Kitasato Shibasaburo
Japanese: 北里柴三郎
A Japanese bacteriologist (1853-1931) known for pure culture of the tetanus bacillus and developing serum therapy. He laid the foundations of Japanese microbiology.
Kitasato Shibasaburo (1853-1931) studied bacteriology under Koch in Germany and in 1889 became the first to achieve pure culture of the tetanus bacillus. He established serum therapy, opening paths for infectious disease treatment. After returning to Japan, he founded the Institute for Infectious Diseases, laying the groundwork for Japanese microbiology research. While not directly related to fermented foods, Kitasato brought a modern perspective of microorganisms as controllable entities to Japan, greatly contributing to fermentation science's development. Knowing the lineage of scientists helps us understand how today's fermentation technology came to be. Featured on the new 1,000-yen bill from 2024, Kitasato may be called the father of Japanese medicine and microbiology. At the foundation of his achievements lay an insatiable drive to scientifically understand the invisible microbial world.