Unveiling the 1 Choco for 1 Smile Summer Campaign
This summer, as the sweetness of chocolate fills the air, Morinaga Confectionery Co., Ltd. is excited to announce the launch of the "1 Choco for 1 Smile Summer Campaign." Kicking off on July 3 and running until September 16, this initiative is designed to support children in cacao-producing nations while helping the public explore the future of chocolate in a unique and engaging way.
A New Chapter in Supporting Cacao Children
The theme of this year's campaign revolves around the idea of envisioning the future of chocolate, celebrating the 17th year of the "1 Choco for 1 Smile" program. This initiative has historically aimed to create a lasting benefit for children in cacao-origin countries, such as Ghana, by facilitating donations linked to chocolate purchases during events like Valentine’s Day.
With an increased focus on the sustainability of the cacao industry, the campaign has evolved to a more action-oriented approach. This year, participants are encouraged to engage actively in the campaign, which offers four unique ways for people to contribute and learn:
Four Ways to Participate
1.
Choco Action Support: Simply visiting the campaign website enables a donation of 1 yen for every visitor to help children in cacao-producing countries.
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Duration: July 3 - August 31, 2025.
2.
Research Challenge: Dive into the “Journey of Chocolate” to understand how cacao is transformed into chocolate. Participants will learn about the price of chocolate while exploring the current situation in cacao countries. Every download of a provided worksheet will contribute another donation of 100 yen.
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Duration: July 3 - August 31, 2025.
3.
Event Participation: Attend the "Gakken Kids Network Presents Research Expo 2025" and visit the Morinaga booth, where the chocolate's lifecycle will be showcased, alongside hands-on learning experiences for children.
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Dates: July 5-6, 2025.
4.
Contest Participation: Enter the “Naruhodo Chocolate” wall newspaper contest, sharing insights gained from research about chocolate with peers. Participants contribute an additional 100 yen for their entries.
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Duration: July 3 - September 16, 2025.
Impact of the Campaign
Through these participatory activities, Morinaga hopes to deepen the understanding of chocolate’s value, its origins, and the challenges faced by cacao-producing regions. The campaign is structured to nurture smiles not only from the chocolate consumers but also from the children learning in cacao-producing countries.
At the heart of the initiative is the ambition to connect the joy of eating chocolate with the smiles of children engaged in learning. Morinaga’s mission is to bridge these worlds, ensuring that together we can sow the seeds for a better future.
Join the Movement
For more information, please visit the official
1 Choco for 1 Smile Summer Campaign site to learn how you can take part in this meaningful cause.
The campaign's efforts are further enriched by partnerships with international NGOs, including Plan International and the Japan-based NGO ACE. Since the launch of the initiative, contributions have exceeded a staggering 3.38 billion yen as of March 2025, impacting the lives of many children in cacao-producing regions.
Every action counts, and as we move forward, every single effort contributes to a tapestry of changes supporting the children of cacao-producing nations. This summer, let’s join hands to create a promising future filled with smiles.