K.I.N — Kyoto International Network

Selected work

Case Studies

Real projects from across the K.I.N network — the problem, the challenge, and the solution.

Ode Pharma
Healthcare

Ode Pharma

Bringing a respiratory medicine to Japan

Problem / Difficulty

A long process and a high budget to go the path of licensing a drug in Japan, involving clinical trials in most cases.

Challenge

Choosing the right partner and approach to obtain the necessary approvals in parallel during the pandemic.

Solution

Our research found that the product's ingredients were on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's safety list. We distributed it as a food additive while proceeding with the pharmaceutical process in parallel, completed the clinical trial, and supported a trial of 180,000 supplement doses (3,000 employees × 60 tablets).

Mitsui Onnetsu
Healthcare

Mitsui Onnetsu

Japanese home thermal care devices for overseas markets

Problem / Difficulty

For people living with chronic pain or fatigue, there are few care options they can continue outside the hospital.

Challenge

To offer an easy way to use thermal care at home, not only in hospitals.

Solution

We introduced Japanese thermal devices with a long sales record, and advised on their use and after-sales service.

Overseas purchases are welcome — please contact us.

Bringing Global Anti-Corrosion Technology to Japanese Sites
Innovation & Technology

Bringing Global Anti-Corrosion Technology to Japanese Sites

Challenge

Metal corrosion directly affects equipment lifespan and maintenance costs. Yet using imported anti-rust coatings in Japan requires more than product performance. Japanese Safety Data Sheets (SDS), compliance with Japan's Industrial Safety and Health Act, and Japanese-language application documents are all essential. Conditions also vary from site to site, depending on the substrate and existing coatings.

Approach

To deliver overseas anti-corrosion technology in a form that is safe and reliable to use, adapted to Japanese regulations and real conditions on site.

Solution

We prepared Japanese SDSs for each product in the anti-rust coating series and ensured compliance with the Industrial Safety and Health Act for zinc-containing products. We also created Japanese application manuals and a collection of application case studies. For sites with special conditions, such as coating over existing paint, we recommend starting with a small test application.

K.I.N supports the entire process, from introducing overseas anti-corrosion technology to on-site application support in Japan.

ODIS
Water Treatment

ODIS

Filtration technology for stable water quality

Problem / Difficulty

Water treatment is one of Japan's key industries. Entering the market requires persistence and a long-term track record in Japan.

Challenge

To enter a market where domestic manufacturers are strong, cooperating with competitors in a way that can be sustained over time.

Solution

Focusing on demand for cyclone sand filters, we found potential in the mid-sized market if we could respond quickly and flexibly. We achieved this in cooperation with ODIS Filtering.

ODIS Filtering contributes to Japan's water treatment sector through high-quality filtration equipment.

PureTrans
Logistics

PureTrans

An overland transport route linking Asia and the Middle East

Problem / Difficulty

Shipping between Asia and Israel has long depended on the Suez Canal route or on circumventing Africa — slow, costly, and harder to secure.

Challenge

Build a fast, competitive land-bridge route, with all the approvals required to operate it.

Solution

Established in collaboration with the Dubai Ports Authority, PureTrans transports from Asia to any location in Israel via Dubai — saving up to 80% of time versus sea (5–6 days), at a competitive cost, with the approval of the Ministry of Defense and the Government of Israel. Export from Israel to Asia is available as well.

PureTrans provides overland transport between the UAE and Haifa, balancing safety and cost.

Gojo Paradiso
Tourism

Gojo Paradiso

Homes, Restaurant & Bar in the heart of Kyoto

Problem / Difficulty

Japan has crowded tourist seasons in the amazing spring, colorful autumn and green summers — but the off-season adds up to six months every year.

Challenge

Maintain the sustainability of a Kyoto tourism business during the off-seasons.

Solution

We create great experiences around the ryokan — for example, our winter “Country Night”, where different countries share their local food, drink and culture. By creating events in the off-season, we help sustain tourism year-round.

Gojo Paradiso is a K.I.N-operated complex of a restaurant and bar together with a ryokan (a Japanese guest house). Houses next to each other with our restaurant and bar make Gojo Paradiso a special place to call home — a memorable international experience with primarily vegan and vegetarian food.