The genome sequencing of Aspergillus oryzae, a filamentous fungus widely used in Japanese fermentation industries, has been completed by a Japanese research group. The A. oryzae genome consists of c.a. 37 Mb nucleotides and about 12,000 predicted genes. The genome sequence revealed that A. oryzae has redundant secretory hydrolases and that specific genes of A. oryzae are enriched in the blocks without synteny to other Aspergilli. Establishment of genomic research basis of A. oryzae has facilitated functional analysis and the research for industrial applications of the A. oryzae genes.