 Milk after genetic testing of dairy cows (avoiding contamination with A1 milk) is an urgent issue. Furthermore, I believe that the early realization of JAS standards is necessary to develop A2 Milk as an "All Japan" effort.

Keynote Speaker Introduction: Honorary Professor Tadao Saito, Tohoku University

Born in Tokyo in 1952. Completed graduate studies at Tohoku University's Graduate School of Agricultural Science in 1982. Doctor of Agriculture.

After serving as a lecturer at Tohoku Fukushi University, he became an associate professor at Tohoku University's Graduate School of Agricultural Science in 1989.

Became a professor in 2001. Specializes in utilization of livestock products and applied microbiology.

He has particular expertise in functional lactic acid bacteria and yogurt and cheese.

Received awards such as the Japanese Society of Dairy Science Award, the Japanese Society of Animal Science Award, the first Science Research Grant Excellent Reviewer Award from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and the 3rd Mitsuoka Award from the Japanese National Committee of the International Dairy Federation.

He has served as President of the Asian Federation of Societies for Lactic Acid Bacteria (AFSLAB), President of the Japanese Society of Dairy Science (JDSA), and Fellow of the Agricultural Chemical Society of Japan.

About the Japan A2 Milk Association

Since its establishment in 2020, the Japan A2 Milk Association (https://www.japan-a2milk-association.or.jp/) has been committed to contributing to Japanese society and the dairy industry by providing value and increasing choices for consumers seeking better health, thereby further developing Japan's dairy farming and dairy industry.

Through information exchange among experts including producers (dairy farmers), dairy manufacturers, consumers, researchers, and universities, the Association engages in activities to disseminate correct information about A2 Milk through seminars, lectures, its website, and the media, based on specialized knowledge.

◾️About the Certification System

Milk certified by the Japan A2 Milk Association is tested for the presence or absence of A1 beta-casein protein using a testing method for which a domestic patent has been granted. Furthermore, certified farms are managed under HACCP and JGAP, and certified factories under FSSC22000, with strict checks to prioritize consumer safety and security. Products developed and sold under the supervision of academic research by experts have been handled in over 1,200 stores nationwide within just 9 months of their launch, receiving high praise from consumers and retailers.

◾️Inquiries Regarding This Matter

General Incorporated Association Japan A2 Milk Association

Secretariat Public Relations: Nakamura

Email: info@japan-a2milk-association.or.jp