The KAKO is the latest and most advanced vessel in a series of coastal container ships for Imoto Lines, which began with the award-winning NATORI (2015). Built on the technology of Kyokuyo’s oceangoing container ships, she integrates advanced maneuvering capabilities, enhanced safety features, and improved energy efficiency to meet the high demands of coastal shipping. With a loading capacity of 1,050 TEU - approximately 1.5 times that of the NATORI—she represents a significant step forward in the series.

One of her defining innovations is her wing-shaped hull design. The upper part of the hull above the waterline has been shaped like an airfoil to reduce wind resistance. From the wind-deflecting bow inherited from the SSS-Bow lineage to the enhanced bulwark that minimizes air inflow into container gaps for smoother airflow, and the sharply tapered stern, every element has been meticulously engineered to optimize aerodynamics. These refinements significantly improve her fuel efficiency while maintaining high performance.

To ensure superior maneuverability and precise control, the KAKO is equipped with an Ocean Fish Tail Rudder and a high-powered bow thruster. These enhancements enable her to dock smoothly at multiple terminals in hub ports, as well as berth and unberth more quickly and safely, making her highly adaptable to complex coastal logistics.

Additional cutting-edge features include MaSSA-One, a system that enables real-time remote monitoring of engine and navigational data, which is then shared with shipowners and manufacturers, and Starlink, the next-generation satellite internet service, ensuring seamless communication and operational efficiency.

Named after both the Kakogawa River and the Japanese word for "the past" (Kako), the KAKO builds on invaluable expertise gained over time while integrating the latest technology to shape the future of coastal shipping.