| The former NRIB, Jozo Shikenjo (in Japanese,
none English designation at this time) was established on May 9, 1904
within the Ministry of Finance, located in Takinogawa, Kita-ku, Tokyo as a
national research organization concerning technology related to alcoholic
beverages. Its responsibility was to conduct scientific research into
alcoholic beverage brewing technology to improve and develop the
techniques, which were totally dependent on traditional methods at the
time. Jozo Shikenjyo came under the direct control of the National
Tax Agency in April 1959. We have consistently strived for the improvement
and development of alcoholic beverage brewing technology up to today,
through scientific research and the training of professionals nationwide.
Especially in the field of microorganisms such as yeast and Aspergillus
oryzae, we have been a pioneer in Japan, and have contributed to the
advancement of biotechnology in Japan, in which leads the world.
According to the policy known as "Transfer of
National Administrative Organizations" approved in a Cabinet
meeting<BR> in 1988, the organization was commenced research
activities in Higashi Hiroshima in July 1995. Moreover, as part of the
central government administrative reform, it was restructured as the
Independent Administrative Institution from April 2001 in order to promote
the suitable and fair imposition of liquor tax. At the same time,
targeting the sound development of alcoholic beverages industry as well as
the enhancement of people's awareness concerning alcoholic beverage, we
have launched new research activities.
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