Osaka Metropolitan University Student Launches Railway Goods Startup Through MUIC Kansai Program

Cuterain becomes the first company to emerge from MUIC Kansai's student entrepreneurship education program, selling railway-themed goods targeting female travelers starting July 10 at Shin-Osaka Station.

OSAKA — A current Osaka Metropolitan University student has founded Cuterain, the first startup to emerge from MUIC Kansai’s student entrepreneurship support program, launching sales of railway-themed goods at Shin-Osaka Station on July 10.

The Kansai Innovation Center (MUIC Kansai) and Kando K.K. have jointly supported student business creation since fiscal 2024. Cuterain produces railway goods under a “cute train travel” concept aimed at female consumers.

The debut product line, branded “Omoide Kippu” (Memory Tickets), features keychain replicas of vintage hardstock train tickets incorporating Kansai dialect phrases and regional motifs. The designs include period details: slanted punch lines, retro fonts, and stamped-used markings.

The company plans event management and product development. “This is the first step toward realizing a new railway culture where trains can be enjoyed cutely,” according to the company’s announcement.

Why it matters: MUIC Kansai’s program has now produced an operational company, offering a measurable output for university-linked startup infrastructure in the region. The product line targets a consumer segment — female leisure travelers — underserved in traditional railway merchandise, which skews heavily toward male hobbyists.