#Japan #Tokyo #Eye Health #SEED Project #Yakult Levins

Celebrating Children's Eye Health Day

On June 10, a special event was held at Motomachi Wellness Park in Bunkyo, Tokyo, aimed at promoting the importance of eye health and sports participation among children. The event, titled "Understanding Myopia and Sports Experience," was organized by Seed Co., a contact lens manufacturer, in partnership with Motomachi Wellness Park and the Yakult Levins Rugby Team. This initiative is part of Seed's ongoing commitment to enhance children's eye health awareness through interactive programs.

Background of the Event

With a growing concern for children's vision in Japan, Seed Co. launched an education project in 2023 that has already reached over 8,000 children with essential information on eye health. To further enhance these efforts, the company established the "SEED Children's Eye Future Project" to strengthen collaboration with parents, ophthalmologists, and experts in protecting children's vision as they grow. The event on June 6 marked the first real-life engagement of this initiative, coinciding with the observance of Children's Eye Day on June 10.

What is Children's Eye Day?

The significance of June 10 lies in its designation as Children's Eye Day, aimed at addressing early detection and treatment of conditions like amblyopia, as well as preventing myopia, which is increasingly common in younger populations. Based on a shared hope to nurture children’s vision towards achieving a vision standard of 1.0 by the age of six, the Japan Ophthalmological Society established this day for awareness and action.

Purpose and Activities of the Event

As the prevalence of myopia among children becomes a worldwide concern, this event attracted 19 families (38 participants) from Bunkyo, focusing on informative and engaging programs for elementary school students and their parents. Attendees were treated to a variety of activities, including lectures by ophthalmologists, interactive sessions with rugby players wearing contact lenses, rugby workshops, and vision screening experiences, all designed to make learning about myopia both entertaining and enlightening.

Event Schedule

• - Date: June 6, 2026
• - Time: 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
• - Location: Motomachi Wellness Park, Bunkyo, Tokyo
• - Target: Local elementary students and their parents
• - Organizer: Seed Co. (SEED Children’s Eye Future Project)
• - Co-host: Motomachi Wellness Park
• - Collaboration: Yakult Levins Rugby Team

The day began with a lecture by Dr. Kaori Odomo from Juntendo University Hospital, focusing on myopia's causes and preventive measures. Her insights emphasized the importance of eye care in children's daily lives, suggesting practices such as maintaining a distance of over 30 cm from screens and taking breaks every 20-30 minutes.

Engaging with the Experts

A highlight of the event was a talk session featuring Dr. Odomo alongside Yakult Levins players, Takuma Sudou and Atsushi Furuya. They discussed their experiences of wearing contact lenses and illustrated the pivotal role of clear vision in sports.

Rugby Experience for Kids

To provide a firsthand experience of the importance of vision in sports, the event included a rugby workshop led by players from Yakult Levins. This session allowed children to engage in rugby drills and learn the dynamics of the sport through a series of activities like passing and defense tactics. This made the learning process enjoyable while underscoring the importance of eyesight in sports performance.

Vision Screening Opportunities

The event also featured practical vision screening stations where parents and children could get a better understanding of their eye health using actual ophthalmic equipment. Feedback from parents indicated a strong appreciation for the educational insights shared during the event, and many expressed commitment to implementing new healthy practices at home to support their children's eye care.

Future of the SEED Children's Eye Future Project

The SEED Children's Eye Future Project envisions a collaborative effort between parents, experts, and Seed to foster children's visual health. With informative resources, including animated characters designed to educate children on vision topics, the project aspires to raise awareness on preventative care and encourage early consultation with healthcare professionals. Seed Co. remains dedicated to championing this cause, transcending mere product provision and striving to influence public understanding of eye health for the future of children.

The incredible turnout and enthusiastic participation showcased the community's willingness to prioritize children's eye health and actively engage in sports for a healthier future.

Company Overview

Seed Co., established in 1957 and located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, is a leading manufacturer of contact lenses, dedicated to meeting diverse customer needs while advancing vision care solutions on a global scale. The company is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary, emphasizing a vision of creating a world where seeing clearly is a joy for all. More information can be found on their website.