#Japan #STEM Education #Saitama #Lotte #Girls Meet STEM

Lotte Supports Girls in STEM with Special Research Institute Tour

Lotte, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has officially joined the "Girls Meet STEM" initiative by the Yamada Shintaro D&I Foundation, dedicated to empowering teenage girls to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). On August 27, 2025, Lotte opened its Central Research Institute in Saitama City, where around 45 girls participated in an engaging tour that focused on various aspects of the delicious creations that Lotte is known for.

Objectives of the Tour

The "Girls Meet STEM" program aims to inspire young women by providing opportunities to visit workplaces, learn from successful female professionals in STEM fields, and discover their own interests and potential career paths. Lotte believes that cultivating a diverse and inclusive organizational culture is essential for the success of every employee, leading to their commitment to promoting DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion). By participating in this initiative, Lotte aims to contribute to closing the gender gap in STEM disciplines, in line with the objectives of the Yamada Shintaro D&I Foundation.

A Day Filled with Exploration

During the event, held in both the morning and afternoon sessions, participants experienced various hands-on activities designed to highlight the science and creativity behind Lotte's products. The tour included:

• - Aromatics Analysis: Here, participants learned about the science of taste by engaging in activities that analyzed the different aromas associated with chocolate and ice cream. They compared their experience of tasting Ghanaian milk chocolate with scientific analysis, showcasing how these scents play a crucial role in flavor perception.

• - Ice Cream Development: In this section, the focus was on developing delectable ice cream that customers would love. The students toured the lab, gaining insight into the differences between ice cream mixes before and after freezing. They discovered how Lotte tailors recipes to various ice cream formats to ensure both taste and visual appeal.

• - Sensory Evaluation: This segment explored the process of sensory evaluation used to translate taste into measurable standards for product development. Participants had the chance to compare Lotte's two versions of a popular ice cream, Coolish, discovering how size variations in ice crystals can change the enjoyment factor based on seasonal preferences.

• - Panel Discussion: A highlight of the day involved an engaging discussion session with Lotte's female employees. The participants posed questions such as, "What kind of studies should I pursue to work in food research?" and "What led you to choose a career at Lotte?" The conversation sparked lively discussions, with some groups needing more time to conclude their discussions due to the overwhelming interaction.

Reflections from Participants

Feedback from the students was positive and inspiring. Many expressed their newfound interest in pursuing STEM careers. One participant noted, "Talking with the women at Lotte’s Central Research Institute solidified my desire to proceed in the STEM field," while another shared, "I joined because I love sweets. It was fun to experience the work involved!" These reflections truly highlight the impact of the program.

Commitment to a Brighter Future

Lotte strives to achieve a "happy future" as declared in its purpose. The company is committed to creating a society where individuals can thrive as their authentic selves. With this initiative, Lotte continues to provide opportunities for young women to explore their interests and pave pathways to their future careers.

Lotte’s Commitment to Sustainability and D&I Efforts

In support of diversity and inclusion, Lotte signed the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) in January 2023. These principles, established by the UN and the UN Women Development Fund, encourage organizations to prioritize gender equality and women's empowerment in their core business strategies. Lotte actively disseminates information about its DEI goals, including workshops for management and core employees.

In closing, Lotte is dedicated to fostering an environment that not only empowers women but also cultivates innovation and creativity in the workplace. The Central Research Institute Tour is just one of the many steps toward closing the gender gap in STEM and providing young women the opportunity to envision their future careers with confidence.