We examined the evolutionary adaptation of recombinant shochu yeast by serial anaerobic cultivation in xylose-based minimal medium. Compared with the parental strain, the adapted strain MA-S4-M1 (M1) markedly improved the growth on xylose and the anaerobic xylose consumption rate. M1 gained improved xylose utilization properties by optimizing the metabolic pathway enzymes and enhancing the uptake of xylose. (C) 2010, The Society for Biotechnology, japan. All rights reserved.