The Importance of Chewing for Whole Body Health in the 100-Year Life Era

In the context of the Japanese society living longer, the significance of consistent chewing for maintaining overall health is becoming increasingly vital. Lotte Co., Ltd. has aligned itself with this vision by actively participating in the 'Chewing Health Research Association,' which continues to enlighten the public about the health benefits of chewing.

Recently, video recordings of the 7th annual conference of the association were made available on the official website from January 19 to March 20, 2026. This conference highlighted how chewing impacts various health aspects, including nutritional status, overall body function, cognitive abilities, and even potential healthcare costs associated with elderly care.

Conference Overview

On November 14, 2025, this event, held at Hilton Tokyo Odaiba, brought together esteemed experts from various fields to discuss and share research findings regarding the implications of chewing. The program included keynote speeches and presentations involving:

- Opening remarks by Yuji Matsuzawa, Honorary Director of Sumitomo Hospital.
- A keynote address from Hirohiko Hirano, Director of Dental Oral Surgery at Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, focusing on 'Oral Frailty' and the significance of oral health.
- Presentations discussing the health impacts of chewing from various perspectives, including nutritional status and cognitive functions, delivered by Todoriko Komagamine from Tokyo Medical Science University and Makoto Takemasa from Tokyo Denki University.
- A panel discussion involving researchers from significant studies that emphasized the importance of chewing in elderly health.

Significance of Chewing

The research association aims to thoroughly explore how the basic act of chewing contributes to maintaining comprehensive health. Notably, the term 'oral frailty' has gained recognition, denoting a decline in oral functions that correlates with increased healthcare costs and the necessity for medical intervention among the elderly. Medical expenses in Japan have escalated, particularly concerning elder care.

Historically, significant focus has been placed on promoting strategies like the 'Metabolic Syndrome' public health campaign, addressing primarily working-age individuals. In stark contrast, proactive measures focusing on chewing behaviors among the rapidly growing elderly demographic represent a second medical revolution. I am convinced that establishing chewing as embedded in the daily routines of older adults can transform preventive healthcare approaches.

Key Topics

Recent studies have cogently suggested that factors contributing to oral frailty not only include the simple act of chewing but also derive from broader spheres such as nutrition and its management. For instance, the loss of molars has emerged as a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment within elderly populations.

Research conducted among the aging population provides compelling insights: subjects suffering from oral frailty were found to have twice the risk of requiring future care or mortality. Therefore, timely recognition of chewing-related issues is essential in reducing these risks and promoting better health outcomes.

The conference not only addressed the health implications of chewing but emphasized various innovative methods for analyzing and improving chewing efficiency using advanced technology.
For example, research into 3D food printing to enhance food texture and utilizing deep learning for precise chewing analysis are on the forefront of innovation. These initiatives pave the way for tailoring our dietary provisions to individual chewing capabilities, substantially contributing to health longevity.

Concluding Remarks

The discussions underscored the necessity of multidisciplinary collaboration, bridging various academic fields and industries to enhance public awareness about the significance of chewing. Through such partnerships, driven by both evidence-based research and community engagement, we can foster healthier lifestyles that significantly extend health spans.

Lotte is committed to this cause, extending its efforts in utilizing 'KAMUKOTO' or 'chewing' as a global health standard while addressing the needs of diverse populations. Continued research and discussions such as those at the 'Chewing Health Research Association' promise to serve as vital steps toward a healthier future where chewing is recognized as fundamental to overall health and quality of life.