#Japan #Tokyo #Sergei Bubka #Kumiko Okada #Kamukoto

Inspiring the Next Generation: The Power of Sports and Health

On June 5, 2025, a noteworthy event titled "The Power of Sports and Chewing: Learning from Legends" was held in collaboration with Locok, aiming to foster sustainable development in society through education. Esteemed guests included legendary pole vaulter Sergei Bubka, renowned race walker Kumiko Okada, and Takeda Tomotaka, a professor at Tokyo Dental College specializing in sports dentistry.

The event targeted about 50 parents of elementary and high school students, providing insights into the importance of chewing, setting goals, and nurturing physical and mental growth in children.

Insights from Champions

Sergei Bubka shared his personal philosophy on goal setting, emphasizing that achieving one record is just the beginning. He urged attendees to forget past successes quickly and restart with each new day, stating, "Only by analyzing our strengths and weaknesses can we unlock further potential for growth."

Kumiko Okada, a trailblazer in women's race walking, highlighted the significance of chewing in maintaining health. She mentioned her athlete, Umeno Koko, who practices mindful eating and pointed out how sharing meals with her fosters a commitment to health habits. Takeda echoed this sentiment, explaining how chewing and oral care significantly contribute to improving physical abilities. He remarked that the act of chewing activates the body's muscles, thus promoting overall health.

Long-Term Goals for a Healthier Future

Lotte, through its sustainability vision "Lotte Mirai Challenge 2048," has set "mental and physical health" as a key focus area for the next 25 years. As part of this initiative, the company aims to create innovative products and services that contribute to the well-being of society, particularly by promoting the benefits of chewing gum and xylitol consumption.

Through various events and seminars with dental associations and medical experts, Lotte advocates for the importance of chewing and its benefits to oral health. Moving forward, the company plans to continue its research into the positive impacts of chewing on health, reinforcing its commitment to a happier and healthier future for individuals.

The Stars Behind the Project

Sergei Bubka: Born in Ukraine in 1963, Bubka is a former world record holder in men’s pole vault, renowned for winning six consecutive titles in international competitions and breaking the world record 35 times. After his athletic career, he devoted himself to promoting sports and mentoring young athletes, significantly influencing the global sports landscape.

Kumiko Okada: A key figure in Japanese race walking, born in Saitama in 1991, Okada is a former national record holder in the women's 20km race walk and has an impressive track record, including six consecutive national championships. Post-retirement, she took a coaching role to mentor the next generation of female athletes, continuing to impact society positively through sports.

Taki Tomotaka: A prominent sports dentist and guest professor, Takeda emphasizes the critical role of oral health in athlete performance. His expertise spans across multiple institutions, highlighting his commitment to enhancing athlete well-being through proper dental care and education.

Kamusupo Project

The "Kamusupo Project" is Lotte’s initiative focusing on the necessity of chewing, aiming to support athletes’ performances, from professionals to children. By disseminating research and information, conducting chewing power tests, and providing gum, the project actively promotes the significance of chewing, bridging the gap between sports and health.

More Information: For further insights into the Kamusupo Project, visit Lotte’s Kamukoto website.

About LOCOK

LOCOK is committed to empowering individuals through education, operating various programs from children’s learning centers to management training. More details can be found on their official website.

Through collaborations like this, Lotte and LOCOK aim to unlock potential in future generations, harnessing the compelling power of sports and health.