#Japan #Tokyo #Lotte #Mirairo #CocoYomu

CocoYomu: Revolutionizing Accessibility in Product Information

In a groundbreaking move towards inclusivity, Lotte, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has announced the launch of a new system called CocoYomu. This innovative feature allows individuals, especially those with visual impairments, to easily access essential product information such as product names, expiration dates, and allergy information through touch. The CocoYomu system is developed in collaboration with Mirairo, a consulting firm known for enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities. Set to debut in September 2026, CocoYomu represents a significant step forward in inclusive design that breaks down barriers for those who are visually impaired.

Development Background: Addressing Challenges Beyond Sight

The inception of CocoYomu was driven by the realization that while screen-reading applications using smartphone cameras have become common among the visually impaired, they often struggle with determining where to point their cameras on product packaging. As packaging increasingly contains a wealth of printed information, many individuals have found it challenging to locate essential details like expiration dates or allergy warnings. Acknowledging this hurdle, the CocoYomu system was conceptualized to enhance accessibility not just for the visually impaired, but for all consumers.

Broadening Accessibility: From Visual Impairment to Universal Convenience

As development progressed, the team recognized that the ability to identify the location of needed product information through touch could benefit a wider audience. For instance, elderly individuals experiencing declining vision may find it easier to locate necessary information, making product selection quicker and more efficient. This approach not only aids those with visual impairments but also addresses the needs of older consumers, ensuring smoother access to important product details.

Mechanism and Features: The Touch Recognition System

The unique aspect of CocoYomu lies in its design—a rectangular groove is incorporated into specific areas on the packaging, which can be easily recognized by touch. Alongside this tactile feature, essential information such as product names, expiration dates, and allergy information will be clearly listed. This allows users to quickly identify where key details are encoded, bypassing the need for visual confirmation and enabling ease of access through the familiar screen-reading applications that many visually impaired users already utilize.

Vision for the Future: Pushing for Industry-Wide Standardization

To truly enhance the convenience for the affected individuals, Lotte aims for CocoYomu to become a universally adopted system transcending company boundaries. This means not limiting the innovation to Lotte's products but encouraging other companies to adopt this inclusive design philosophy. Interestingly, implementing these tactile grooves doesn’t require advanced technology or significant investment; they can be integrated into various types of paper packaging, making it feasible for a wide array of products.

Initially, CocoYomu will be implemented in paper box packaging, after which there are plans to explore application across other packaging forms. Lotte envisions that by 2030, this innovative principle will have expanded its reach, fostering a culture where anyone can access crucial product information without barriers, promoting a worldwide rollout by 2050.

Partnership with Mirairo: Valuing User Feedback

The development of the CocoYomu system involved extensive collaboration with Mirairo, which specializes in bridging the gap between corporations and individuals with disabilities. The feedback gathered from visually impaired users has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the convenience and time-saving aspects of the new system. Users expressed appreciation for the ease of identifying where to ‘point’ their cameras and felt assured about the choices they were making in the absence of traditional visual processing.

Initial Product Launches Featuring CocoYomu

The first range of products featuring the CocoYomu system set to launch includes:

• - Premium Ghana Rich Chocolate

- Release Date: September 15, 2026

• - Premium Ghana Nut Chocolate (Candied Hazelnuts)

- Release Date: September 15, 2026

• - Premium Ghana Fruit Chocolate (Rich Blood Orange)

- Release Date: October 13, 2026

• - Premium Ghana Tea Chocolate (Rich Earl Grey)

- Release Date: October 13, 2026

Additionally, existing products like Choco Pie and Custard Cake will gradually transition to incorporate the CocoYomu system from September 2026.

Emphasizing Inclusivity with Corporate Philosophy

CocoYomu is a tangible representation of Lotte’s corporate message, “Kuchi no Koibito” (The Lover of Your Mouth), emphasizing the need to deliver love through delightful experiences and now, through accessible product information as well. Lotte believes that making product information easily accessible is a vital aspect of their commitment to inclusivity and customer care.

Voices from Development Leaders

Akane Motomura, the Leader of the Inclusive Design Team at Lotte’s Central Research Institute, expressed her dedication to creating a system that gives visually impaired individuals greater autonomy: “I want to enable them to make choices independently, which is why we designed CocoYomu with that insight in mind.” The process of development took two years, filled with challenges, but resulted in a functioning system benefiting a wide demographic.

Toshiya Kakiuchi, CEO of Mirairo, further emphasizes the necessity for meaningful change, reiterating that CocoYomu could set a new industry standard for accessibility in product packaging.

With CocoYomu, Lotte pushes to redefine how consumer-centric design caters to diverse needs, taking significant steps toward creating a more inclusive marketplace for all individuals.

Inquiries for Potential Partners

Lotte is open to discussions with other companies interested in implementing CocoYomu in their packaging solutions. The initiative is geared toward fostering a universally accessible environment, emphasizing collaboration and shared ideas in building a society where essential product information is readily available to everyone.

For more details about CocoYomu and potential partnerships, visit CocoYomu HP.