Yes, you read that right — your poop could be worth money in Japan, but only if it meets very specific health standards. Japanese pharmaceutical company Metagen Therapeutics has launched a new facility in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture called the Tsuruoka Stool Donation Room, where eligible individuals can earn ¥5,000 (approx. $34.50) per qualified donation.
But this isn’t just about taking a bathroom break for cash. Metagen is seeking gut bacteria from healthy individuals to develop cutting-edge medical treatments. Only 5 to 10% of people have the kind of microbiome-rich stool the company needs, so there’s a strict screening process.
To participate, applicants aged 18 to 65 must first register via Metagen’s Chomusubi platform. If you pass the online evaluation, you’ll undergo an in-person health screening in Tsuruoka. Successful candidates are invited to make donations — and yes, there’s even a donor lounge for those top-tier contributors.
Each approved donation earns you a ¥5,000 Amazon gift card, and regular donors could make up to ¥30,000 a year, just by being biologically blessed.
FAQs
Q1: Why is Metagen paying for poop?
A: They’re not after the stool itself, but the valuable gut bacteria within it, which are used to research and produce new medical treatments related to digestive and overall health.
Q2: How do I know if my poop qualifies?
A: You must register online, pass a health screening, and be willing to travel to Tsuruoka for testing. Only healthy individuals with ideal gut microbiota are selected for the program.
Got elite-level poop? You could be flushing away ¥5,000 every time.
