Legendary Pole Vaulter Sergey Bubka and Japanese Race Walking Legend Kumiko Okada to Appear! "The Power of Sports & Chewing" Lecture to Unlock the Future, Learning from Legends
Key facts
- Legendary Pole Vaulter Sergey Bubka and Japanese Race Walking Legend Kumiko Okada to Appear! "The Power of Sports & Chewing" Lecture to Unlock the Future, Learning from Legends
- Lotte and LOCOK held a lecture event featuring legendary pole vaulter Sergey Bubka and Japanese race walking legend Kumiko Okada, focusing on "The Power of Sports & Chewing." The event aimed to broaden children's potential, with the legendary athletes sharing insights on the importance of chewing and goal setting.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 12, 2026
Direct answer
Lotte and LOCOK held a lecture event featuring legendary pole vaulter Sergey Bubka and Japanese race walking legend Kumiko Okada, focusing on "The Power of Sports & Chewing." The event aimed to broaden children's potential, with the legendary athletes sharing insights on the importance of chewing and goal setting.
- Citation
- Legendary Pole Vaulter Sergey Bubka and Japanese Race Walking Legend Kumiko Okada to Appear! "The Power of Sports & Chewing" Lecture to Unlock the Future, Learning from Legends (June 12, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 12, 2026
Lotte and LOCOK held a lecture event featuring legendary pole vaulter Sergey Bubka and Japanese race walking legend Kumiko Okada, focusing on "The Power of Sports & Chewing." The event aimed to broaden children's potential, with the legendary athletes sharing insights on the importance of chewing and goal setting.
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- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 10:21
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Lotte Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hideki Nakajima, hereinafter "Lotte") and LOCOK Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Daiki Ishii, hereinafter "LOCOK"), which aims for the sustainable development of society with customers and partners through education, jointly held a lecture on Friday, June 5, 2025, titled "From Chewing Power to Sports Power" Seventh Edition: Unlocking the Future! Learning 'The Power of Sports & Chewing' from Legends.
(From left) Dr. Tomotaka Takeda, Athlete Sachiko Umeno, Mr. Sergey Bubka, Ms. Kumiko Okada
The event invited legendary male pole vaulter Sergey Bubka, Japanese female race walking legend Kumiko Okada, Japanese female race walker Sachiko Umeno, and Visiting Professor Tomotaka Takeda from the Department of Oral Health Sciences, Sports Dentistry Laboratory at Tokyo Dental College. Approximately 50 parents with children ranging from elementary to high school age attended, receiving hints to broaden their children's potential through lectures on "the importance of chewing" and "goal setting to achieve dreams and healthy physical and mental growth."
Regarding his approach to goal setting, Sergey Bubka stated, "Even after achieving a record, I forget past successes the next day and restart from zero." He added, "By dispassionately analyzing what went well and what mistakes were made, and improving upon those mistakes, lies the potential for further growth." Kumiko Okada commented on chewing, mentioning that her current trainee, Ms. Umeno, is a diligent chewer, and she herself wishes to stay healthy by eating in a similar manner. Dr. Takeda emphasized the significant role of mastication and oral care in maintaining and improving physical abilities, stating that "the act of chewing increases the activity of the body's muscles."
Lotte has set "physical and mental health" as one of the materialities in its sustainability vision, Lotte Mirai Challenge 2048. The goal for fiscal year 2048 (the 100th anniversary) is to "create a happy future in new product, service, and business areas that contribute to well-being." To achieve this vision, Lotte is engaged in raising awareness among dentists, patients, and the public about the importance of chewing gum and the benefits of xylitol intake through events and seminars organized by dental associations and academic societies.
Moving forward, Lotte will continue its sustainability initiatives by researching and disseminating information on the positive effects of "chewing" on health, and through the promotion of "chewing," contribute to people's enriched lives.
Sergey Bubka
Born in Ukraine in 1963. Former world record holder in men's pole vault. During his active career, he achieved six consecutive victories in the world's top international competitions and broke the world record 35 times. Known by the nickname "The Flying Man," he etched his name in the history of athletics. After retiring, he held key positions in sports organizations in his home country and major posts in international sports governing bodies. He continues to make significant contributions as a global sports leader, dedicating himself to the promotion of sports, the development of young athletes, and the sound upbringing of youth.
Kumiko Okada
Born in Saitama Prefecture in 1991. A top athlete representing Japan in track and field, specifically race walking. She was a former Japanese record holder in the women's 20km race walk and participated in the world's premier sporting event for three consecutive times, active at the forefront domestically for many years. She achieved numerous accolades, including an unprecedented six consecutive victories at the Japan Championships. After retiring from competition, she embarked on a career in coaching and was appointed the first director (and coach) of the newly established "LOCOK Athletics Club" in April 2026. Leveraging her extensive international experience as an athlete, she is dedicated to nurturing future top female athletes and contributing to society through sports.
Sports Dentist Tomotaka Takeda, Visiting Professor
Affiliations
- Visiting Professor, Department of Oral Health Sciences, Sports Dentistry Laboratory, Tokyo Dental College (Ph.D. in Dentistry)
- Visiting Professor, Pacific Rim University
- Visiting Professor, Tokyo Metropolitan University
- Reinforcement Staff (Medical/Scientific), Volleyball Competition, Japanese Olympic Committee
- Sports Medical Committee, Japan Wrestling Association
- Specialist Committee Member, Competition Department, All Japan Ski Federation
- Vice Chairman and Certified Instructor, Japan Society of Sports Dentistry
- Board Member, Japan Clinical Sports Medicine Society
- Committee Member, Sports Dentistry Committee, Japan Dental Association
- Vice Chairman, Japan Association of Certified Sports Dentists, Japan Association of Sports
- Committee Member, Review Committee for Injured Participants, Kanto Rugby Football Union
- Secretary, Tokyo Sports Doctors Liaison Council
- Certified Sports Dentist, Japan Association of Sports
- Certified Sports Physician for Persons with Disabilities, Japan Sports Association for the Disabled
Kamukoto Project (Chewing Project)
The "Kamukoto Project" was launched by Lotte with the desire to contribute to society by highlighting the necessity of "chewing" and its surprising power. Utilizing its accumulated knowledge and research, this project supports the performance of many athletes, from professionals to children, through "chewing." Through various activities such as "research," "information dissemination," "chewing force measurement," and "gum provision," the project aims to popularize the importance of "chewing." By disseminating information on the relationship between sports and "chewing," including its importance in sports, and encouraging the adoption of "chewing" and gum training in daily life, the project focuses on supporting sports performance for as many people as possible.
For details: https://www.lotte.co.jp/kamukoto/kamusupo
About LOCOK Co., Ltd.
LOCOK is a Life Education Company that provides infinite possibilities to all people through the power of education.
Its main business activities include operating the Tsukushi Kai Preschool, Wellness Garden Shinagawa Gotenyama and Learning Park Harumi Flag, providing nanny (babysitter) services, and conducting leadership and management training, as well as educational production businesses such as coaching for sports teams and athletes.
Official Website: https://www.locok.jp/
Lotte Co., Ltd.
https://www.lotte.co.jp/
(From left) Dr. Tomotaka Takeda, Athlete Sachiko Umeno, Mr. Sergey Bubka, Ms. Kumiko Okada
The event invited legendary male pole vaulter Sergey Bubka, Japanese female race walking legend Kumiko Okada, Japanese female race walker Sachiko Umeno, and Visiting Professor Tomotaka Takeda from the Department of Oral Health Sciences, Sports Dentistry Laboratory at Tokyo Dental College. Approximately 50 parents with children ranging from elementary to high school age attended, receiving hints to broaden their children's potential through lectures on "the importance of chewing" and "goal setting to achieve dreams and healthy physical and mental growth."
Regarding his approach to goal setting, Sergey Bubka stated, "Even after achieving a record, I forget past successes the next day and restart from zero." He added, "By dispassionately analyzing what went well and what mistakes were made, and improving upon those mistakes, lies the potential for further growth." Kumiko Okada commented on chewing, mentioning that her current trainee, Ms. Umeno, is a diligent chewer, and she herself wishes to stay healthy by eating in a similar manner. Dr. Takeda emphasized the significant role of mastication and oral care in maintaining and improving physical abilities, stating that "the act of chewing increases the activity of the body's muscles."
Lotte has set "physical and mental health" as one of the materialities in its sustainability vision, Lotte Mirai Challenge 2048. The goal for fiscal year 2048 (the 100th anniversary) is to "create a happy future in new product, service, and business areas that contribute to well-being." To achieve this vision, Lotte is engaged in raising awareness among dentists, patients, and the public about the importance of chewing gum and the benefits of xylitol intake through events and seminars organized by dental associations and academic societies.
Moving forward, Lotte will continue its sustainability initiatives by researching and disseminating information on the positive effects of "chewing" on health, and through the promotion of "chewing," contribute to people's enriched lives.
Sergey Bubka
Born in Ukraine in 1963. Former world record holder in men's pole vault. During his active career, he achieved six consecutive victories in the world's top international competitions and broke the world record 35 times. Known by the nickname "The Flying Man," he etched his name in the history of athletics. After retiring, he held key positions in sports organizations in his home country and major posts in international sports governing bodies. He continues to make significant contributions as a global sports leader, dedicating himself to the promotion of sports, the development of young athletes, and the sound upbringing of youth.
Kumiko Okada
Born in Saitama Prefecture in 1991. A top athlete representing Japan in track and field, specifically race walking. She was a former Japanese record holder in the women's 20km race walk and participated in the world's premier sporting event for three consecutive times, active at the forefront domestically for many years. She achieved numerous accolades, including an unprecedented six consecutive victories at the Japan Championships. After retiring from competition, she embarked on a career in coaching and was appointed the first director (and coach) of the newly established "LOCOK Athletics Club" in April 2026. Leveraging her extensive international experience as an athlete, she is dedicated to nurturing future top female athletes and contributing to society through sports.
Sports Dentist Tomotaka Takeda, Visiting Professor
Affiliations
- Visiting Professor, Department of Oral Health Sciences, Sports Dentistry Laboratory, Tokyo Dental College (Ph.D. in Dentistry)
- Visiting Professor, Pacific Rim University
- Visiting Professor, Tokyo Metropolitan University
- Reinforcement Staff (Medical/Scientific), Volleyball Competition, Japanese Olympic Committee
- Sports Medical Committee, Japan Wrestling Association
- Specialist Committee Member, Competition Department, All Japan Ski Federation
- Vice Chairman and Certified Instructor, Japan Society of Sports Dentistry
- Board Member, Japan Clinical Sports Medicine Society
- Committee Member, Sports Dentistry Committee, Japan Dental Association
- Vice Chairman, Japan Association of Certified Sports Dentists, Japan Association of Sports
- Committee Member, Review Committee for Injured Participants, Kanto Rugby Football Union
- Secretary, Tokyo Sports Doctors Liaison Council
- Certified Sports Dentist, Japan Association of Sports
- Certified Sports Physician for Persons with Disabilities, Japan Sports Association for the Disabled
Kamukoto Project (Chewing Project)
The "Kamukoto Project" was launched by Lotte with the desire to contribute to society by highlighting the necessity of "chewing" and its surprising power. Utilizing its accumulated knowledge and research, this project supports the performance of many athletes, from professionals to children, through "chewing." Through various activities such as "research," "information dissemination," "chewing force measurement," and "gum provision," the project aims to popularize the importance of "chewing." By disseminating information on the relationship between sports and "chewing," including its importance in sports, and encouraging the adoption of "chewing" and gum training in daily life, the project focuses on supporting sports performance for as many people as possible.
For details: https://www.lotte.co.jp/kamukoto/kamusupo
About LOCOK Co., Ltd.
LOCOK is a Life Education Company that provides infinite possibilities to all people through the power of education.
Its main business activities include operating the Tsukushi Kai Preschool, Wellness Garden Shinagawa Gotenyama and Learning Park Harumi Flag, providing nanny (babysitter) services, and conducting leadership and management training, as well as educational production businesses such as coaching for sports teams and athletes.
Official Website: https://www.locok.jp/
Lotte Co., Ltd.
https://www.lotte.co.jp/
FAQ
What did Sergey Bubka speak about at the lecture?
Bubka spoke about the importance of always restarting from zero after achieving a goal and learning from failures.
What did Kumiko Okada emphasize regarding chewing?
Okada mentioned that her trainee chews well and that she herself is conscious of chewing for health maintenance.
What is Lotte's "Kamukoto Project"?
It is a project to promote the importance of "chewing" and support the improvement of sports performance through research and information dissemination.
What was the purpose of this lecture?
The aim was to broaden children's potential by providing hints for healthy physical and mental growth through the importance of "chewing" and goal setting.
What does Lotte aim for in the future?
Lotte aims to "create a happy future in new product, service, and business areas that contribute to well-being" by 2048.