OUR HISTORY
SARAYA’s past is marked by innovation, environmental consciousness and influence on both industry and society. With sustained public health as our goal, we have emerged as a market leader with outstanding sanitation and healthcare products.

1952
Poor sanitation contributed to skyrocketing food poisoning and dysentery rates in post-war Japan. To address this, Shota Saraya began a company and developed natural, antibacterial liquid soaps as well as dispensers for a practical way to improve hygiene.

1960s
While expanding its line of soaps, SARAYA began to focus on developing gargling solutions and machines. An important part of Japanese hygienic culture, gargling clears debris and microbes from mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.

1966
The Cololo automatic gargling machine, SARAYA’s flagship gargling system, was lauded by the media and government and spread throughout Japan.

1971
SARAYA introduced Yashinomi, a natural, 99% biodegradable dish soap in response to the environmental damage caused by petroleum-based detergents that were flooding the market and Japanese waters.

1979
One of the world’s first quick-drying alcohol-based hand sanitizer and dispenser combos, the Hand Sanitor, was introduced for use in food service, industrial and medical fields.

1982
SARAYA released the FS-3000, a touch-free, automatic hand-sanitizing unit.

1980s
Growing demand for SARAYA products prompted the opening of new sales offices and factories in Japan.

1990
A new hand sanitizer, Hibiscohol (later known as Alsoft), was released. Its rapid and continual antiseptic effect made it popular among medical and health care professionals.

1992
Founder Shota Saraya was awarded for distinguished achievement by the Japanese Science and Technology Agency.

1995
Best Sanitizers, Inc., a US joint venture, was established in California to manufacture and sell SARAYA technology in the Americas.

1996
Another first from SARAYA— Lakanto, an all natural, zero calorie sweetener was released. With its great taste and safety, it became the #1 natural sweetener in Japan.

1997
Opened the Iga Factory to manufacture medical-grade antiseptics and other commercial sanitizers.

1999
SARAYA received ISO9001 and ISO14001 certification for quality control and environmental management systems, respectively.

2001
Acecide, a high-power, biodegradable sterilizer for sensitive medical equipment was released on the market and subsequently integrated into Olympus’ OER endoscope reprocessing system.
SARAYA also launched Sophoron, a natural dish detergent for automatic dishwashers.

2002
SARAYA celebrated its 50th anniversary.

2003
SARAYA began its international expansion by starting SARAYA Korea Co., LTD.

2004
SARAYA offices and factories opened in Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Belgium.
SARAYA joined the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) as a first step in addressing the growing issue of sustainability in tropical palm farming.

2005
SARAYA launches more international subsidiaries in China, Australia, Russia and Canada.

2006
In partnership with the Sabah Wildlife Department, SARAYA founded the Borneo Conservation Trust to secure habitats and migration routes for Bornean wildlife.