Upon discovery in 1951, K. capsulata was placed in the genus Hansenula,[1] which was later renamed to Pichia.

A 1994 reclassification moved K. capsulata from Pichia and into Kuraishia, making it the first member of the new genus.

[2] Cells of K. capsulata have been described as "spherical to ellipsoidal" in shape.

[3] Kuraishia capsulata was first isolated from insect frass in multiple tree species and locations, including from jack pine and spruce trees near Wabatongushi Lake, Ontario, as well as from short leaf and loblolly pines in Piney Woods, Mississippi and from ponderosa pines in Santa Barbara County, California.

[1] Kuraishia capsulata has also been isolated from olive oil produced in the Molise region of Italy.