#Japan #Tokyo #Lotte Holdings #mogpal #oral rehabilitation

A Revolutionary Step in Oral Health

Lotte Holdings has recently made a significant leap in the field of oral health with the nationwide launch of "mogpal," a pioneering oral rehabilitation support system designed for dental clinics. This system aims to address critical issues such as the decline in oral function among the aging population and developmental disorders in children's oral health. Scheduled for national availability starting June 4, 2026, in conjunction with the "Dental and Oral Health Week," this initiative underscores Lotte's commitment to enhancing oral health care across Japan.

Background Behind 'mogpal'

Founded in 1948, Lotte Holdings originated in the production and sale of chewing gum, gradually amassing extensive knowledge about the importance of chewing and oral health. With the establishment of the Wellness Strategic Division in September 2024, Lotte aims to expand its expertise into new business ventures. The ultimate goal is to achieve Sales of 10 billion yen in the wellness sector by 2030, aligning with the company's vision of being a "Lifetime Value Creator."

By leveraging years of accumulated expertise, 'mogpal' serves as a new cornerstone for the wellness business, aiding individuals in achieving overall well-being through improved oral health.

The Need for 'mogpal'

Japan is grappling with an aging population, which has prompted authorities to focus on "oral frailty" (decline in oral function) as a significant risk factor for increased care needs, mortality rates, and cognitive decline. Additionally, upcoming changes to medical reimbursements in 2026 will broaden the evaluation criteria for oral function management across all age groups, enhancing the necessity for oral rehabilitation training.

Despite these pressing needs, many dental clinics face substantial barriers to implementing effective oral function management. Issues such as adapting to new health conditions, a lack of clear rehabilitation protocols, and the disparity in knowledge among staff hinder effective operational execution.

Features of 'mogpal'

The 'mogpal' system has been meticulously designed by active dental professionals to provide seamless support across various stages: introduction, learning, assessment, documentation, training provision, and management.

1. Efficient Learning Support

The system offers comprehensive instructional videos and PDF materials covering essential knowledge about oral function management, clinic operations, and insurance reimbursement processes. Its dental physician supervision enables easy education for both inexperienced and non-specialist staff, elevating the overall knowledge within the clinic.

2. Automation of Assessments and Documentation

Users can easily conduct assessments through guided interfaces on tablets, resulting in automatic aggregation of results and visual representation of scores. The system also streamlines the creation of necessary documents for medical reimbursements, significantly reducing administrative burdens and simplifying workflows.

3. Customized Training Content

Based on assessment outcomes, 'mogpal' generates tailored training programs for individual patients. Engaging and practical exercises, such as "gum chewing exercises" and accessible oral gymnastics videos, ensure patients of all ages can enjoyably maintain their oral functions.

Testimonials from Pilot Regions

Since the pilot launch in November 2025, the Tohoku region has seen the implementation of 'mogpal' in over 90 dental clinics, benefitting over 1,000 patients with focused oral rehabilitation. These clinics report an increase in patient motivation, thanks to enhanced visual interpretations of assessment results and streamlined training video explanations. The challenges previously posed by complex documentation and staff training responsibilities have lessened, allowing clinics to integrate oral function management into their daily operations effortlessly.

Voices from the Field

Dr. Takada of Takada Dental Clinic expressed, "The recent reforms in medical reimbursements have elevated the importance of oral function management in dental care. Despite this, widespread adoption remains stymied by the specialized requirements of oral rehabilitation. I believe 'mogpal' is a crucial tool that bridges this gap, providing me with the assurance of having an expert by my side as we work toward extending healthspan in dental practices."

Product Details

• - Product Name: mogpal
• - Target Market: Dental clinics nationwide
• - Launch Date: June 4, 2026
• - Monthly Fee: Starting at 15,000 yen (excluding tax)

Name Meaning

The name 'mogpal' combines the onomatopoeic Japanese term for chewing, "mogumogu," with the English word "pal," denoting a close friend or partner. This reflects the intent to serve as a lifelong partner for patients and dental professionals in maintaining enjoyable eating experiences through effective oral function management.

Lotte Holdings continues to inspire optimism for the future of oral health. The emergence of 'mogpal' not only promises advancements in oral health care but also embodies the larger mission of promoting wellness across all stages of life.