#Japan #oral health #Lotte #Kagamino Town #Kagamino

Lotte's Commitment to Oral Health in Kagamino Town

In a significant collaboration aimed at improving community health, Lotte Co., Ltd. signed a partnership agreement with Kagamino Town, Okayama Prefecture, on November 10, 2025. This partnership focuses on promoting oral health among the residents of Kagamino Town, with the primary goal of enhancing their quality of life and longevity through better dental care practices.

The agreement, which was formalized at the Kagamino Town Hall, signifies a commitment to a comprehensive approach to oral health, covering various life stages from pregnancy to old age. Key aspects of this collaboration include:

• - Promotion of oral health tailored to different life stages.
• - Raising awareness about the importance of proper chewing and knowledge to prevent oral function decline.
• - Supporting the healthy development of children’s oral functions.
• - Providing disaster relief materials, including dental health supplies, to support residents during emergencies.
• - Addressing additional necessary measures to achieve the goals outlined in the agreement.

Lotte, founded in 1948, has always emphasized the importance of chewing and the benefits of xylitol. Through this partnership, Lotte aims to leverage its expertise in these areas to contribute significantly to the oral health of Kagamino residents.

Key Insights from the Agreement Ceremony

The partnership ceremony was attended by Kagamino Town Mayor Eiji Sejima and Lotte Okayama Branch Manager Rei Kawamata. Mayor Sejima commented on the importance of creating a vibrant community where residents can live healthily and happily throughout their lives.

Lotte's Vision for Community Health

Rei Kawamata explained that this agreement represents a shared vision for long-term health and wellbeing in Kagamino. He noted that the initiative will include measures against oral frailty, educational activities for adults about oral health, and projects focused on maintaining the dental health of infants and toddlers. Lotte plans to use its unique strengths and technologies to foster health promotion across all ages.

In October 2023, Lotte began initiatives using xylitol-infused candies to enhance oral health awareness, marking a fruitful collaboration that was initiated by this shared goal.

As part of Lotte's sustainability objectives outlined in the ‘Lotte Mirai Challenge 2048’, one of the goals targets promoting health through chewing. The company is committed to furthering research and outreach activities related to chewing and health.

Additionally, Lotte has pledged to distribute xylitol-based gum and tablets during disaster situations to support health recovery efforts for residents affected by disasters, demonstrating a commitment to community resilience alongside oral health.

Understanding Oral Frailty

Oral frailty refers to minor declines in oral function. If left unaddressed, these minor issues can result in nutrient imbalances, leading to broader health declines. Recognized as an essential indicator of aging, oral frailty has shown a significant correlation with increased risks of physical frailty and other health complications both in the short and long term, underscoring the agreement’s timely relevance.

Research indicates that individuals with oral frailty are nearly twice as likely to experience significant health issues, such as the need for nursing care or mortality, just two years following diagnosis.

Through this partnership with Kagamino Town, Lotte hopes to create a framework for sustained oral health improvement and proactive community health management, ensuring a healthier future for all residents.

For more information about Lotte, please visit Lotte Official Website.