New Japanese Gadget Teaches Children How to Eat

n Japan, even something as simple as chewing food can become a chance to teach healthy habits—especially for young children. That’s why a Japanese company called Nitto Kagaku created a clever gadget to help kids learn how to chew properly while eating.

Why is chewing such a big deal?
Because many children develop poor chewing habits, especially when they eat soft foods all the time. They end up chewing hard foods like nuts or vegetables the same way—quickly and without enough bites. Over time, this can lead to digestive issues, poor oral health, and even speech problems.

How Does This Chewing Gadget Work?

This small device, worn by the child while eating, counts the number of bites and gives a gentle beep at regular intervals. That sound reminds the child to slow down and chew more thoroughly—especially when eating something firm like roasted soybeans or crunchy vegetables.

The idea may sound a little futuristic, but it’s already been tested in schools. The product was first introduced in 2006 and has been available for purchase since 2008. A video from an elementary school shows students wearing the device during lunch, calmly counting their bites while enjoying their meals!

Why Japanese Parents Love It

In Japan, there’s a strong cultural focus on mindful eating, and this device fits perfectly with that philosophy. Teaching children to chew properly isn’t just about manners—it’s about developing healthy lifelong habits.

And since the gadget makes the process playful (almost like a game), kids enjoy using it without resistance. It’s a fun way to encourage focus, patience, and awareness—important skills both at the table and beyond.

Support Healthy Learning Routines with Dinolingo

At Dinolingo, we know that kids learn best when they’re having fun—whether it’s learning to chew or learning a new language like Japanese! That’s why our Japanese program for kids aged 2 to 14 is packed with interactive videos, songs, games, and stories that teach vocabulary and pronunciation naturally.

With Dinolingo, you get:

• 50+ languages in one subscription

• Age-specific learning paths for pre-readers to middle schoolers

• Printable offline resources like flashcards and posters

• A parent dashboard to track progress

• Access across web, iOS, and Android

• No ads, no pop-ups, just safe and playful learning

From better chewing to better speaking, Japanese habits always find a way to make learning meaningful and fun!