For his advanced flower breeding techniques and his significant success in promoting Japanese horticultural exports, Takeo received a blue ribbon Medal of Honor(awarded by the government of Japan to individuals who have made significant achievements) in 1958. Furthermore, he was the first foreigner to receive the AAS Medallion of Honor in August 1965.

Sakata felt the need to establish a national sales network and the Fukuoka Satellite Office on the southern island of Kyushu was opened in 1967. In October, Sakata opened the Fukushima extension and in June 1971, the Sendai Satellite Office in Northern Japan followed. These were used as bases to reinforce regional operations and sales.

Sakata Celebrates its 60th Anniversary and Further Breeding Research Expansion Planned

There was increasing momentum in the company to develop a new Research Station not only to increase the number of varieties in development but also to develop disease-resistant varieties and to conduct adaptability tests related to new breeding engineering technologies and vegetable cultivation methods, In June 1971, Sakata opened the Kimitsu Breeding Station in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo, as a breeding center to play a central role in the development of vegetable varieties aimed at the domestic market. The Vegetable Production Department, which had been the main activity at the Chogo Research Station, was relocated to the Kimitsu Breeding Station. The Chigasaki Breeding Station, the Horticulture Department and a part of the Youg Plant Production Department moved to the Chogo Research Station, which then became the main research station for flowering plants

At around the same time, Sakata started to produce many F1 vegetable varieties that quickly became popular in the market, thus contributing to the company's domestic and international reputation.

The first product that became a hit was "Green Duke" broccoli, which was produced from 1969 at farm under consignment production agreements near the Xi Bei Farm in Taiwan and from which all seed was then exported to the US. Even though it was initially only the second most popular variety in the America, seed production techniques and stable mass production capabilities were established and supply operations commenced. As soon as word spread that the quality of our fruits and vegetables had improved (and yield had more than doubled), in no time the "Green Duke" conquered the market. This acted as a catalyst for the setting up of production centers in local regions. As a result of continuing efforts to develop new varieties and improve seed production techniques, Sakata's broccoli would, over the next 40 years, go on to take a 50% share of the world market.

The second hit was the revolutionary sweet corn "Honey Bantam". This variety, which had been available since 1974, went on to become extremely popular with urban consumers.

The third hit product was the F1 spinach variety "Atlas" which was released in 1972. This variety was the result of crossing female European spinach, which was resistant to downy mildew and damping-off diseases, with a typical male Japanese variety. Thus,"Atlas" was highly praised for both its disease resistance and high yield.

Sakata , which was leading the market with its continuous introduction into the market of new F1 vegetables, held a field day at the Misato Research Station in August 1973 in commemoration of its 60th anniversary.