Chewing Gum Day (Chūingamu no Hi)

What Is Chewing Gum Day?

June 1st is "Chewing Gum Day." It was established in 1994 by the Japan Chewing Gum Association. The date is based on the historical "hagatame" (tooth-hardening) ritual, which was held on June 1st of the old lunar calendar during the Heian period. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of chewing and aims to promote oral health and overall wellness through gum—a fitting theme for the start of June, when the fatigue from the new fiscal year often sets in and many people want to sharpen their focus.

The "Hagatame" Ritual and Its Historical Background

While chewing gum is a modern habit, the idea of chewing something hard for good health has been part of Japanese culture for over a thousand years.

• A Heian-era court ritual: During the Heian period, the imperial court held a ritual called "hagatame" on New Year's Day and on June 1st, in which people ate hard foods such as mochi, ice, and wild boar meat. This reflected an early form of practical wisdom: having strong teeth was believed to be directly linked to longevity (literally "hardening one's years").
• The arrival and spread of gum in Japan: Gum was first introduced to Japan in the late Taisho to early Showa era. After World War II, it spread rapidly through items distributed by the U.S. military, eventually evolving from a simple candy into a "functional food" valued for its benefits in maintaining focus and preventing bad breath.

The Science of Chewing and Brain Activity

The rhythmic motion of chewing gum acts as a scientific switch that helps regulate brain function.

• Increased blood flow to the brain: Recent studies measuring cerebral blood flow have shown that chewing gum increases blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus by roughly 20-40%. This has been scientifically linked to improvements in judgment, focus, and memory.
• Lower cortisol levels: Chewing gum rhythmically for a period of time has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in saliva. It also promotes the appearance of alpha brain waves associated with relaxation, scientifically supporting a calmer state of mind.

Interesting Facts About Chewing Gum

• The base ingredient comes from "chicle": The origins of gum trace back to chicle, the sap of the sapodilla tree native to Central America. The ancient Maya civilization's habit of chewing this sap provided the historical and scientific inspiration for modern chewing gum.
• The link between chewing and dieting: Chewing gum before a meal stimulates the satiety center in the brain, which has been shown nutritionally to help curb overeating. Chewing itself also increases diet-induced thermogenesis, the energy the body burns to digest food.
• Xylitol's cavity-fighting effect: Xylitol cannot be broken down by Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria responsible for cavities, so it doesn't produce acid. It also stimulates saliva production through its sweetness, which scientifically helps support the remineralization of tooth enamel.
• Gum as space food: Gum has long been a useful tool for astronauts—helping with situations where brushing teeth in zero gravity is difficult, relieving ear pressure, and providing a way to stay mentally relaxed.
• The world's oldest piece of "gum": In Finland, a roughly 5,000-year-old lump of birch bark tar bearing tooth marks was discovered. This archaeological find illustrates just how primal and instinctive the act of chewing has been throughout human history.

Ideas for Chewing Gum Day

• On June 1st, try chewing gum during a break from work or study. The rhythmic motion can help reset your focus when fatigue from the new fiscal year sets in, giving your productivity a fresh start.
• Update your approach to oral care. Choose a xylitol gum and make it part of your after-meal routine. Following the spirit of the Heian-era "hagatame" ritual, start a small self-care habit today to keep your natural teeth healthy for life.
• Try "mindful chewing"—pay close attention to the changing flavor and texture of your gum. A few minutes of focused, sensory awareness can be a smart way to manage stress in our busy digital lives.
• Share the benefits of chewing with family or coworkers. Talk about why athletes chew gum during competitions (such as for maintaining quick reactions) and spark some curiosity about how small habits can improve daily performance.

The Steady Rhythm of Chewing Can Sharpen Your Mind and Help You Take Aim at Tomorrow's Goals

June 1st is a day to rediscover the wonderful function your body already has—the ability to chew. Just as people in the Heian era chewed hard foods to pray for good health, the small act of chewing gum can activate your brain and bring a quiet sense of calm. As the tension of the new fiscal year begins to ease and you might be ready to slow down a little, try popping a piece of gum and finding your rhythm. With each chew, your focus sharpens and your thoughts become clearer. The wisdom to recenter yourself is always close at hand. Today, take a step back, find your rhythm, and ease into it. Here's to starting the new month in your best condition.