History of Abe Youan
Since 1731, when the first Abe Youan Sadatsuna became court physician to the Matsudaira clan, the Abe family has walked the path of medicine for over 290 years.
The Meaning Behind "Youan"
"You" (養) means to nurture and cultivate, while "An" (庵) represents a dwelling for those who pursue medicine.
The name "Youan" embodies the essence of medicine: nurturing people's health and protecting life.
This spirit has been passed down through ten generations since 1731, when the first Abe Youan Sadatsuna became court physician.
Active Practice as Kampo Physicians
The first Abe Youan Sadatsuna (1699-1754) opened practice as a Kampo physician and was appointed as court physician to the Matsudaira clan on December 25, 1731.
Since then, the second generation Sadakazu, third generation Sadayoshi, fourth generation Sadamichi, and fifth generation Sadakazu served as court physicians to the Matsudaira clan, bearing the important responsibility of protecting the health of the feudal lord and his retainers.
The Abe family has continued to evolve with the times while inheriting the knowledge of Kampo medicine.
Abe Youan Sadatsuna
1699-1754
Opened practice as court physician to the Matsudaira clan. Established the foundation of the Abe Youan family.
Sadakazu, Sadayoshi, Sadamichi
Served as court physicians for generations, inheriting the tradition of Kampo medicine.
Aspiration for Advanced Medicine, The Fight Against Smallpox
The fifth Abe Youan Sadakazu made the decision to study Western medicine in addition to traditional Kampo medicine, foreseeing the transformation of the era.
He studied under Ogata Koan at <strong>Tekijuku</strong> in Osaka and mastered Dutch medicine, then learned surgical techniques at the <strong>Hanaoka School of Surgery</strong>. He acquired techniques from the lineage of Hanaoka Seishu, known for performing the world's first surgery under general anesthesia.
After returning home, he engaged in <strong>vaccination programs</strong> and devoted himself to preventing smallpox. As a practitioner of preventive medicine, he protected the lives of local people.
The fifth generation Sadakazu had a visionary philosophy of "integrating Eastern and Western medicine," which remains the origin of the research philosophy at Abe Youan Aging Research Institute today.
Abe Youan Sadakazu
Studied Dutch medicine at Tekijuku Trained at Hanaoka School of Surgery Engaged in vaccination programs
A pioneer who practiced the integration of Eastern and Western medicine. As a disciple of Ogata Koan, he lived in the same era as Fukuzawa Yukichi.
The Era of Separation of Medicine and Pharmacy
In the Meiji era, Western medicine became the mainstream of Japanese healthcare. Amid this major transformation, the Abe family forged a new path.
The sixth generation, Abe Minoru, <strong>passed the pharmacy licensing examination</strong> and operated a pharmaceutical business in Tokyo. The transition from physician to pharmacist was a strategic decision in response to the demands of the era.
The pharmaceutical tradition was passed on through the seventh generation, Abe Kazutomo, and the eighth generation, Abe Kazuo, establishing a new form of supporting people's health.
Abe Minoru
Passed the pharmacy licensing examination. Developed pharmaceutical business in Tokyo.
Abe Kazutomo & Abe Kazuo
Inherited the pharmaceutical tradition and strengthened the business foundation.
The DNA of Abe Youan Lives On
The ninth generation, Abe Kazushige, encountered propolis in Brazil and recognized its potential. In 1984, he established <strong>Abe Youando Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.</strong> and expanded into the health food business.
In 2019, ahead of the industry, they began selling products featuring <strong>NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)</strong>. They continue to make pioneering efforts in the aging care field.
In 2023, the tenth generation, Abe Tomotaka, changed the company name to Abe Youando Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. And in 2025, <strong>the Abe Youan Aging Research Institute</strong> was established.
A new challenge has begun to realize the 290-year mission of "nurturing people's health" through cutting-edge geroscience research.
Abe Kazushige
1984 Established Abe Youando Pharmaceuticals
Encountered propolis in Brazil and started the health food business.
Abe Tomotaka
2019 Launched NMN Products 2025 Established Research Institute
Established Abe Youan Aging Research Institute. A new challenge through the fusion of tradition and science.
290 Years of History
Foundation — Beginning as Court Physician
The first Abe Youan Sadatsuna was appointed as court physician to the Matsudaira clan. As a Kampo physician, he took on the role of protecting the health of the feudal lord and his retainers.
Tekijuku Enrollment — Origins of East-West Integration
The fifth generation, Abe Sadakazu, studied under Ogata Koan at Tekijuku in Osaka. He also trained at the Hanaoka School of Surgery, integrating Eastern and Western medicine.
Vaccination Program — Practice of Preventive Medicine
Sadakazu engaged in vaccination programs. To prevent smallpox, he promoted inoculation for local residents and protected their lives.
Transition to Pharmacy — Adapting to a New Era
The sixth generation, Abe Minoru, passed the pharmacy licensing examination. He developed pharmaceutical business in Tokyo.
Establishment of Abe Youando Pharmaceuticals
The ninth generation, Abe Kazushige, encountered propolis in Brazil and established Abe Youando Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.
Launch of NMN Products
Ahead of the industry, they began selling products featuring NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide).
Establishment of Research Institute — A New Challenge
The tenth generation, Abe Tomotaka, established the Abe Youan Aging Research Institute. Realizing the 290-year mission through cutting-edge geroscience research.
Inheritance of "Tradition × Science"
The approach of "fusion of tradition and innovation" demonstrated by the fifth generation Sadakazu is directly connected to the research philosophy of the current institute.
| Era | Tradition (Eastern Medicine) | Science (Western Medicine / Modern Science) |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth Generation Era | Knowledge of Kampo Medicine | Dutch Medicine, Hanaoka Surgery, Vaccination |
| Modern | Concepts of Mibyou and Youjou | Geroscience, NMN, AI |