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Kirin

The kirin (Japanese: キリン; Chinese: qilin or 麒麟) is a mythical chimerical creature in East Asian folklore, depicted as a hooved beast resembling a deer with scales akin to a dragon's, often featuring a single horn, fiery mane, and eyes that radiate wisdom, embodying symbols of prosperity, benevolence, and moral governance.^[1] Known for its gentle nature—its steps reportedly avoid crushing grass or insects—the kirin emerges only in eras of harmony and virtue, heralding the birth or advent of sages, enlightened rulers, or pivotal historical events, such as the reign of exemplary emperors in ancient Chinese annals.^[1] In Japanese tradition, it ranks among revered yokai as a divine harbinger, distinct from malevolent spirits, and influences cultural motifs in art, literature, and imperial symbolism, where it parallels the unicorn in Western lore but emphasizes auspicious omens over conquest.^[1] Unlike empirically verifiable entities, descriptions derive from classical texts like the Shanhaijing and folklore compilations, with variations reflecting localized interpretations rather than uniform doctrine, underscoring the creature's role as an idealized archetype of cosmic balance rather than a literal being.^[1]

Mythological and Cultural Origins

Chinese Qilin Foundations

The qilin (Chinese: 麒麟; pinyin: qílín) constitutes a foundational mythical creature in Chinese cosmology, characterized as a chimeric hooved beast embodying auspicious omens. Its nomenclature combines the characters 麒 (qí), signifying the male variant, and 麟 (lín), denoting the female counterpart, reflecting a paired duality akin to other symbolic animals in ancient lore.^[2] Earliest textual attestations trace to the Western Zhou period (1045–771 BCE), with references in the Classic of Poetry (Shijing), an anthology of hymns and odes that alludes to the qilin in poetic contexts such as the "Lín zhī zhǐ" (Feet of the Lin), portraying it as a rare, harmonious entity.^[3] These origins predate more elaborate depictions, establishing the qilin within Zhou-era ritual and divinatory frameworks rather than as a mere fantastical invention. Classical descriptions in compendia like the Shanhaijing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), compiled between the Warring States and Han periods (circa 4th century BCE to 1st century CE), portray the qilin as inhabiting remote, sacred terrains, with a form integrating a deer's lithe body, an ox's tail, cloven hooves, and often a single horn or antlers atop a head resembling a dragon's.^[4] Variations in attributes—such as scaly integument evoking fish or flames adorning its mane—appear across texts, underscoring interpretive flexibility rooted in observational or emblematic synthesis rather than uniform canon.^[3] The creature's gait is depicted as non-destructive, bending no grass nor injuring insects, a trait emphasizing inherent benevolence (rén shòu, humane beast) over predatory ferocity.^[2] Symbolically, the qilin heralds the advent or departure of sagacious rulers or moral exemplars, manifesting during eras of prosperity and ethical governance, as inferred from its integration into Confucian classics like the Liji (Book of Rites), where it ranks among auspicious fauna presaging harmony.^[5] This prognostic role derives from causal associations in ancient cosmology, linking the beast's rarity to societal virtue rather than capricious fate, with historical claims—such as Emperor Wu of Han (r. 141–87 BCE) interpreting an imported giraffe as a qilin—illustrating interpretive overlays on exotic fauna to affirm dynastic legitimacy.^[6] Such foundations underscore the qilin's primacy in pre-imperial Chinese thought, distinct from later East Asian adaptations, by prioritizing omens of moral order over martial or elemental dominance.

Japanese Kirin Adaptations

The kirin, adapted from the Chinese qilin, entered Japanese mythology through cultural transmissions during the Asuka and Nara periods (6th–8th centuries CE), when Confucian and Buddhist texts introduced East Asian cosmological motifs to Japan.^[7] Retaining the qilin's role as a harbinger of sage rulers and auspicious eras, the Japanese kirin became emblematic of moral governance and natural harmony, appearing in historical records and art as a sign of impending prosperity or the birth of enlightened leaders.^[8] Unlike more fluid chimeric interpretations in China, Japanese adaptations emphasized the kirin's gentility, depicting it as a creature that treads lightly to avoid harming insects or grass, symbolizing ethical restraint and cosmic benevolence.^[9] In visual representations, Japanese artists from the Heian period onward (794–1185 CE) stylized the kirin as more deer-like, with slender legs, a single antler or horn, and scales, diverging from the qilin's broader bovine or dragon influences to align with indigenous aesthetics of grace and otherworldliness.^[9] This form underscored its symbolism of purity and justice, positioning it among Japan's sacred beasts—distinct from the four directional guardians (Seiryū, Suzaku, Byakko, Genbu)—as the most revered for upholding moral order without aggression toward the virtuous.^[10] Historical texts and temple iconography, such as those in Kyoto's Byōdō-in (built 1052 CE), integrated kirin motifs to evoke divine favor, reflecting adaptations that infused Chinese prototypes with Shinto emphases on ritual purity and seasonal renewal.^[10] Folklore further localized the kirin as a transitional omen, manifesting during dynastic shifts or virtuous reigns, such as purported sightings before Emperor Go-Daigo's restoration efforts in the 14th century, though such accounts blend legend with political symbolism.^[8] Its enduring presence in Noh theater and ukiyo-e prints reinforced themes of impermanence and ethical kingship, adapting the qilin's pacifism into a critique of tyranny while avoiding the creature's direct intervention in human affairs, thus preserving its aura of rarified sanctity.^[11]

Symbolism, Historical Appearances, and Modern Interpretations

The qilin, known as kirin in Japanese, symbolizes benevolence, prosperity, and the advent of wise governance in East Asian mythology, appearing as an omen during eras of peace or the birth of sages such as Confucius around 551 BCE.^[3] Its form—typically a chimeric beast with a deer's body, ox tail, dragon scales, and a single antler—represents harmony with nature, as it is said to tread lightly on grass and avoid harming living creatures.^[1] In Chinese tradition, the qilin embodies Confucian virtues of moral righteousness and just rule, manifesting only under benevolent emperors like Yao and Shun in legendary accounts predating the Zhou dynasty (c. 1046–256 BCE).^[6] Japanese adaptations emphasize purity and divine protection, portraying the kirin as a guardian of righteousness that punishes the wicked while rewarding the virtuous, as described in Edo-period texts like the Nihon Shoki (720 CE).^[8] Historically, the qilin appears in Chinese art as early as the fourth century CE, such as in stone tomb guardians from the Northern Dynasties period, where it wards off evil spirits with its fierce yet auspicious presence.^[6] Bronze and jade artifacts from the Warring States period (475–221 BCE) depict qilin motifs on ritual vessels, signifying imperial legitimacy, while Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) silk paintings integrate it into cosmological scenes alongside dragons and phoenixes.^[12] In literature, references date to the Shanhaijing (Classic of Mountains and Seas, compiled c. 4th–1st century BCE), describing the qilin as emerging from rivers during prosperous times, and later in Ming dynasty (1368–1644 CE) novels like Journey to the West, where it serves as a mount for enlightened figures.^[3] Japanese historical records, including eighth-century treasures at Shosoin Repository, feature kirin engravings symbolizing imperial virtue, with appearances noted in court annals during the Heian period (794–1185 CE) as harbingers of stability.^[12] In modern interpretations, the qilin retains its role as a feng shui emblem for protection and prosperity, often placed in homes or businesses to attract positive energy and deter misfortune, as evidenced by its use in contemporary Chinese interior design practices.^[3] Culturally, it influences corporate branding, such as in the Kirin Brewery logo adopted in 1885, evoking auspiciousness amid Japan's Meiji-era industrialization, though this draws from mythological rather than literal depictions.^[13] In popular media, the kirin appears in video games like Monster Hunter (first featured in 2004) as a thunder-elemental elder dragon embodying elusive wisdom, adapting ancient traits for interactive narratives while preserving symbolic themes of rarity and benevolence.^[14] Academic analyses highlight its evolution from giraffe-inspired imports via Ming voyages (early 15th century) to a purely mythical icon, underscoring causal links between historical animal encounters and folklore without unsubstantiated supernatural claims.^[15]

Geographical References

Historical Jilin Province (Kirin)

Jilin Province, historically romanized as Kirin Province in Wade-Giles, was formally established on October 1, 1907, during the late Qing Dynasty under Emperor Guangxu, separating it from the broader Fengtian Province to administer the central and eastern parts of Manchuria.^[16] Prior to this, the region fell under the jurisdiction of the Jilin General (Jilin Jiangjun), a high-ranking military governor appointed by the Qing court to oversee Manchu banner lands and defend against Russian incursions, with authority dating back to the Kangxi Emperor's era in the late 17th century. The province's name, Jilin (Kirin), originates from the Manchu term Girin ula, translating to "along the river," referring to its position along the Songhua River, which facilitated early settlement and trade.^[17] Following the 1911 Revolution and the founding of the Republic of China, Kirin Province retained its boundaries and administrative structure, governed by a series of military and civilian heads amid the warlord era, including figures like Chen Zhaochang as the first provincial governor in 1912.^[18] The province experienced Han Chinese migration surges after Qing restrictions lifted in 1860, shifting demographics from Manchu dominance to a Han majority by the early 20th century, while developing lumber, agriculture, and nascent industry along rail lines built post-1890s.^[17] Its capital initially resided in Jilin City (also romanized as Kirin), a key Manchu fortress founded in 1652, until administrative shifts in the Republican period.^[19] During the Japanese invasion of 1931, Kirin Province became a core component of the puppet state of Manchukuo (1932–1945), reorganized as one of its foundational provinces alongside Fengtian and Heilongjiang, with Jilin City serving briefly as Manchukuo's capital before relocation to Hsinking (modern Changchun) in 1932.^[20] Japanese authorities exploited the province's resources, establishing heavy industries like steel and chemicals under the South Manchuria Railway Company, while suppressing local Chinese resistance through militarized governance.^[20] Post-World War II, Soviet occupation in 1945 dismantled Manchukuo structures, and by 1949, under the People's Republic of China, the province was reconfigured to a smaller territory centered on Changchun and Jilin City, with expanded boundaries formalized in 1954 to include former Manchukuo territories.^[17] Throughout its history, Kirin Province's strategic location bordering Russia and Korea influenced its role in frontier defense and ethnic Manchu heritage preservation until mid-20th-century assimilation policies.^[18]

Contemporary Locations and Place Names

In Japan, the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture is designated and promoted as "Kirin no Machi" (Kirin Town), a cultural region certified as a Japan Heritage site by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs on April 24, 2017. This area includes Tottori City and the towns of Iwami, Wakasa, Chizu, and Yazu, where local folklore and traditions revolve around the kirin mythical creature, manifested in performances such as the Kirin Jishi Mai—a lion dance featuring kirin figures originating from legends of the beast appearing during prosperous eras. The designation highlights rock formations resembling kirin silhouettes along the Sea of Japan coastline and integrates these elements into regional tourism and preservation efforts, drawing on the creature's symbolic role in Japanese adaptations of Chinese qilin lore.^[21]^[22] While the former Kirin Province in China has officially used the Pinyin romanization Jilin since the mid-20th century standardization of place names, contemporary international references occasionally retain "Kirin" for Jilin City, the province's second-largest urban center with a 2020 population of 3,623,713, reflecting persistent use of Wade-Giles transliteration in non-official contexts. However, no major administrative divisions in China currently bear the name Kirin as a primary modern designation, with pinyin forms prevailing in official mappings and governance since the 1958 adoption of Hanyu Pinyin as standard.^[23]

Commercial Entities and Products

Kirin Holdings: History and Core Operations

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited originated from the Japan Brewery Co., Ltd., established in July 1885 to produce Western-style beer in Yokohama, Japan, amid growing demand for lager following the Meiji Restoration's push for modernization.^[24] In May 1888, the company launched Kirin Beer, a German-style lager brewed under the supervision of imported Bavarian brewmasters, marking Japan's first commercial lager and establishing the brand's enduring focus on quality fermentation techniques.^[24] The Kirin Brewery Company was formally incorporated as a separate entity on February 23, 1907, acquiring the operations of Japan Brewery and solidifying its position as a leading domestic brewer with facilities expanded to Yokohama and other sites.^[24] ^[25] Throughout the 20th century, Kirin Brewery diversified into soft drinks, whisky, and pharmaceuticals while maintaining beer as its foundational business, navigating wartime disruptions and post-war reconstruction to achieve significant market share in Japan.^[26] By the late 20th century, international expansions included joint ventures and acquisitions, such as stakes in Australian and Myanmar breweries.^[27] On July 1, 2007, Kirin Brewery restructured into Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd., transitioning to a pure holding company to oversee a broader portfolio encompassing subsidiaries like Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd. for alcoholic beverages and Kirin Beverage Co., Ltd. for non-alcoholic drinks.^[28] This shift enabled focused management of diverse operations while preserving the group's century-long expertise in fermentation and biotechnology derived from brewing.^[29] At its core, Kirin Holdings operates primarily in the beverages sector, with alcoholic beverages—led by Kirin Brewery's production of flagship brands like Kirin Ichiban and Kirin Lager—constituting the backbone of its revenue, supported by approximately 30,000 employees across global operations headquartered in Tokyo.^[30] ^[31] Non-alcoholic beverages, including teas and soft drinks under Kirin Beverage, complement this through domestic and Asian-Pacific markets, emphasizing innovation in health-oriented products via proprietary biotech processes.^[32] While pharmaceuticals and health sciences form separate domains via affiliates like Kyowa Kirin, the holding company's strategic oversight prioritizes integrated supply chains and R&D rooted in beer-derived technologies to drive efficiency and product development.^[29]

Kirin Holdings: Products and Market Impact

Kirin Holdings primarily operates in the beverages sector through subsidiaries like Kirin Brewery Company, Limited, offering a range of alcoholic products including flagship beers such as Kirin Ichiban and Kirin Lager, which emphasize premium lager styles brewed with specific malt and hop selections.^[33]^[34] The company also produces happoshu (low-malt beer) and new-genre (no-malt) beverages, where it holds leading positions in Japan, alongside wines and spirits from Mercian Corporation and international acquisitions like Four Roses bourbon (currently under review for divestiture as of October 2025) and Fuji Japanese whisky.^[35]^[36] In non-alcoholic beverages, Kirin Beverage Company provides soft drinks, teas, and mineral waters, while dairy products, margarine, jams, and honey are handled through affiliated entities.^[37] Overseas, via Lion Nathan in Australia and New Zealand, the portfolio includes beers like XXXX and Tooheys, contributing to regional market presence in the Asia-Pacific.^[33] Health science products, such as supplements from FANCL and Blackmores, form a growing segment leveraging fermentation technologies, though pharmaceuticals are managed separately via Kyowa Kirin.^[38] Kirin Holdings commands a 28% share of the Japanese beer market as the second-largest player behind Asahi, dominating low- and no-malt categories amid a contracting overall market favoring standard beers (over 55% share in 2024).^[36]^[39] The alcoholic beverages division generated ¥492.62 billion in revenue for the first half of 2025, comprising a significant portion of group totals, with beer historically accounting for nearly two-thirds of overall revenue.^[40] Consolidated trailing twelve-month revenue reached $15.9 billion as of June 2025, driven primarily by Japan (majority of FY2024 revenue around ¥2 trillion), supporting strategic shifts toward low/non-alcoholic innovations and health-focused offerings to counter declining per-capita beer consumption.^[36]^[41] This positioning sustains influence in Japan's oligopolistic beer industry, where the top four brewers control the market, while global expansions enhance resilience against domestic headwinds like economic pressures and shifting preferences.^[42]

Kirin Holdings: Controversies and Strategic Shifts

Kirin Holdings encountered substantial backlash for its joint ventures in Myanmar with entities affiliated to the military, including Myanmar Brewery Limited (MBL) and Mandalay Brewery, operated through partnerships with the military-linked Myanma Economic Holdings Public Company Limited (MEHPC).^[43]^[44] These arrangements drew criticism from human rights organizations, which highlighted donations from Kirin's subsidiaries to the Myanmar military during the 2017 violence against the Rohingya population in Rakhine State, actions described by Amnesty International as contributing to ethnic cleansing.^[45] Human Rights Watch urged Kirin to sever ties, arguing that the partnerships directly funded a military responsible for atrocities against civilians.^[43] Following the Myanmar military's coup on February 1, 2021, Kirin announced on February 5 its intent to terminate the joint ventures, citing misalignment with its human rights policy.^[46] Exit negotiations proved protracted, involving arbitration, and culminated in Kirin selling its 51% stake in MBL back to the joint venture for 22.4 billion yen ($164 million) in June 2022, with the transfer completed in January 2023; this resulted in a 68 billion yen ($580 million) impairment loss recorded in fiscal 2021.^[47]^[48]^[49] Justice For Myanmar condemned the share buyback as irresponsible, asserting it perpetuated military complicity by granting the junta full control without mitigating civilian impacts.^[50] The Myanmar divestment aligned with broader strategic pivots under Kirin Group's Vision 2027 (KV2027), launched in 2019, which emphasizes profitability in core beverages while expanding into health science domains like pharmaceuticals and functional foods to counter stagnant alcohol markets.^[51] This includes bolstering the Health Science Business through subsidiaries like Kyowa Kirin, with 2024 restructuring in Asia-Pacific involving license and distribution agreements in six regions to streamline operations excluding China.^[52]^[53] Kirin has pursued acquisitions such as the full buyout of Australian supplement firm Blackmores, prompting governance adjustments, and leadership changes at its Lion division in September 2025 to enhance regional execution.^[54] In October 2025, Kirin initiated the sale of its U.S. bourbon brand Four Roses for approximately $1 billion, signaling a retreat from select overseas alcohol assets to reallocate resources toward health-oriented innovations and Asian market partnerships.^[55] These moves reflect a portfolio optimization strategy, as outlined in the 2025 Integrated Report, prioritizing sustainable growth amid declining traditional beverage demand.^[53]^[56]

Kyowa Kirin and Pharmaceutical Ventures

Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. operates as the primary pharmaceutical subsidiary of Kirin Holdings Company, Limited, specializing in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biopharmaceuticals targeting unmet medical needs in nephrology, oncology, immunology, endocrinology, and rare diseases.^[57] The company leverages fermentation biotechnology and antibody engineering to develop specialty drugs, with a global presence including subsidiaries in North America, Europe, and Asia.^[58] Kirin Holdings maintains a controlling interest of 52.76% in Kyowa Kirin, integrating it into the group's health science domain while allowing operational independence for pharmaceutical innovation.^[59] The entity's historical foundations stem from Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd., founded in 1949 as a pharmaceutical manufacturer, which introduced streptomycin production technology—an antitubercular antibiotic—in 1951.^[27] Kirin Pharma, the pharmaceutical division of Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd., contributed additional expertise in biologics. In 2008, these entities merged to create Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., enhancing capabilities in recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies; the company rebranded to Kyowa Kirin in subsequent years to emphasize its biopharma focus.^[60] This integration built on earlier efforts, such as the 1982 joint venture between Kirin Pharma and Amgen Inc. to harness biotechnology for protein therapeutics.^[61] Kyowa Kirin's pharmaceutical ventures emphasize strategic partnerships and investments to accelerate drug discovery. In 2000, it established BioWa, Inc. in the United States to advance proprietary antibody technologies, including platforms for enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.^[60] The company launched its internal corporate venture capital arm in October 2022 to invest in emerging biotechnologies, targeting modalities like gene therapy and cell-based treatments for rapid pipeline expansion.^[62] Notable recent collaborations include a November 2024 global licensing agreement with Kura Oncology for ziftomenib, an oral menin inhibitor for acute myeloid leukemia, providing Kyowa Kirin with $330 million upfront and up to $1.2 billion in milestones, including $420 million in near-term payments.^[63] In September 2025, Kyowa Kirin and Amgen reported positive phase 3 top-line results for rocatinlimab, an investigational anti-neuropilin-1 antibody for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, under their ongoing co-development pact initiated in 2021.^[64] These initiatives underscore Kyowa Kirin's commitment to high-risk, high-reward areas, supported by over 70 years of biochemical expertise.^[65]

Other Business Applications

Kirin Techno-System Company, Limited, a manufacturer of inspection machines for quality control in industrial production, originated as a spin-off from the engineering division of Kirin Brewery Company, Limited, focusing on automation and precision technologies beyond beverages. In October 2022, OMRON Corporation acquired a stake in the firm to advance collaborative development in inspection and automation systems.^[66] Kirin Capital, an independent investment firm based in Vietnam, engages in long-term equity investments across sectors including technology, consumer goods, and infrastructure, employing fundamental research-driven strategies since its establishment.^[67] Additional enterprises using the Kirin name operate in niche areas such as international consulting and logistics; for instance, Kirin International Limited provides merger and acquisition advisory services, including guidance for Soon Mining Limited's 2016 merger with a related entity. Similarly, Kirin Transportation International Co., Ltd., founded in 2013, facilitates shipping between Asia and North America leveraging parent company resources.^[68]^[69] Smaller-scale operations include Kirin Business System Company, Ltd., which distributes office products in Japan with annual revenues estimated at $5–10 million and 50–99 employees, and Kirin Enterprises in California, involved in retail of toys and games generating approximately $200,000 in revenue. These examples illustrate the name's adoption in engineering spin-offs, finance, consulting, transportation, and retail, distinct from core beverage and pharmaceutical domains.^[70]^[71]

Sports and Events

Kirin Cup Tournament

The Kirin Cup Soccer is an invitational international association football tournament organized annually in Japan and sponsored by Kirin Brewery Company. Launched in 1978 as the Japan Cup, it initially included a combination of national teams and club sides from various countries, with Japan always as the host participant. The sponsor's involvement began that year to promote football domestically, marking the start of Kirin's long-term support for the sport. Until 1991, participants often mixed clubs like Palmeiras (1978 winners) and Tottenham Hotspur (1979 winners) with national squads, reflecting an invitational format aimed at exhibition and development rather than strict confederation alignment. From 1992, the tournament shifted to feature only national teams, typically four in total, competing in a knockout or abbreviated round-robin format to determine a champion. This evolution aligned it more closely with international fixtures, serving as pre-competition preparation for participants, including Japan ahead of major events like the FIFA World Cup. Japan has dominated the competition, securing the majority of titles and using home advantage to build experience against diverse opponents from Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia. The event underscores Kirin's role in elevating football's profile in Japan since the late 1970s, when the sport was less prominent. Recent editions have been less frequent due to scheduling conflicts with FIFA international windows. In 2016, after a five-year gap, Bosnia and Herzegovina won their first title, defeating Japan despite the hosts' earlier semifinal progress; Bosnian striker Milan Đurić scored four goals across the tournament. The 2022 edition, the first in six years, adopted a four-team knockout structure with Japan facing Ghana in the semifinals before losing 3–0 to Tunisia in the final, marking Tunisia's inaugural victory. As of 2025, no further full tournaments have been announced, though Kirin continues sponsoring Japanese national team friendlies under the separate Kirin Challenge Cup banner.

Additional Sports Affiliations

Kirin Holdings' sponsorship of the Japan Football Association (JFA), initiated in 1978, encompasses comprehensive support for the organization's activities beyond the Kirin Cup, including official partnerships with all national teams such as the men's Samurai Blue, women's Nadeshiko Japan, and various youth and under-age squads.^[72]^[73] This long-term commitment has involved branding matches like the Kirin Challenge series, player bonuses—such as ¥1 million per player awarded to the women's team following their 2011 World Cup victory—and alignment with JFA goals to popularize soccer in Japan when it was a niche sport.^[72]^[74] In addition to domestic efforts, Kirin Brewery secured a sponsorship deal with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 2003, extending its influence to continental soccer events and youth development programs across Asia.^[75] Kirin also engages with professional leagues through product integrations, such as supplying the official support beverage "Kirin Sports Professional" for FC Tokyo's J1 League matches, as implemented for their August 17, 2024, fixture against Tokyo Verdy at Ajinomoto Stadium.^[76] Beyond soccer, Kirin has provided support to Japan's national rugby team as part of community and sports promotion initiatives outlined in its 2014 sustainability report, aiming to foster social ties through athletic endorsements.^[77] Indirect rugby connections arise via Kirin's joint ventures, including increased production of Heineken— the Rugby World Cup's official beer—for the 2019 tournament hosted in Japan, which boosted domestic demand.^[78] These affiliations reflect Kirin's strategy of leveraging sports for brand visibility and community engagement, primarily concentrated in football but extending to rugby for broader impact.^[79]

Notable People

Individuals Bearing the Name Kirin

Kirin Kiki (January 15, 1943 – September 17, 2018), born Keiko Nakatani in Tokyo, Japan, was a prolific actress who appeared in over 60 films and numerous television roles spanning six decades.^[80] She began her career in the early 1960s with an avant-garde theater troupe under the stage name Yuki Chiho, later changing to Kirin Kiki after auctioning her original name on a television program.^[81] Kiki gained acclaim for versatile performances blending comedy and drama, including her role as the grandmother in Hirokazu Kore-eda's Shoplifters (2018), which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes.^[80] She received multiple Japanese Academy Awards and was posthumously honored for her contributions to cinema until her death from pancreatic cancer at age 75.^[82] Kirin J. Callinan, born Kieran John Callinan on January 21, 1986, in Sydney, Australia, is a musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his experimental indie rock and multimedia performances.^[83] Adopting the stage name Kirin J. Callinan, he founded the band Mercy Arms in 2005 before pursuing solo work, releasing albums such as Embracism (2013), Bravado (2017), and Return to Center (2023).^[84] His music features collaborations with artists like Jimmy Barnes and Alex Cameron, and tracks like "Big Enough" have garnered millions of streams for their eclectic style blending pop, noise, and cabaret elements.^[85] Ivica Kirin (born June 14, 1970) is a Croatian politician who served as Minister of the Interior from 2005 to 2008 under Prime Minister Ivo Sanader.^[86] His tenure ended in December 2007 when he resigned following public backlash over photographs of him on a wild boar hunt with retired general Mladen Markač, a suspect in UN war crimes investigations related to the 1995 Operation Storm.^[87] Kirin, who was responsible for monitoring Markač's movements, apologized and stepped down, citing responsibility for the lapse in oversight.^[88]

Miscellaneous Uses

Culinary and Brand Extensions

Kirin Holdings has extended its brand into functional foods, leveraging proprietary probiotic strains to develop products aimed at supporting immune health. In October 2022, the company announced an expansion of its lineup of such foods containing the Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma, which is claimed to enhance immune function through clinical studies on mucosal immunity.^[89] A key collaboration involved partnering with Kellogg Japan to introduce an All-Bran variant incorporating this strain, targeting consumers seeking dietary immune support without altering traditional cereal formulations.^[90] Historically, Kirin ventured into dairy products, acquiring control of Koiwai Dairy Products Co. in 2010 to bolster its non-alcoholic beverage and cultured milk offerings, with Koiwai brands continuing under Kirin Beverage Company post-recapitalization.^[91]^[92] However, international dairy extensions, such as the Lion Dairy and Drinks unit in Australia (featuring brands like PURA milk), were divested to Bega Cheese Limited in November 2020 for A$560 million, reflecting a strategic shift away from certain food categories amid portfolio optimization.^[93] In culinary innovation, Kirin has developed taste-modifying devices to address public health concerns like excessive sodium intake. Collaborating with Meiji University, the company introduced wearable taste-adjusting chopsticks in May 2022, which apply a mild electric current to stimulate sodium ion perception on the tongue, enabling foods to taste up to 1.5 times saltier without added salt.^[94] This technology evolved into an electric salt spoon showcased at CES 2025, further promoting reduced-salt diets through enhanced flavor simulation.^[95] By September 2025, Kirin released an electric soup cup priced at ¥26,950, designed specifically to amplify salty tastes in broths via similar iontophoresis principles, available through its online store.^[96] These extensions position Kirin as a contributor to culinary health tools, grounded in empirical sensory science rather than mere beverage adjacency.

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Governors of Jilin Province 吉林(by Japan called Kirin). Head of military government. Head of civil government. Chen Zhaochang 陳昭常. Provincial governor ...
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Jilin 吉林市 (Chi-lin, Kirin) Jilin Province, Manchuria ... - Pacific Wrecks
Also spelled Chi-lin or Kirin and was the capital of Manchukuo until March 13, 1932 when the Japanese moved the capital west to Hsinking (Changchun). Between ...
[20]
The Development Of Manchuria | Proceedings - U.S. Naval Institute
Manchuria, the homeland of the Manchus, consists of the “Three Eastern Provinces” of China, Fengtien (Liaoning), Kirin, and Heilungkiang.
[21]
Japan Heritage "Kirinnomachi"
The Story of Becoming a Japan Heritage. The Tottori Sand Dunes, the biggest dunes in Japan, are formed to perfection by the harsh winds gusting over the Sea ...
[22]
In the Land of the Kirin - Japan Guide
Known as the Land of the Kirin, the area encompasses Tottori City and the towns of Iwami, Wakasa, Chizu and Yazu in the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture.
[23]
City Scale : List of Small Cities | Study in China - CUCAS
Jilin (Chinese: 吉林; pinyin: Jílín; former official name: Kirin) is one of the three provinces of Northeast China. Jilin borders North Korea and Russia to ...
[24]
1885 - 1949 | Our History | KIRIN - Kirin Holdings Company, Limited
Company History · 1885. July. Japan Brewery Co., Ltd. · 1888. May. Japan Brewery introduces German-style lager beer under the brand name Kirin Beer and concluded ...
[25]
Kirin Holdings Company, Limited | mitsubishi.com
Founding Date. February 23, 1907. Stock listing. TSE Prime Market. Page top. mitsubishi.com. About This Website · How to Use Our Website · Inquiries. © ...
[26]
Our History | About Us | KIRIN - Kirin Holdings Company, Limited
Over its history of more than a century, Kirin Group has grown from a Japan-based brewer to a global enterprise with a diverse range of businesses.
[27]
1950 - 1989 | Our History | KIRIN - Kirin Holdings Company, Limited
1974 · Feb. Kirin-Seagram introduces Robert Brown, their first whisky made in Japan. · May. Shiga Plant completed.
[28]
Company Overview | About Us - Kirin Holdings
Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd. changes its name to Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd. and becomes a holding company of the Kirin Group on July 1, 2007.
[29]
About Us | KIRIN - Kirin Holdings Company, Limited
Beginning with the fermentation and biotechnology that the Kirin Group polished through our founding beer business for over a century, we expand the three ...
[30]
Kirin Holdings | Company Overview & News - Forbes
Founded: 1907 ; Headquarters: Tokyo ; Country/Territory: Japan ; Chief Executive Officer: Yoshinori Isozaki ; Employees: 30,183 ...
[31]
KIRIN | The KIRIN Group corporate information website
KIRIN brings joy to society by crafting food and healthcare products inspired by the blessings of nature and the insights of our customers.Investors · Group Companies · About Us · Kirin journal
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Kirin Beverage Company, Limited
Kirin Holdings Company, Limited(100%). Business, Development, manufacture and sales of soft drinks. Number of Employees, 3,699 (on the consolidated basis). *.Missing: core | Show results with:core
[33]
https://drinks-intel.com/spirits/kirin-holdings-exploring-sale-of-four-roses-bourbon-report/
[34]
Kirin Brewery Business Strategy For 2025
Jan 16, 2025 · Kirin Brewery will take on the challenge of creating innovation that will create the future of alcohol while creating new consumer value.1. 2024 Year In Review · Sales In 2024 · 2. 2025 Initiatives
[35]
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-kirin-looks-sell-kentucky-bourbon-brand-1-billion-ft-reports-2025-10-24/
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Kirin Holdings 2025 Company Profile: Stock Performance & Earnings
As of 30-Jun-2025, Kirin Holdings has a trailing 12-month revenue of $15.9B. EV In Thousands, USD. TTM 19,219,458. FY 2024 18,045,742.
[37]
KNBWY Kirin Holdings Company, Limited Stock Price & Overview
Its products include beer, wine, soft drinks, dairy products, margarine, jams, and honey. The company engages in the management of a chain of Kirin City beer ...
[38]
[PDF] Investor's Guide - Kirin Holdings
Apr 1, 2025 · Kirin Holdings aims to create value in Food, Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals, using fermentation and biotechnology, with 2,338.4 billion ...
[39]
Kirin Brewery to boost focus on low and non-alcoholic beverages in ...
Mar 24, 2025 · In 2024, the firm announced that the overall beer market in Japan saw standard beer account for over 55% of the total market for the first time ...
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https://www.just-drinks.com/news/kirin-four-roses-bourbon-sale/
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https://dcfmodeling.com/blogs/health/2503t-financial-health
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https://www.statista.com/topics/5433/beer-industry-in-japan/
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Myanmar: Kirin Should Cut Ties to Military | Human Rights Watch
Jun 18, 2020 · “Kirin is putting money right into the pockets of Myanmar's military, which is responsible for countless atrocities against the Rohingya and ...Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
[44]
Drinks giant Kirin reviews Myanmar army ties over genocide funding ...
Feb 15, 2020 · Kirin was named in a United Nations fact-finding mission report as having donated money to the Myanmar military – known as the Tatmadaw.Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
[45]
Japan: Investigate brewer Kirin over payment to Myanmar military ...
Jun 14, 2018 · Japanese beer company admitted its subsidiary made three donations during recent violence in Rakhine State; Head of military filmed ...Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
[46]
Kirin beer company cuts brewery ties with Myanmar military over coup
Feb 4, 2021 · Japanese drinks giant Kirin Holdings will abandon its partnership with a Myanmar brewery part-owned by military generals who overthrew the elected government ...
[47]
Japan's Kirin exits Myanmar business with military-linked partner
Jun 30, 2022 · Kirin's 51% stake in Myanmar Brewery Limited will be sold back to the brewery for 22.4 billion yen ($164 million), it said in a statement, ...Missing: divestment | Show results with:divestment
[48]
Japan's Kirin to withdraw from its Myanmar brewery venture | AP News
Feb 14, 2022 · Kirin said it was recording an impairment loss for 2021 on its business in Myanmar of 68 billion yen ($580 million). The company's share price ...
[49]
Kirin completes sale of Myanmar Brewery | inside.beer
Jan 27, 2023 · Kirin Holdings completed on Monday its transfer of all shares in Myanmar Brewery Limited (MBL) to its joint venture partner, the military-owned Myanma Economic ...Missing: divestment | Show results with:divestment
[50]
Justice For Myanmar says Kirin's irresponsible exit from Myanmar ...
Jun 30, 2022 · Myanmar: Justice For Myanmar says Kirin Holdings' exit “irresponsible” for placing military conglomerate in control of their joint venture ...Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
[51]
Long-Term Management Vision “Kirin Group Vision 2027 (KV2027)”
Feb 14, 2019 · The Kirin Group will establish a robust foundation for growth by strengthening profitability in its existing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage businesses.Missing: shifts | Show results with:shifts<|separator|>
[52]
[PDF] Announcement regarding the restructuring of APAC region business ...
Aug 1, 2024 · In six countries / regions*1 within the APAC region, excluding China, Kyowa Kirin has entered into a license and distribution agreement with ...
[53]
Kirin Group Published “Integrated Report 2025” - Kirin Holdings
May 30, 2025 · The “Integrated Report 2025” expresses our efforts to create value for sustainable growth through a diverse and solid business portfolio ...
[54]
Kirin Holdings buyout brings governance shifts for Blackmores
Feb 1, 2025 · Kirin Holdings buyout brings governance shifts for Blackmores. Saturday, 01 February 2025. Leadership Strategy Corporate governance. Kate ...
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https://www.ft.com/content/9ef36a83-2551-4b31-a473-3ee49400b0d0
[56]
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/consider-kirin-holdings-shift-toward-090802190.html
[57]
Overview - Kyowa Kirin
The Kyowa Kirin Group is a Japanese pharma group that develops innovative specialty drugs, to raise the health and well-being of people around the world.Missing: ventures | Show results with:ventures
[58]
Kyowa Kirin
The Kyowa Kirin Group is a Japanese pharma group that develops innovative specialty drugs, to raise the health and well-being of people around the world.Careers · Contact Us · Kyowa Kirin Australia · Overview<|control11|><|separator|>
[59]
[PDF] Matters concerning controlling shareholders - Kyowa Kirin
Mar 29, 2019 · Kirin Holdings is the parent company and controlling shareholder of Kyowa Hakko Kirin, holding 52.76% of its voting rights. Kyowa Hakko Kirin ...
[60]
History - Kyowa Kirin
Kyowa Kirin is a pharmaceutical company, formed from a combination of the depth of experience and strong business record of Kyowa Hakko Kogyo and Kirin Pharma.
[61]
History | Kyowa Kirin North America
In 1982, Kirin Pharma enters into a joint venture partnership with Amgen Biotech. The joint venture leverage is Amgen's emerging pharmaceutical expertise and ...
[62]
[PDF] Kyowa Kirin Initiated CVC
Oct 5, 2022 · Kyowa Kirin initiated its internal CVC function as a way of increasing rapid access to the latest biotechnologies from which the future of drug.Missing: history | Show results with:history
[63]
Kura Oncology and Kyowa Kirin Announce Global Strategic ...
Nov 20, 2024 · Kura to receive a $330 million upfront payment and up to $1.2 billion in total milestone payments, including $420 million in near-term milestone payments.Missing: key | Show results with:key
[64]
AMGEN AND KYOWA KIRIN ANNOUNCE TOP-LINE RESULTS ...
Sep 8, 2025 · On June 1, 2021 , Kyowa Kirin and Amgen entered into an agreement to jointly develop and commercialize rocatinlimab. Under the terms of the ...<|separator|>
[65]
Heritage & Story - Kyowa Kirin International
Kyowa Kirin: Advancing healthcare for over 70 years. Discover our commitment to under-served conditions, high-quality pharmaceuticals & bio-chemicals.
[66]
OMRON Invests In Kirin Techno-System, a Comprehensive ...
Oct 18, 2022 · Kirin Techno-System Company, Limited is a manufacturer of inspection machines that was spun off from the engineering division of Kirin Brewery ...
[67]
Home - KIRIN CAPITAL
Kirin Capital is a long-term fundamental research-driven equity investor in Vietnam, investing in all equity stages in sectors including technology,Reports · Careers · Insight · News & event<|separator|>
[68]
Company Profile — Kirin International Limited
Kirin International Limited is a professional consultant company. In 2016, it successfully guided Soon Mining Limited merge with Soon Mining Company Limited ( ...
[69]
Who we are - Kirin Transportation International Co.,Ltd
Kirin-Trans was established in August 2013 and and serves the Asia - North America market by relaying on the dominant resources of the parent companies.
[70]
Kirin Business System - Overview, News & Similar companies
Kirin Business System Company Ltd is a company that operates in the Office Products Retail & Distribution industry. It employs 50to99 people and has 5Mto10M ...
[71]
Kirin Enterprises Information - RocketReach
Kirin Enterprises is a Retail, and Toys & Games company located in Newark, California with $200000 in revenue and 1 employees.
[72]
Kirin's support for football has continued since 1978. History and ...
Kirin has been supporting the Japan national team for over 45 years since 1978. Since the days when football was considered a minor sport in Japan, ...
[73]
The corporate sponsors of the Japan National Teams decided - JFA
Apr 1, 2015 · Official Partners sponsor all categories of Japan National Teams such as “SAMURAI BLUE”, “NADESHIKO Japan”, all “Under” Japanese National Teams, ...
[74]
https://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2015/07/03/japan-womens-soccer-team-to-receive-cash-bonus-from-kirin/
[75]
JAPAN: Kirin signs Asian soccer sponsorship deal - Just Drinks
Jun 6, 2003 · The Japanese brewer, Kirin Brewery Co, has agreed a contract with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to sponsor the federation's ...Missing: affiliations | Show results with:affiliations
[76]
8/17 (Sat) FC Tokyo Official Support Drink "Kirin Sports Professional ...
Aug 17 (Sat) 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 27 vs Tokyo Verdy (19:00 kickoff / Ajinomoto Stadium) will feature the official FC Tokyo support beverage "Kirin ...
[77]
[PDF] Kirin Group Sustainability Report 2014
Furthermore, we will continue to promote ties between people by taking initiatives such as supporting the national soccer team of Japan and the national rugby ...
[78]
https://e-malt.com/NewsSrv.asp?Command=ArticleShow&ArticleID=36611&Template=IndustryNewsTemplate.htm
[79]
Creating bonds and trust for people's well-being - Kirin Holdings
KIRIN has been the official sponsor for the Japan Football Association(JFA) since 1978. Community Engagement · Sustainable development of communities in raw ...
[80]
Kirin Kiki Dead: Veteran Japanese 'Shoplifters' Actress Was 75
Sep 16, 2018 · Kiki was born Keiko Nakatani in Tokyo in 1943. She started her acting career in the '60s under the name Yuki Chihi in a theater troupe, where ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
[81]
Kirin Kiki(1943-2018) - IMDb
Kirin Kiki (1943-2018) was an actress and producer. She began acting after high school, and won awards for her work. She died at 75.
[82]
Remembering Kiki Kirin Through 5 Of Her Most Renowned Movies
Sep 19, 2018 · Born in 1943 in Tokyo, Kiki (née Keiko Nakatani) started her acting career under the name of Chiho Yuki in the early 1960s as an actress for the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[83]
Kirin J Callinan | Official Website
Kirin J Callinan - If I Could Sing Album, Crazier Idea, If I Could Sing Official Video Out Now, If I Could Sing | Return to Center | Bravado | Embracism.
[84]
Kirin J Callinan - Spotify
Listen to Kirin J Callinan on Spotify. Artist · 66.8K monthly listeners ... Kirin J Callinan. 66,759 monthly listeners. Follow. Popular. Big Enough. 11,766,636.
[85]
Kirin J Callinan - Big Enough (Official Video) ft. Alex ... - YouTube
Aug 16, 2017 · Buy, Download or Stream Big Enough ft. Alex Cameron, Molly Lewis, Jimmy Barnes by Kirin J. Callinan taken from the album Bravado ...
[86]
Former Croatian General Arrested, Interior Minister Resigns - VOA
Croatia's interior minister, Ivica Kirin, who was in the same hunting party, offered his resignation immediately after Markac's arrest. The United Nations war ...
[87]
Croatian minister quits over boar hunt with suspected war criminal
Dec 29, 2007 · Croatia's Interior Minister has resigned after being pictured on a wild boar hunt with a suspected war criminal, who was subsequently ...
[88]
Croat minister shoots himself in the career - Politico.eu
As interior minister, Kirin was responsible for ensuring that the retired general did not stray from his home. Instead, he took him hunting. Markac, who stands ...
[89]
Kirin Expands Lineup Of Functional Food Products for Immune ...
Oct 19, 2022 · Kirin Holdings will expand its lineup of functional food products with immune function claims that contain its proprietary Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma.
[90]
Kirin and Kellogg partner to launch functional food product
Kirin Holdings has partnered with Kellogg Japan to introduce a new addition to Kellogg's All-Bran portfolio, as it aims to support immune system health.
[91]
Recapitalization and Strengthening of the Operating Base of Koiwai ...
Sep 28, 2010 · The Kirin Group will continue sales of Koiwai brand beverages through KBC. Moreover, cultured milk from KIW will still play an active role in ...
[92]
JAPAN: Kirin Holdings to restructure Koiwai Dairy Products - Just Food
Sep 28, 2010 · Kirin Holdings has announced plans today (28 September) to take direct control over Japanese dairy firm Koiwai Dairy Products Co.
[93]
Kirin Holdings and Lion announce agreement to sell Dairy & Drinks ...
Nov 26, 2020 · Kirin Holdings and Lion have today announced an agreement to sell the Dairy & Drinks business to Bega Cheese Limited (Bega) for A $560 ...
[94]
Taste-Adjusting Chopsticks makes food taste saltier without adding ...
May 26, 2022 · Kirin Holdings and Meiji University have developed a wearable device connected to a chopstick that uses an electric current to simulate food ...
[95]
Kirin offers a taste of its electric salt spoon at CES 2025
Jan 6, 2025 · On the first night of CES 2025, Kirin Holdings, a Japanese company known for its beer and beverages, showed off its new electronic spoon ...
[96]
Kirin releases electric soup cup that enhances salty taste
Sep 10, 2025 · The product is designed to be used for soups. The cup is available on the company's official online store at a price of ¥26,950 ($182) and is ...Missing: culinary | Show results with:culinary