We are pleased to announce that a student from the Global Business Program (GBP) advanced to the final pitch round (top four finalists) of the Tokyo Circular Economy Student Business Contest, organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Although he narrowly missed receiving an award, this achievement represents a significant milestone. As reflected in his message below, the experience marked an important step in translating what he learned in Professor Andrew Chang’s Entrepreneurship Seminar into real-world practice.
Presenting his business idea at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and engaging with a panel of professors, government officials, and industry professionals provided a valuable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting.
We warmly congratulate Hanjoon Kim on this outstanding accomplishment and look forward to his continued growth and future endeavors.
Student Reflection
First of all, I would like to thank Professor Andrew Chang for his support and commitment over the last few months. This presentation would not have been possible without his support.
The Tokyo Circular Economy Business Contest is a business idea proposal contest held by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and university researchers, which aims to discover and promote student-led business ideas that can contribute to the circular economy and the environment. I became aware of this contest during the Fall 2025 semester through Professor Chang, and decided to enter using an idea I had developed in his Entrepreneurship Seminar. Shortly after I submitted my business plan, it advanced to the final pitch presentation stage, which was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Compared to my coursework in GBP, this opportunity felt unique and meaningful because it took place beyond my usual academic environment. From the moment I decided to participate to the final preparations the night before the presentation, every step represented a path I pioneered myself, with the support of my professor. It was an experience that I may look back on as a turning point in my life.Participating in this contest was not only an achievement beyond the classroom, but also an experience that opened new opportunities and allowed me to develop practical business skills and insights.
In many ways, it was a real-world application of everything I had learned in the Entrepreneurship Seminar. Presenting my idea entirely in Japanese before professors, government officials, and industry professionals is an experience I will never forget.
Finally, this experience deepened my understanding of what it means to be part of the Global Business Program at Hosei University. Developing a business plan in English and presenting it in Japanese was a remarkable opportunity that could only occur within a truly global academic environment. I believe this accomplishment reflects the core mission and objectives of the Global Business Program.
Once again, I am deeply thankful to everyone who supported and guided me throughout this journey.
About the Business Idea: TiSoap
TiSoap is a portable and eco-friendly hand soap project that began as a part of coursework in the Entrepreneurship Seminar. The name TiSoap is a combination of the words ‘Tiny’ and ‘Soap’, which represents a vision of a cleaner and more sustainable world through its unique approach to empowering handwashing. The business was structured to contribute to the circular economy and society through its product design and the digital platform.
