Pro Badminton Player Nozomi Okuhara Leads Unique Sports Event Emphasizing Chewing Power

On September 13, 2025, Lotte, a leading confectionery company based in Tokyo, and LOCOK, an educational company devoted to enhancing societal development through learning, collaborated to hold the fourth edition of their impactful event, "Harnessing Chewing Power in Sports." This engaging session took place at Goten-yama Elementary School in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo.

As a special guest, professional badminton player Nozomi Okuhara graced the event, where 11 elementary school students from grades 3 to 6 participated in an educational badminton workshop. The unique twist on this event involved the kids chewing gum throughout the session, learning the fundamentals of badminton while also grasping the significance of chewing in sports performance. Under Okuhara’s guidance, participants practiced skills including three-step drills and rally techniques, assisted by members of the Hinogakuen Badminton Club.

In the latter part of the event, a talk session unfolded featuring Professor Tomotaka Takeda, a sports dentist from Tokyo Dental College. The discussion centered around the pivotal role of chewing in enhancing sports performance, the importance of chewing well during meals, and the introduction of a chewing frequency ranking chart for selecting foods beneficial for chewing. Both Takeda and Okuhara elaborated on how chewing is closely connected to athletic performance. Participants expressed enthusiasm, sharing comments such as, "It was fun learning badminton while chewing gum!" and "I didn’t realize how crucial chewing power is for sports, so this was truly enlightening."

Lotte is committed to its sustainability vision, known as the Lotte Mirai Challenge 2048, which incorporates mental and physical health as one of its critical priorities. By the year 2048, Lotte aims to create a happier future through novel products and services that contribute to well-being. They are continuously advocating the importance of chewing gum and the benefits of xylitol intake through various events and seminars targeting dental professionals, patients, and the general public.

As Lotte progresses, they will maintain their dedication to exploring new values related to health and nutrition grounded in their expertise in chewing and taste. Through research and outreach on how chewing impacts health positively, Lotte aspires to contribute to people’s well-being by promoting the act of chewing as a vital lifestyle habit.

Insights from Olympian Nozomi Okuhara

Nozomi Okuhara shared her views on badminton and oral health during the event. “Badminton is an incredibly enjoyable sport. To perform well, I’ve been mindful of my dental alignment and oral health since middle school, thanks to encouragement from my coaches. Dr. Takeda’s insights into how chewing influences physical performance were fascinating; I now appreciate its connection to badminton. Especially when traveling abroad, quality sleep is important, and I’ve learned that chewing can aid in relaxation. Thus, I plan to focus on chewing well during meals.” Furthermore, she emphasized the need for children to cherish their teeth, mental well-being, and their passions as they continue to explore fun adventures.

Insights from Professor Tomotaka Takeda

Professor Tomotaka Takeda is a distinguished figure in the sports dentistry field, serving as a lecturer at Tokyo Dental College and as a member of various sports associations, including the Japan Olympic Committee for volleyball and many others. His extensive experience underscores the importance of oral health and its implications in sports performance. His dedication lies in enhancing athletes’ understanding of the relationship between oral health and physical performance.

About LOCOK

LOCOK is a Life Education Company based in Tokyo, committed to offering limitless possibilities to individuals through education. They are known for running various educational programs, such as the Tsukushikai Child Education Center and the LOCOK Wellness Garden.

The Chewing Sports Project

Lotte’s "Chewing Sports Project" aims to highlight the necessity of chewing and its benefits, contributing to performance enhancement for athletes and aspiring competitors alike, from professional athletes to children. Through research, information dissemination, and support initiatives, Lotte emphasizes the vital link between chewing and sports performance.

Lotte's Sustainability Vision

Lotte envisions a harmonious future through innovative ideas and experiences, setting the goal of achieving sustainability by their 100th anniversary in 2048. With a commitment to mental and physical health, they strive to continue evolving in the realms of health and nutrition to promote overall well-being.