Considering the Meaning of "Eating" with Students

Introduction to the "Taste Experience" for Individuals with Swallowing Difficulties

"It's foam, but it has a solid flavor."

These were the words heard from students after the tasting session.

It spreads lightly in the mouth and disappears quickly. There is no need to swallow.

Yet, one can still taste the flavor and retain the sensation of having "eaten."

On June 4, 2026 (Thu), a Geriatric Nursing Seminar (Meal Assistance) was held in the lecture hall of the Faculty of Nursing at Aino University.

A New Perspective on "Eating" Experienced by Approximately 120 Nursing Students

In nursing practice, there are situations where healthcare professionals face patients for whom eating has become difficult.

This Geriatric Nursing Seminar (Meal Assistance) serves as an opportunity to learn about the challenges faced by such individuals and to consider the meaning of "eating" for them.

As part of this learning, approximately 120 third-year students from the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing at Aino University were given a presentation by Ms. Takase, a nurse from opsol Inc. and VIVA NYAGO Co., Ltd., who shared her experiences and the concept of a "taste experience" for those with swallowing difficulties. She also introduced the product "Revolutionary Foam," developed by VIVA NYAGO Co., Ltd.

The students were introduced to the concept of a "taste experience" for individuals with swallowing difficulties.

What is "Revolutionary Foam"?

"Revolutionary Foam," developed by VIVA NYAGO Co., Ltd. (https://viva-nyago.jp/), is a foamed food product that does not require swallowing. Liquid from a stick-shaped package is frothed with a pump and dissolves instantly upon entering the mouth. It is designed to leave almost no moisture in the oral cavity, prioritizing the reduction of aspiration risk.

It is being trialed for individuals instructed by their doctors to have nothing by mouth, with the consent of the individual and their family, and permission from their primary physician. There have been no reports of choking or aspiration to date.

It comes in two flavors: "Sukiyaki" and "Mango."

During the Geriatric Nursing Seminar (Meal Assistance), students were given time to taste both flavors.

What the Students Experienced

Before the tasting, the instructor in charge at Aino University explained to the students, "This is for those who cannot expect functional recovery through swallowing exercises to enjoy." After the instructor's explanation, the students approached the tasting with serious expressions.

The moment the frothing of "Revolutionary Foam" began, students exclaimed, "The aroma is amazing!"

And when they actually put it in their mouths,

"It's sukiyaki!"

"Mango is delicious!"

Cheers and smiles spread throughout the seminar room with such exclamations.

On this day, in addition to the Aino University instructors, nurses from Aino Hospital, affiliated with the medical corporation Koushokai, also served as special guest lecturers, as part of a collaborative project between Aino University and Aino Hospital. Furthermore, the Deputy Director of Nursing, who observed the seminar, commented, "With this (Revolutionary Foam), we can consider introducing it to those who have difficulty swallowing."

Through the tasting, it is felt that the students were able to have a time to consider the meaning of "eating."

What meaning does the experience of "tasting" hold for those with swallowing difficulties?

It is hoped that through this experience, they were able to think about the purposes and effects of meals beyond "nutritional intake."

During the wrap-up session after the seminar, students were seen diligently writing their post-exercise learning reports, and the instructors from Aino University also commented after the class, "It was a valuable learning opportunity for the students" and "The students were delighted."

Scenes from the Foam Food Experience Seminar

Connection with Medical and Nursing Education

This seminar provided an opportunity to exchange opinions with the instructors at Aino University regarding the potential for its use with hospitalized patients in hospitals.

VIVA NYAGO Co., Ltd. and the opsol group will continue to expand the options for "not giving up the joy of eating" by collaborating with educational institutions, medical facilities, and care sites.

It is hoped that today's experience will serve as one of the catalysts for students, who will soon be working as nurses, to consider the meaning of "eating" when they face patients who say, "I want to eat."

Seminar Outline

Date and Time: June 4, 2026 (Thu)

Target Audience: Approximately 120 third-year students from the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Aino University

Cooperation: Ms. Takase (Nurse, opsol Inc. / VIVA NYAGO Co., Ltd.)

Content: Introduction to the "Taste Experience" for individuals with swallowing difficulties / Tasting experience of "Revolutionary Foam" Sukiyaki and Mango flavors [Note] This seminar was conducted as part of the Geriatric Nursing Seminar at the Faculty of Nursing, Aino University, with cooperation from VIVA NYAGO Co., Ltd. and opsol Inc.

*VIVA NYAGO Co., Ltd. is a member company of the opsol group and a subsidiary of opsol group Inc.

[Company Profile]

Company Name: opsol Inc.

Head Office Location: 623-1 Omotemachi, Omata, Ise City, Mie Prefecture

Osaka Headquarters: 3F FLAGS Building, 3-2-11 Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

President and Representative Director: Masahiro Suzuki

Business Activities: Operation of "Palliative Care Home" and "Palliative Care Home Style Plus" for senior housing and paid nursing homes, home nursing care, home help services, day care services, in-home long-term care support, operation of "opsol Senior and Care Housing Introduction Service," and operation of publishing and production business "opsol book."

Website: https://opsol.co.jp/

Contact Information

opsol Inc. Corporate Communications Office

TEL: 06-6585-0155 e-mail: [email protected]