Japanese company launches nap box
The Kamin Box is equipped with ledges to support the head, hips and knees to prevent the user from falling over. Provided by Itoki Corp., SAPPORO-exhausted workers could get some rest without feeling self-conscious in a cocoon-like capsule in the corner of their office.
The Kamin Box Power nap box is being developed by Koyoju Plywood Corp., which allows people to take a quick nap while standing upright, with technological assistance from Tokyo-based office furniture supplier Itoki Corp.
Recent years have seen a rise in the belief that taking breaks and naps are an important factor in improving productivity in offices.
On July 14th, Koyoju Plywood President Hironari Yamaguchi spoke at a news conference in Sapporo, where he said they wanted to make a product that meets the needs of our times.
The license agreement signed on the same day allows the plywood manufacturer in Hokkaido to use Itoki's patent-pending technology. The city is a hub of furniture manufacturers in Hokkaido.
According to Itoki's design, the nap box is equipped with ledges to support the head, hips and knees to prevent the user from falling over.
Koyoju Plywood's advanced techniques were the decisive factor in the license agreement, said Itoki President Koji Minato.
Koyoju Plywood will work out details of the product, such as the release date and price.
The mediation of the North Pacific Bank based in Sapporo is between the two companies.
Since 2021, the bank has been providing business matching services for intellectual properties.
It serves as a mediator between large corporations in and outside of Hokkaido that have patents and other rights and Hokkaido-based businesses looking for opportunities to utilize the expertise of those companies.
In addition to the nap box project, the bank said it is supporting similar matching negotiations for three companies.
In 2020 there were 631 patent applications filed in Hokkaido, making it 27th among the nation's 47 prefectures, according to the Hokkaido Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The figure has stayed the same level in the past few years.
The bureau is calling for small and mid-sized businesses in Hokkaido to use subsidies and make use of intellectual property.