Yu Aoi on new 'Bihidas Yogurt W Bifidus Bacteria': 'I can stick with it and manage my health'
Morinaga Milk Industry held a press event for its new product, 'Bihidas Yogurt W Bifidus Bacteria,' featuring new CM character, actress Yu Aoi. The product is Japan's first yogurt with bifidobacteria that claims to both 'reduce belly fat' and 'improve the gut environment.'
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- 📰 Published: April 9, 2026 at 03:31
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Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) will launch 'Bihidas Yogurt W Bifidus Bacteria' nationwide from Tuesday, April 14, 2026. This product from the 'Bihidas Yogurt' series is the first in Japan*1 to feature bifidobacteria as the sole functional ingredient for both 'reducing belly fat' and 'improving the gut environment'.
*1 First yogurt in Japan to claim two functions—reducing belly fat (total abdominal fat, visceral fat) and improving the gut environment—with only bifidobacteria as the functional ingredient (Morinaga Milk survey, December 2025).
For over 50 years, Morinaga Milk has been researching bifidobacteria, which are said to have various health benefits, and the gut flora where they reside. The large intestine is said to be the cornerstone of overall health, and bifidobacteria are essential for its care.
To mark the new product launch, we held a new CM press event for 'Bihidas Yogurt W Bifidus Bacteria,' inviting new CM character Yu Aoi.
■ Yu Aoi talks about her daily gut health habits, 'I make sure my child also consumes fermented foods'
New CM character Yu Aoi took the stage. A talk session was held with Toshitaka Odamaki, Director of the Biotics Research Laboratories at Morinaga Milk Industry's Research Headquarters.
Regarding her appointment as the new CM character, Ms. Aoi commented with a smile, 'For me, 'Bihidas Yogurt' is a staple product that I often eat, so I was very happy when I received the offer.' On tasting the product, she described its appeal, 'It has just the right amount of acidity for daily consumption, so I want everyone to enjoy it every day. It has a mild taste that is easy for children to eat, so I think families can enjoy it together.'
When asked about her daily gut health practices, she shared her family's routine: 'I try to consume fermented foods and make sure my child does too. Some days I eat it plain, and other days I mix it with other things.' She also mentioned the Bifidobacterium BB536 in the new product.