#Japan #Tokyo #oral health #Lion Corporation #Musbue

Promoting Oral Health Through Children’s Cafes

In a commendable initiative aimed at reinforcing oral health awareness among younger generations, Lion Corporation has teamed up with the accredited non-profit organization Musubie. This collaboration has led to the inception of the "Okuchikarada Project," which underscores the significance of oral health care by integrating it into engaging activities hosted at children’s cafeterias across Japan.

The collaboration traces back to 2021 when Lion and Musubie signed an agreement to employ the "Inclusive Oral Care" framework. This partnership focuses on facilitating programs that transcend economic disparities related to dental and health services for children. With a drive to ensure no child is left behind, Musubie, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, aims to create a society where everyone has access to vital services.

The project has already made significant strides, reaching over 132,000 participants from 2,662 organizations nationwide, with activities designed to promote oral health in a fun and approachable manner. One such activity is a specially developed board game focusing on the theme of dental care, which encourages children to engage and learn in an enjoyable environment.

Project Progress & Future Events

On October 27, 2025, Lion Corporation hosted a results briefing meeting at their headquarters, celebrating the fifth anniversary of this impactful project. During this meeting, insights were shared regarding the program's positive influence on children's habits surrounding oral care. The data revealed that the initiative not only encourages routine oral hygiene practices but also enhances children's self-esteem, showcasing the cooperative benefits of community and educational outreach in nurturing healthy habits.

The Okuchikarada Project is set to continue expanding its reach across various regions, including events scheduled in Tokyo and Okinawa later this year.

Upcoming Activities

• - Tokyo Event:

- Date: October 31, 2025
- Time: 16:30 - 17:30
- Location: Kodomo Shokudo Niko, Matsugaya, Taito City, Tokyo
- Overview: Employees from Lion and Musubie’s director, Rie Mishima, will participate in fun learning activities pertaining to health habits with the children at the café.

• - Okinawa Events:

- Date: November 8, 2025
- Time: 11:00 - 14:25
- Location: Kenkou Fukushi Center, Uruma City, Okinawa
- Overview: This event will feature a collaborative nutrition course that promotes healthy habits, organized with partners such as FANCL and Kirin Beverage.
- Date: November 9, 2025
- Time: 11:00 - 13:00
- Location: Okinawa Prefectural Coastal Patrol Boat
- Overview: A unique experience combining the Okuchikarada Project with opportunities to learn about maritime safety through the collaboration with the Japan Coast Guard.

Invitation to Media

Media representatives are cordially invited to cover these upcoming events. It presents an excellent opportunity to observe the children's engagement in health-focused activities. Please be advised that while some children may be open to photographs and interviews, others may not wish to be photographed. We kindly ask that any media coverage considerations regarding minors be communicated in advance.

Overview of Children’s Cafes

Children’s cafes serve as welcoming spaces where kids can come to seek nourishment and community engagement without financial barriers. Often regarded as "everyone's home," these cafes play a pivotal role in social interactions among various generations while addressing issues like isolation and poverty. While these initiatives lack formal institutional support, there are approximately 10,867 operational children’s cafes across Japan as of 2024 statistics, providing a safe space for children and fostering community warmth.

Musubie, established in December 2018 and recognized as a non-profit organization in May 2021, is devoted to ensuring the accessibility and sustainability of these cafes by forming supportive networks and engaging with enterprises for assistance. Their vision emphasizes the importance of community involvement, making a considerable impact on society at large.

For further details or inquiries about the outcomes shared during the reports, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the contacts listed below.

Together, with the engagement of our communities, we can encourage children to embrace healthy habits that last a lifetime.