#Japan #oral health #Lotte #Aikawa #Aikawa Town

Lotte and its Commitment to Oral Health

On April 9, 2026, a pivotal agreement was sealed between Lotte Co., Ltd., the local government of Aikawa Town, and the Atsugi Dental Association. This collaboration marks Lotte's 25th such agreement concerning oral health. The aim of this partnership is to ensure that residents can enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life by improving their oral health.

Objectives of the Agreement

The agreement is fundamentally focused on several key areas:

1. Promotion of Oral Health Initiatives: The collaboration will involve various programs aimed at enhancing the dental health of Aikawa Town's residents. This highlights the importance of maintaining oral hygiene as a part of overall health.

2. Awareness of 'Chewing': A critical aspect of the program is to raise awareness regarding the significance of chewing and to disseminate accurate knowledge about oral health, proving that what we often take for granted is essential for our well-being.

3. Educational Outreach: There is an emphasis on educating citizens about the attainment, maintenance, and improvement of oral functional capabilities. Proper education will be key in combating issues like oral frailty, especially among the elderly population.

4. Support During Emergencies: In addition to prevention, the agreement also addresses disaster response, including the provision of supplies and support to victims during emergencies, demonstrating a commitment to community resilience.

5. Additional Necessary Items: Other provisions that support the agreement’s objectives will also be included as necessary.

Lotte has continuously contributed to the oral health community by leveraging its expertise in chewing and xylitol products since its inception in 1948. The company's innovative approaches aim to enhance the oral well-being of Aikawa's citizens through this agreement.

The Signing Ceremony

The ceremony took place at Aikawa Town Hall and was attended by notable representatives:

• - Toyoshi Onozawa, Mayor of Aikawa Town
• - Shinji Hori, President of the Atsugi Dental Association
• - Toshiyuki Okamoto, Branch Manager of Lotte Kanagawa

During the ceremony, Mr. Okamoto shared the vision behind the partnership: "This agreement symbolizes our collective effort towards a healthier future for the town. Through engaging all age groups—from young children to the elderly—we will promote sustainable oral health practices, utilizing Lotte's unique strengths and technologies."

He further emphasized Lotte's sustainability goals outlined in the 'Lotte Mirai Challenge 2048', which highlights health promotion through chewing as one of its core objectives. This initiative not only focuses on health awareness but also includes measures for maintaining dental health in early childhood and mitigating potential health risks during disasters via products enriched with xylitol, such as gum and tablets, for emergency relief offerings.

Understanding Oral Frailty

Gathering attention recently in health discussions is the concept of "oral frailty," which refers to minor declines in oral function. Failing to address these functional declines can disturb nutritional balance and lead to overall frailty. Research indicates that individuals exhibiting oral frailty are notably at increased risk for future health issues, including physical frailty and cognitive decline. As such, there's a pressing need for educational programs aimed at recognizing and responding to these early signs of decline in the older population.

Lotte's strategic alliance with the Atsugi Dental Association and Aikawa Town stands as a proactive approach toward fostering a community that prioritizes health and well-being through informed practices and collaborative efforts. This partnership reflects a comprehensive understanding of health care that encompasses prevention, education, and support during emergencies, ensuring the people of Aikawa can thrive both now and in the future.