Takafumi Nishikawa Appears with Beloved Dogs Al and El! Post-Event Report: 'Pets Can Now Do Gut Care Too!' Hill's Science Diet New Product Launch Event

Hill's Pet Nutrition Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Arnaud Brel, hereinafter 'Hill's') has fully renewed 'Hill's Science Diet' and is gradually launching it from January 2026 as a pet food (complete nutrition) that enables gut care for dogs and cats.

To commemorate this, Hill's held the 'Pets Can Now Do Gut Care Too! Hill's Science Diet New Product Launch Event' on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at KDDI Hall.

The event welcomed special guest Takafumi Nishikawa, a well-known dog lover and long-time user of Hill's pet food, along with his beloved toy poodles, Al and El. The launch event introduced changes in the social environment surrounding pets, the importance of daily nutrition in supporting pets' healthspan, and the new 'Hill's Science Diet' with a focus on gut care. During a talk session, Nishikawa was officially appointed as the 'Pet Gut Care Officer' and shared his thoughts on pet health management and living with his dogs.

*1 Gut care = maintaining health by balancing the gut microbiome

*2 New life-stage dry food products for dogs and cats. Currently being phased in at pet food retailers and e-commerce sites.

[Event Overview: 'Pets Can Now Do Gut Care Too! Hill's Science Diet New Product Launch Event']

Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Venue: KDDI Hall (2nd floor, KDDI Otemachi Building, 1-8-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

Speakers:
Arnaud Brel, President and CEO, Hill's Pet Nutrition Japan Co., Ltd.
Maya Nagao, DVM, Head of Professional Veterinary Medical Academic Division, Hill's Pet Nutrition Japan Co., Ltd.

Guests: Takafumi Nishikawa, and his dogs Al and El

Event Content:
- Company overview, pet food market trends, and announcements on new products and future initiatives
- Veterinary explanation on the importance of gut care for pets
- Appointment ceremony of Takafumi Nishikawa as 'Pet Gut Care Officer'
- Talk session on pet health, gut care, and life with beloved dogs

Event Highlights

Hill's President Arnaud Takes the Stage: Explaining Hill's Commitment to Pet Health

Arnaud Brel, President and CEO of Hill's, took the stage to share the company's long-standing commitment to product development based on clinical nutrition. He explained that years of research have shown that gut care—balancing the gut microbiome—is not only crucial for digestive health but also supports immune function, organ health, and overall well-being in pets. He also highlighted the full renewal of 'Hill's Science Diet,' now launched as a complete nutrition pet food that enables dogs and cats to practice gut care through their daily meals.

Veterinarian from Hill's Explains: The Importance of Gut Care and Health Management for Pets

Maya Nagao, DVM and Head of the Professional Veterinary Medical Academic Division at Hill's, took the stage to explain the role of nutrition in maintaining pet health and the growing importance of gut care. Dr. Nagao stated, 'While gut care is widely recognized and increasingly popular among humans, it has recently gained significant attention for pets, including dogs and cats. According to a Hill's survey, 94% of pet owners responded that they want to know how to practice gut care for their pets. Even among pet professionals such as veterinarians and certified veterinary nurses, interest in gut care as a new health habit for dogs and cats is rising. The newly updated Science Diet features Active Biome+, a blend of prebiotic fiber and antioxidants, enabling pets to practice gut care through their daily meals.'

She emphasized the importance of pet owners selecting appropriate diets based on life stage and health condition and maintaining consistent daily health management.

Takafumi Nishikawa Joins for a Talk Session with the Veterinarian

As a guest, Takafumi Nishikawa, a dog lover and long-time user of Hill's pet food, took the stage. Nishikawa shared his personal gut care routine: 'I make a conscious effort to eat foods with texture, which helps keep my intestines active.' He then asked the veterinarian about key considerations for pet gut care. In response, Dr. Nagao explained, 'Pets also benefit from eating textured food, which activates their oral cavity and supports gut care. Additionally, maintaining a balanced gut environment requires balancing the various bacteria in the gut. Therefore, it's important to incorporate proper nutrition and dietary fiber into their daily meals.'

Takafumi Nishikawa Appointed as 'Pet Gut Care Officer'

Given his strong personal commitment to daily health management and his long-term use of Hill's pet food for his dogs' well-being, Nishikawa was appointed as Hill's 'Pet Gut Care Officer.' During the ceremony, President Arnaud presented Nishikawa with a giant business card.

In response, Nishikawa said, 'I've gained another new title. This time, I want to work hard not only for people but also to provide peace of mind for all pets.'

Nishikawa Shares His Thoughts on Pet Health Management: 'I Want to Spend as Many Days as Possible with Them'

During a free-flowing talk session, Nishikawa shared stories about his daily life with Al and El, focusing on 'habits he values' and 'things he'd like to do together in the future.' Regarding his valued habits, Nishikawa said, 'I take Al and El to the toilet at the same time every day and touch their feces to check their health condition.' He expressed his belief that consistently practicing daily care is essential to protecting his dogs' health.

When asked about future plans with Al and El, he smiled and replied, 'I'd like to provide them with a spacious area where they can run freely.' He added, 'I want Al and El to live in a stress-free environment.' The audience was enveloped in a warm atmosphere throughout, touched by Nishikawa's deep affection for his dogs.

Takafumi Nishikawa's Beloved Dogs Al and El Appear and Take on a Quiz!

Next, Nishikawa's toy poodles, Al and El, made their appearance, greeted by warm cheers from the audience. Immediately, Nishikawa and his dogs took on a quiz challenge. When asked, 'Where is the key to pet health?' the leashed Al and El eagerly headed toward the answer 'gut' and successfully got it right. When Nishikawa gently called their names, both dogs ran toward him, filling the venue with a cheerful and harmonious atmosphere.

Nishikawa Calls for Pet Gut Care: 'Let Daily Meals Be a Starting Point for Health'

At the end of the event, Nishikawa addressed all pet parents: 'For the pets you cherish so much,'