This is a man with an unhealthy love for mold. He spends day and night battling the scourge that is mold. However, since his encounter with a mysterious chemical, he began to see the beauty in mold. Now he’s on a mission to eradicate the microorganism that is mold from its very core. Now, what exactly is going on inside this man’s head?
Interviewed by Takafumi Suzuki
Translated by Claire Tanaka
Mold as viewed through a microscope
This one looks like some kind of tufted grass
This too is a living thing
Looks like a scene from an old movie!
Mr. Ito, people call you Dr. Mold. So, did you major in mold in school?
No, that’s just a nickname. There’s no such thing as getting a degree in mold, but I did major in science in university. But I love researching mold. I could look at mold under a microscope all day long without getting bored, and then talk about it all night without getting tired. Photographs of mold are particularly beautiful, you know.
You’ve been getting a lot of press lately both in Hiroshima and further afield, haven’t you?
They started paying attention to me when the product I developed started selling in Tokyo. There are lots of people in the academic world who specialize in different kinds of mold, but no one can talk about mold from a commercial angle. House cleaning companies put a priority on getting rid of visible dirt, and they pay little attention to the dirt that is not visible to the naked eye. They don’t need to know much about mold or the environment or anything. That’s not how they make their money. Well, you can’t tell your customers “This is penicillium, and that is rhizopus mold!” and expect them to know what you are talking about anyways (laughs).But I do think if we want people to become more knowledgeable about molds, we’ve got to familiarize them with some of the specialized vocabulary. In my company, we have established a mold research lab, and based on the knowledge we’ve gained from our research, we offer consulting services to businesses who are having trouble with mold. These efforts we’ve made in expanding awareness of mold seems to have reached the media.
The moment the cleanser is sprayed
Step 2: The mold turns brown
Step 3: The cleanser in the bubbles attacks the mold
Step 4: The mold is destroyed at its root
So, how exactly do you get rid of dirt that can’t be seen with the naked eye?
These days, many people have become more concerned about the safety of their environment. When we speak about getting rid of dirt that can’t be seen with the naked eye, we’re talking about the elimination of harmful microorganisms. We use the MOS method, the Mold Out Sanitation System method, to do just that.
Could you explain exactly what the MOS method is?
In this method, we blend four types of antibacterial liquids and four types of protective agents, for a total of eight different washing liquids which combine to produce the ultimate dirt remover. This special cleanser is sprayed on walls, wood, and other building materials, and it breaks mold apart at its core. The source of the mold is destroyed. Then, the protective agents act to protect the materials from mold and water, so it takes longer for the mold to grow back.
Slow and steady work – countless tests
Conducting tests on the lab mold
What is the difference between your product and other mold removers?
Until recently, all the mold removers on the market were acid-based. Our product is alkaline. That is the biggest difference. Mold thrives in a mildly acidic environment. In a material infused with mold, there can be two to four hundred million mold spores packed into one square centimeter of space. You spray that with some acidic cleanser and scrub a bit with a brush, and what happens is the spores are scattered into the air like dandelion seeds. Then those spores which have survived start a new colony of mold in a new place. Over time, the mold evolves, so that the cleanser becomes less and less effective.
So, the TEMS product is alkaline, then?
Yes, our cleanser contains sodium hypochlorite, which makes it alkaline. Alkaline cleansers have a bad reputation, but they are just misunderstood. If you mix acid-based cleansers with alkaline cleansers, the resulting gas is very dangerous. Sodium hypochlorite is used in tap water and pools as a disinfectant, and it is used as bleach in many households. As long as you are careful, it’s not dangerous at all. It’s because of bad press in magazines and television that it’s been labeled as “evil”.
Does this cleanser have any negative effects on building materials?
The basic ingredients are also used as food additives, so there are no negative effects on people, plants and animals, or the environment, let alone building materials. Also, there is no need to scrub with a brush, so there is no damage from abrasion either.
Wow, listening to your talk, it sounds just like magic. How did you proceed in your research and development to reach this point?
Well the first time I encountered this chemical, I thought to myself, “This is amazing!” At that time, I was in the landscape gardening business. In that kind of work, you have to deal with a lot of dirt and grime. The main causes of dirt and grime are mold, rust, dust, and oil. Of all those, mold was the one that gave me the most trouble. Then, the plant manager brought me the chemical that was to become the basic ingredient to my product. I tried it, and the mold was gone in a flash. I thought, “I could sell this!” But at the same time, I was also thinking, “Is this liquid safe? You’ve got to be able to prove how the cleanser removes the dirt with data and hypotheses, after all. That’s where I got seven people together and started doing some joint development. After that, I founded the production and development company TEMS Chemical. Through our research and development, we’ve managed to make a product that can easily wash away mold which can’t be removed with a high-pressure water hose.
Wood - before
Wood - after
White wall of a house - before
White wall of a house - after
It sounds like a hit product to me.
That’s what you would think, but initially it didn’t sell at all. When we did demonstrations, people were quite surprised to see how well it worked, but they didn’t buy the product. Then, one by one, my staff started to quit, until there were only two of us left. Normally one would give up under such circumstances, but I was determined to bring my cleanser to the world, and I didn’t give up. It was after that when I started getting licensed production orders from large manufacturers and the like.
Although you majored in science in school, you were in the landscaping business. That’s a rather unusual choice of career, isn’t it?
Yes, well I’ve had a rather unusual life. After I graduated, I worked for three years at a chemical company called Kodama Chemical Industry, and after that I had a few twists and turns. During my twenties, I ran a yakitori restaurant. After that, I thought I’d try the toughest job known to man, and I became an insurance salesman for a foreign-financed company. I did pretty well at that. Then, the company transferred me to Hiroshima. I really took to Hiroshima. After a few years, the company told me they were moving me back to Tokyo, and I thought to myself “I don’t want to ride those packed Tokyo commuter trains again”, and I quit my job. I took on the landscaping job for a change of pace, and before I knew it, I was seriously involved in the industry. Through that work, I was able to encounter the chemical I’m working with now. So, everything I’ve done so far has come full circle.
I hope your MOS method becomes more popular.
I hope so too. In Japan, we’re selling it to companies as a package combined with educational support, and we sell to regular consumers by conducting seminars on the nature of mold. Japan has a relatively high concentration of mold compared to other countries. However, mold is starting to proliferate more due to global warming. Once we have a big mold outbreak, it will be too late. I want to use the MOS method to create mold eradication professionals worldwide. My biggest dream is that the cleanser I developed becomes a globally-known brand. In order to accomplish this, my next goal is to establish a branch in Germany, whose government is well known as having the strictest environmental standards in the world.
Your attitude really embodies the spirit of venture capitalism, doesn’t it.
I have a favorite quote I read in the newspaper long ago. It said “Don’t regret the past, don’t worry about the future, and fear nothing.” You shouldn’t cling to past glories, and you shouldn’t think too hard about what’s to come. Just keep a strong resolve, don’t be afraid, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I think that’s the most important thing of all.
TEMS
Kannon-dai 2-21-33, Saeki-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima
Yoshiaki Ito
Born in Sapporo City, Hokkaido in 1952, Mold Researcher, CEO of TEMS
29 Comments
- Share and Enjoy:
PingMag MAKE is the sister site to PingMag. We use an interview format to put the spotlight on a wide range of people active in rural areas. We document the voices of these unknown heroes and broadcast them to the world. It’s the Japan-based magazine about people and making things, coming out once a week. We’re passing on the passion, ideas, skills, and life stories of people who are building today and exploring tomorrow: craftsmen, engineers, entrepreneurs, and inventors. Stay tuned!
Important Notice
31 Dec 2008
Looking at Tradition with a Scientific Heart: Ootsuji Asahi-do
16 Dec 2008
The Adventures of the Japan-made T-shirts: Kume
9 Dec 2008
Tying the Knot: Kikuyu
2 Dec 2008
The Stone Merchant: Sato Teiseki ten
25 Nov 2008
Preserving the Essence of the Kiri Tansu: Ogura Tansu Ten
18 Nov 2008
Natural Materials and Design: Tsuruya Shoten
11 Nov 2008
Learning From a Young Master: Ceramic Artist Ryota Aoki
4 Nov 2008
Tiny Works of Shogi Art: Tendo Satoh Takashi Shouten
28 Oct 2008
Tada Mokko: A Woodcrafter’s Tale
21 Oct 2008
I love that quote too! Thank you Dr. Mold for sharing it :D
Posted by: pketh on February 7th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
[…] This article on “Dr. Mold” is pretty interesting. The pictures are really beautiful…in that odd sort of living-thing-that-eats-your-house sort of way. Could have definitely used some of his product post-K… […]
Posted by: derLAB::BLOG » Blog Archive » Dr. Mold on PingMag MAKE on February 12th, 2008 at 5:23 am
Another form of Mold:
http://www.moldrecordings.com
Posted by: Ian on March 16th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Great Source of information.
Posted by: jump manual on May 27th, 2011 at 2:44 am
Awesome website. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Podcast Business on May 29th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Gout is the most painful thing I’ve ever felt. Your website is a godsend! Thank you.
Posted by: gout cure on June 9th, 2011 at 11:32 pm
The pictures are really beautiful…in that odd sort of living-thing-that-eats-your-house sort of way. Could have definitely used some of his product post-K… […]
Posted by: burberry store on June 21st, 2011 at 6:18 pm
don’t worry about the future, and fear nothing.” You shouldn’t cling to past glories, and you shouldn’t think too hard about what’s to come. Just keep a strong resolve, don’t be afraid, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I think that’s the most important thing of all.
Posted by: christian louboutin on June 21st, 2011 at 6:18 pm
it will be too late. I want to use the MOS method to create mold eradication professionals worldwide. My biggest dream is that the cleanser I developed becomes a globally-known brand.
Posted by: louboutin on June 21st, 2011 at 6:19 pm
Good topic..keep the good content coming
Posted by: Internet Strategy on June 25th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Great topic,I will post a link to this page on my blog.
Posted by: Counteract Southwest Strategy on July 7th, 2011 at 5:50 am
Actually it has been verified time and time again that over 75% of women of all ages prefer polygamy
Posted by: Affiliate Marketing Reviews on July 18th, 2011 at 1:56 am
I would be very leary of Reverse Mortgages, primarily because of the indivuals promoting this open ended solution to all problems.
Posted by: Affiliate Marketing Reviews on July 19th, 2011 at 2:48 am
Let’s face it, These comments about Ladies favoring pologamy is getting out of hand.
Posted by: Affiliate Marketing Reviews on July 22nd, 2011 at 3:38 am
Thanks for the information about this topic.
Posted by: united health dental on August 10th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
I’m a giant fan of foreign exchange and finance so I find this topic very interesting. I never thought of it like that.
Posted by: Marketing Strategy Template on August 16th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Hi, I like your website. I’m currently looking for golf supplies in the UK & USA.
Posted by: golf supplies on August 24th, 2011 at 3:03 am
Very Nice! makes me remind the coloured performance of the early pink floyd!
Posted by: christian louboutin on November 10th, 2011 at 10:33 am
Your business sounds interesting. Why is it important to the industry?
Posted by: See Clear Without Glasses on November 11th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
FULL FREE Movie Online WATCH ALL MOVIES www.4utomovie.com .Watch Movie Online, Free Movies Online, Hindi, Hollywood Movie,watch movies online for free. We offer a large collection of
Posted by: ˹ѧ soundtrack,˹ѧ�����,Movie Online on November 26th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
จากประสบการณ์กว่า 20 ปี เกี่ยวกับธุรกิจยา และอาหารเสริม พร้อมความมุ่งมั่นที่จะพัฒนาอาหารเสริมของไทยให้ทัดเทียมกับระดับสากล เพื่อตอบสนองทุกความต้องการของทุกกลุ่มผู้บริโภค ทั้งเรื่องของคุณภาพ และราคา จนได้รับการยอมรับจากกลุ่มผู้บริโภคจากหลากหลายสาขาอาชีพ ไม่ว่าจะเป็น กลุ่มนักธุรกิจ พนักงานออฟฟิศ แม่บ้าน นักเรียน นักศึกษา ไปจนถึงกลุ่มศิลปิน ดารา นักแสดง
Posted by: อาหารเสริมนาตาลีเดวิส on November 27th, 2011 at 12:39 am
Check out our Cyber Monday deals on everything from cell phones with service to no-contract phones, unlocked phones, Bluetooth headsets, cases, chargers, and more
Posted by: technology on November 28th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Cyber Monday 2011 Deals List my blog. you can shopping online Cyber Monday Sale have product HDTV,3DTV,Tablets,Laptops,Netbooks,Notebooks,Game Consoles & Electronics, you can see list Best Cyber Monday Deals and buy cheapest product and super saving shipping from AMAZON.COM
Posted by: Cyber Monday 2011 Deals List on November 28th, 2011 at 8:21 pm
สารสกัดจากธรรมชาติต่างๆ ที่นำมาเป็นอาหารเสริมเช่น กลูต้าไธโอน,แอลคาร์นิทีน, น้ำมันรำข้าว, กรดอะมิโนต่างๆ และอื่นๆ นั้นมีประโยชน์ต่อร่างกายของเราอย่างไรบ้าง
Posted by: แอลคาร์นิทีน on December 7th, 2011 at 12:32 am
A few weeks ago my family and I went on vacation and had to rent a car. When at the car rental counter we were asked if we wanted to buy one day car insurance. Not knowing what 1 day car insurance was at the time time we figured we better be safe then sorry. So of course we did.
Posted by: 1 day car insurance on December 17th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
ηλεκτρονικο τσιγαρο,ego-T
Posted by: ηλεκτρονικο τσιγαρο on January 12th, 2012 at 8:54 pm
An Ihrem wichtigsten und wunderschönsten Tag begleiten wir Sie als Videografen Team und produzieren ein hochwertiges Hochzeitsvideo
Posted by: Carsten on January 18th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
That is really interesting. What kind of improvement can you suggest?
Posted by: titanium visa on January 24th, 2012 at 7:16 am
Very Nice Website you have, from where did you got it made? kindly tell me the developer you hired.
Posted by: Marriage Palaces on January 28th, 2012 at 12:21 am