Short-Chain Fatty Acids to Transform Fertility Journeys into a "Customized" Experience. Development Begins on New "Chonokatsu" (Gut-Brain Activity) Service.

Momo Inc. (Toshima-ku, Tokyo) and the Woman Food Health Association (Nakagami-gun, Okinawa) are pleased to announce the start of development for "Chonokatsu," a new service focusing on the gut-brain connection, as the next-generation evolution of their "Choninkatsu®" program, which boasts over 35,000 cumulative LINE registrants. This service is being developed to include the introduction of a microbiome analysis service that measures "short-chain fatty acids," an intestinal metabolite that has been the subject of recent research. We aim to transform the "fertility journey of adjustment" into a more convincing daily routine by "visualizing" it according to each individual's constitution. We will build a new form of companionship. *1: As of May 2026 *2: 90.1% satisfaction rate is based on an internal survey of graduates from 2024 to 2025 (n=382). ■ Background──Beyond "Adjusting," to "Customized" Fertility Support "Choninkatsu®" has been used by over 35,000 people as Japan's first personal fertility program* that supports the daily lives of those on their fertility journey by improving their gut environment. During the program's operation, we received many comments from users such as: ・"I want to know the current state of my gut objectively." ・"I want to think about ways to incorporate this that suit my condition and lifestyle." The gut environment is different for everyone. It is said that even with the same diet and lifestyle, the way one's gut adjusts varies from person to person. We wanted to deliver "adjusting" not as a one-size-fits-all method, but as a choice that fits one's own constitution. With this in mind, we have begun developing a new service, "Chonokatsu," that focuses on the connection between the gut and the brain (gut-brain axis). We will propose a new option, moving from a "fertility journey of continuous effort" to a "fertility journey of adjusting as you go." *In April 2024, a third-party survey by the Future Trend Research Institute certified it as the "first in Japan" service in a market and intellectual property survey regarding "Choninkatsu × Personal × Courses/Guidance/Coaching" (Certificate No. 333620088). ■ Focusing on "Short-Chain Fatty Acids" Produced by Gut Bacteria In designing the new service, we are focusing on short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). The human gut is home to about 1,000 species and 100 trillion gut bacteria, forming a microbial ecosystem called the "microbiome." A balanced microbiome produces "postbiotics" such as short-chain fatty acids, vitamins, and antimicrobial peptides, which are involved in various bodily functions beyond digestion and immunity. Among them, short-chain fatty acids are substances produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber, and they are being studied both domestically and internationally as an indicator for measuring the condition of the gut environment. Furthermore, some substances related to "mental condition," such as mood and sleep, are also reported to be produced in the gut, a research area we are referencing in the service design of "Chonokatsu." By visualizing the state of the microbiome, including short-chain fatty acids, it may be possible to grasp the "state of the gut," which has been described in sensory terms until now, more objectively. ■ Service Concept Under Consideration: 3 Keywords 1. [Measure] Introduction of Microbiome Analysis Service Samples collected at home will be analyzed by a specialized institution to visualize the composition of gut bacteria and the amount of short-chain fatty acids. We will build a design that allows users to understand "why they need to adjust" and engage with conviction. 2. [Adjust] Individual Optimization of the Chono-Ninkatsu Program We will integrate the gut-brain axis perspective into the diet and lifestyle methods cultivated in the existing Choninkatsu® program. The analysis results will be used as reference information for reviewing lifestyles, and we are considering a support design that caters to each individual's eating habits and life rhythm. 3. [Continue] Personal Companionship by a Team of Experts Under the supervision of a doctor, we will work on continuous support that doesn't just end with "looking at the data," through a network of certified instructors (a support system for over 35,000 cumulative LINE registrants) who have studied NLP methods and are registered dietitians. ■ Future Prospects The new service is currently in the development and verification phase. In the future, we will refine it into a form that can be undertaken with peace of mind through: ・Building a collaborative system with experts, doctors, and analysis service providers. ・Organizing general knowledge about the gut environment and short-chain fatty acids. ・Verifying the user experience design with user monitors. The official release date and details of the service will be announced on our official LINE account as soon as they are decided. We are transforming the conventional wisdom that "fertility is a long and difficult journey" into days where one can move forward while adjusting. We will continue to nurture "'my-style' adjusting" fertility support in collaboration with our team of experts. ■ Comment from Aki Kawazoe, Representative Director of the Woman Food Health Association Aki Kawazoe, Representative Director, Woman Food Health Association "Since announcing 'Chonokatsu,' we have received so many requests from people saying, 'I want to know the state of my gut.' In previous fertility support, many people only felt changes after continuing for a while, and some hesitated at the entrance. By incorporating the indicator of short-chain fatty acids, people can know the 'now' of their gut and adjust with conviction. We want to deliver that kind of experience. You don't have to aim for perfection. 'Just a little bit of what you can do today.' With the new Chonokatsu, we want to nurture a gentle form of companionship that doesn't rely too much on data but allows you to face your body carefully." ■ About Momo Inc. Making fertility more "my style." ◾️Company Profile Momo Inc. 6F, Dai2 Onda Bldg., 2-47-6 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo HP: https://www.momooo.co.jp/pregnancy/ ◾️Joint Participation Woman Food Health Association *This service is not a medical practice but is mainly focused on lifestyle improvement and nutritional guidance. *In April 2024, a third-party survey by the Future Trend Research Institute certified it as the "first in Japan" service in a market and intellectual property survey regarding "Choninkatsu × Personal × Courses/Guidance/Coaching" (Certificate No. 333620088). *The new service described in this release is currently under consideration, and the content, provision timing, etc., are subject to change. 【Notes/Sources】 General knowledge about short-chain fatty acids and the gut environment: Cryan JF, Dinan TG. Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn3346 Koh A, et al. From Dietary Fiber to Host Physiology: Short-Chain Fatty Acids as Key Bacterial Metabolites https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(16)30592-X Silva YP, et al. The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids From Gut Microbiota in Gut-Brain Communication https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2020.00025/full 【Inquiries】 Momo Inc.: PR Department Mail: info@momooo.co.jp