Bacillus subtilis
Japanese: 枯草菌（Bacillus subtilis）
A Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium widely distributed in soil and dried grass. It is the parent species of natto bacteria, forms robust endospores, and is widely used as a model organism in biological research.
Bacillus subtilis, as its Japanese name implies, is a bacterium widely found in dried grass and soil. It is the parent species of natto bacteria (B. subtilis var. natto) and possesses the ability to form endospores that survive harsh conditions.
In the scientific world, it has long served as a model organism for Gram-positive bacteria. Easy to manipulate genetically and quick to grow, it is a scientist's convenient companion.
In industry, it is also employed to produce enzymes and amino acids. An unassuming organism, yet one quietly at work in many aspects of our daily lives.