The Samurai Chemist
and the Cherry Trees
On November 3, 1854, Dr. Jokichi Takamine was born in Japan. His special strengths in languages and science steered him through programs in medical school and chemistry. Along with studies at the University of Glasgow in technology and work experiences in both Japan and the United States, these prepared him for several adventures in agro-industry and patent law.
Working for brewers in Illinois, Takamine examined fermentation processes. American brewers added enzymes from germinating barley to break down starchy materials into sugars that begin alcohol fermentation. Japanese brewers used enzymes from microbe mold cultures grown on rice. Although in each case the active enzyme is a diastase, Takamine found the diastase from microbial cultures was more active. Unfortunately, American brewers weren’t receptive to change and his effort to enhance their brewing process failed.
However, as a chemist, Takamine knew his work was important and he filed the first U.S. patent on a microbial enzyme. Furthermore, as a doctor, he also knew that the enzyme’s properties of breaking down starches had healthful application. He licensed Parke, Davis & Company to manufacture “Taka-diastase” as an aid to digestion. Huge Success! Millions of tummies served! Diastase, today called amylase, is present in many medical preparations, beverages, and baked goods.
Now financially independent, Takamine set up his own laboratory and turned his attention to adrenal glands and the substance they produced that raised blood pressure. With his staff, he succeeded in isolating the hormone, purifying, then crystallizing it – the first hormone to be isolated in the 20th century!
Takamine filed a patent. He presented papers before chemical and medical societies, then trademarked the name Adrenalin. Licensed to Parke, Davis, Adrenalin became the first headline drug of the 20th century. Adrenalin, today also known as epinephrine, is used to treat many conditions from cardiac arrest to shock.
Takamine used his fame and wealth to invest in both Japanese and American companies and further closer relations between both countries.
He funded the Japanese gift of over 3,000 cherry trees that were planted in 1912 around the Potomac Tidal Basin in Washington D.C.
The Centennial Host Committee for the 2012 National Cherry Blossom Festival was Daiichi Sankyo Inc. that awards the Takamine Memorial Daiichi Sankyo Prize to promote innovative research in life science in honour of its first president, Dr. Takamine.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival continues yearly. In 2024, from March 20 through April 14, a record 1.6 million visitors attended!
Today, Dr. Takamine has entered the world of Manga comix – thanks to the Takabio company – Taka (Takamine) + bio (biology). Check it out!
B Bondar / Real World Content Advantage