[Osaka University Spinoff] "onakara" Gut Environment Visualization Test, Shortest 48-Hour Results, Pre-Sales Start on Makuake
onakara Inc., an Osaka University spinoff, has launched "onakara," a gut microbiota testing service that visualizes gut environment in as little as 48 hours, with pre-sales starting on Makuake. It significantly shortens traditional testing times, provides results via smartphone, and offers diet and lifestyle tips.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 8, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 8, 2026 at 11:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 9, 2026 at 00:32 (13h 0m after Collected)
Overview
onakara Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Daisuke Koda) has developed "onakara," a gut microbiota testing service that visualizes the state of gut bacteria in as little as 48 hours (shortest 2 business days) and allows confirmation via smartphone. This service utilizes next-generation microfluidic PCR technology developed by Specially Appointed Associate Professor Masato Saito (full-time) of Osaka University. Pre-sales for this service will begin on Makuake, a crowdfunding service, starting May 8, 2026 (Friday).
Key Points
* The "waiting time for results" for conventional gut microbiota tests, which typically takes about one month, is shortened to as little as 48 hours (shortest 2 business days).
* Focusing on three bacterial species involved in short-chain fatty acid production in the gut: "Bifidobacterium, Butyrate-producing bacteria, and Blautia," it provides easy-to-understand results on a smartphone, encouraging "controlled gut health" based on tips for diet and lifestyle habits.
* As a special Makuake price, a 2-test set is offered from 9,990 yen (4,995 yen per test), up to 50% off the regular price of 19,980 yen, making it an affordable option for continuous gut environment monitoring.
Figure 1: Three features of onakara's Makuake pre-sale
Figure 2: Comparison of conventional testing (approx. 1 month) and onakara (shortest 48 hours) (*shortest 2 business days)
Background: Reasons why "gut health efforts don't last"
While interest in the gut environment is growing, conventional gut microbiota tests take a long time to deliver results, making it possible that the results received may not be relevant to "the current you." Furthermore, many people find the terminology specialized and don't know where to start specifically.
Figure 3: Image of "stomach concerns" affecting daily condition
Features of onakara
* Shortest 48 hours (shortest 2 business days): Reduces the stress of waiting for results, allowing you to review your gut health efforts based on your "current" condition.
* "Easy-to-understand" by focusing on 3 bacterial species: Intuitively displays the relative proportions of Bifidobacterium, Butyrate-producing bacteria, and Blautia.
* Tips that lead to action: Provides diet and lifestyle tips based on the results, making it easier to decide on the next step.
Figure 4: App screen image (example of test results) *Screen is an image under development
Figure 5: Three beneficial bacteria measured by onakara (Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Butyrate-producing bacteria)
From "vague gut health efforts" to "controlled gut health"
onakara provides a "cross-check" experience for those who are already working on gut health (those who want to improve their stomach condition / those who don't want to be swayed by daily stomach conditions) and those who are starting gut health efforts to improve their body shape or skin condition, allowing them to choose "gut health that suits them."
Figure 6: From "vague gut health efforts" to "controlled gut health" (PDCA cycle concept)
Technological Background (Cutting-edge technology from the laboratory)
onakara utilizes the "next-generation microfluidic PCR technology" developed by Specially Appointed Associate Professor Masato Saito (full-time) of Osaka University, achieving both speed and practicality by narrowing down the measurement targets.
* This service is not intended for medical acts or diagnosis, but provides reference information for improving daily life.
Figure 7: Chip used in next-generation microfluidic PCR technology (image)
Figure 8: Device used in next-generation microfluidic PCR technology (image)
Flow of Use
1. Support purchase on Makuake
2. Collect stool sample when test kit arrives
3. Return by mail
4. Receive result report on smartphone in as little as 48 hours (shortest 2 business days)
Representative's Comment
"This service was born from the desire to help loved ones with their stomach concerns. Not knowing what's happening inside your own body – we want to alleviate that anxiety with the power of science. onakara provides an opportunity to transform confusing gut health efforts into convincing actions by 'rapidly visualizing' the gut."
Makuake Project Overview
Project start date: May 8, 2026 (Friday) 11:00~
Project page: https://www.makuake.com/project/onakara/
* Please check the Makuake page for the latest information on support content, prices, and delivery times.
Company Profile
Company name: onakara Inc.
Headquarters: Tokyo
Lab: Osaka Prefecture
Representative: Daisuke Koda, Representative Director CEO
Business activities: Planning, development, and provision of the gut microbiota testing service "onakara"
Website: https://onakara.com
Contact for this matter
onakara Inc. Public Relations Office
Email: info@onakara.com
FAQ
Q. What is the biggest selling point of this service/product?
A. It's the ability to shorten the "waiting time for results" for conventional gut microbiota tests, which typically takes about one month, to as little as 48 hours (shortest 2 business days), allowing you to check your "current" gut on your smartphone.
Q. How much does this service/product cost?
A. Multiple options depending on the number of tests, etc.
onakara Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Daisuke Koda) has developed "onakara," a gut microbiota testing service that visualizes the state of gut bacteria in as little as 48 hours (shortest 2 business days) and allows confirmation via smartphone. This service utilizes next-generation microfluidic PCR technology developed by Specially Appointed Associate Professor Masato Saito (full-time) of Osaka University. Pre-sales for this service will begin on Makuake, a crowdfunding service, starting May 8, 2026 (Friday).
Key Points
* The "waiting time for results" for conventional gut microbiota tests, which typically takes about one month, is shortened to as little as 48 hours (shortest 2 business days).
* Focusing on three bacterial species involved in short-chain fatty acid production in the gut: "Bifidobacterium, Butyrate-producing bacteria, and Blautia," it provides easy-to-understand results on a smartphone, encouraging "controlled gut health" based on tips for diet and lifestyle habits.
* As a special Makuake price, a 2-test set is offered from 9,990 yen (4,995 yen per test), up to 50% off the regular price of 19,980 yen, making it an affordable option for continuous gut environment monitoring.
Figure 1: Three features of onakara's Makuake pre-sale
Figure 2: Comparison of conventional testing (approx. 1 month) and onakara (shortest 48 hours) (*shortest 2 business days)
Background: Reasons why "gut health efforts don't last"
While interest in the gut environment is growing, conventional gut microbiota tests take a long time to deliver results, making it possible that the results received may not be relevant to "the current you." Furthermore, many people find the terminology specialized and don't know where to start specifically.
Figure 3: Image of "stomach concerns" affecting daily condition
Features of onakara
* Shortest 48 hours (shortest 2 business days): Reduces the stress of waiting for results, allowing you to review your gut health efforts based on your "current" condition.
* "Easy-to-understand" by focusing on 3 bacterial species: Intuitively displays the relative proportions of Bifidobacterium, Butyrate-producing bacteria, and Blautia.
* Tips that lead to action: Provides diet and lifestyle tips based on the results, making it easier to decide on the next step.
Figure 4: App screen image (example of test results) *Screen is an image under development
Figure 5: Three beneficial bacteria measured by onakara (Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Butyrate-producing bacteria)
From "vague gut health efforts" to "controlled gut health"
onakara provides a "cross-check" experience for those who are already working on gut health (those who want to improve their stomach condition / those who don't want to be swayed by daily stomach conditions) and those who are starting gut health efforts to improve their body shape or skin condition, allowing them to choose "gut health that suits them."
Figure 6: From "vague gut health efforts" to "controlled gut health" (PDCA cycle concept)
Technological Background (Cutting-edge technology from the laboratory)
onakara utilizes the "next-generation microfluidic PCR technology" developed by Specially Appointed Associate Professor Masato Saito (full-time) of Osaka University, achieving both speed and practicality by narrowing down the measurement targets.
* This service is not intended for medical acts or diagnosis, but provides reference information for improving daily life.
Figure 7: Chip used in next-generation microfluidic PCR technology (image)
Figure 8: Device used in next-generation microfluidic PCR technology (image)
Flow of Use
1. Support purchase on Makuake
2. Collect stool sample when test kit arrives
3. Return by mail
4. Receive result report on smartphone in as little as 48 hours (shortest 2 business days)
Representative's Comment
"This service was born from the desire to help loved ones with their stomach concerns. Not knowing what's happening inside your own body – we want to alleviate that anxiety with the power of science. onakara provides an opportunity to transform confusing gut health efforts into convincing actions by 'rapidly visualizing' the gut."
Makuake Project Overview
Project start date: May 8, 2026 (Friday) 11:00~
Project page: https://www.makuake.com/project/onakara/
* Please check the Makuake page for the latest information on support content, prices, and delivery times.
Company Profile
Company name: onakara Inc.
Headquarters: Tokyo
Lab: Osaka Prefecture
Representative: Daisuke Koda, Representative Director CEO
Business activities: Planning, development, and provision of the gut microbiota testing service "onakara"
Website: https://onakara.com
Contact for this matter
onakara Inc. Public Relations Office
Email: info@onakara.com
FAQ
Q. What is the biggest selling point of this service/product?
A. It's the ability to shorten the "waiting time for results" for conventional gut microbiota tests, which typically takes about one month, to as little as 48 hours (shortest 2 business days), allowing you to check your "current" gut on your smartphone.
Q. How much does this service/product cost?
A. Multiple options depending on the number of tests, etc.