Optimized conditions for protoplast preparation and regeneration from young hyphae of Monascus ruber were established. Heat shock treatment of spores gave rapid and synchronized germination. Spores collected from cultures grown for 7-8 days at $30^{circ}C$ were germinated until over 70% germ tubes reached to 3-5 spore length. Enzymatic digestion of young hyphae was optimal with 50 mg/mL Glucanex in 0.1 M sodium citrate buffer containing 0.8 M mannitol as an osmotic stabilizer. Regeneration rate was around 10% when 0.8 M sorbitol was used as an osmotic stabilizer in regeneration medium. These conditions will be applied in genetic study of M. ruber that produces citrinin at high level and thus is good model strain for molecular genetic dissection of citrinin biosynthesis.