Supply Chain Specialist Takeshi Morikawa Appointed as Advisor to Ascend Inc.
Ascend Inc., a provider of logistics DX, has appointed Takeshi Morikawa, a veteran consultant from Nomura Research Institute (NRI), as an advisor. The move aims to bolster the company's new 4PL business to tackle the 2030 logistics crisis.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 22:00
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Ascend Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Mizuki Kusaka), a promoter of logistics DX, has appointed Takeshi Morikawa as an advisor as of April 2026. Mr. Morikawa has a long career at Nomura Research Institute, Ltd., where he specialized in supply chain and logistics consulting. By leveraging his expertise, Ascend will strengthen its various businesses, particularly the 4PL (Fourth Party Logistics) business launched in March 2026, which comprehensively manages strategic design and logistics arrangements for supply chain optimization.
### Background and Purpose of Appointment
The logistics industry, an essential infrastructure for the economy, is facing a severe crisis. Predictions suggest that by 2030, about one-third of cargo will be undeliverable, leading to an economic loss of 10 trillion yen. In response, legislative changes are holding manufacturers and suppliers (shippers) more accountable for logistics management.
Against this backdrop, Ascend launched its 4PL business in March 2026. As a partner to shippers and other players, the company provides a bird's-eye view of the entire supply chain to design optimal strategies and manage operations across various entities.
Mr. Morikawa is a leading expert in Japan who has spearheaded logistics consulting for over 30 years, ranging from public infrastructure to private supply chain strategies. He possesses deep knowledge in 'Logistics x IT' for efficiency and 'Logistics x Environment.' By welcoming him, Ascend aims to accelerate its initiatives toward sustainable logistics and enhance value for customers.
### About Takeshi Morikawa
Graduated from Tokyo University of Science with a degree in Civil Engineering. After joining Nomura Research Institute in 1990, he engaged in consulting related to supply chains and logistics. Since the late 1990s, he has worked on numerous projects for private companies, with a focus on RFID visibility and efficiency experiments. He joined Ascend as of April 1, 2026.
### About Ascend Inc.
Founded in March 2020 with the mission 'Unlock the true value of logistics to support all industries.' Ascend provides 'Logics,' a transportation management system for operators of all sizes. The company also handles research and analysis for government agencies like the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. In November 2025, it raised 1.1 billion yen in a Series B round, bringing its total funding to 1.8 billion yen.
### Background and Purpose of Appointment
The logistics industry, an essential infrastructure for the economy, is facing a severe crisis. Predictions suggest that by 2030, about one-third of cargo will be undeliverable, leading to an economic loss of 10 trillion yen. In response, legislative changes are holding manufacturers and suppliers (shippers) more accountable for logistics management.
Against this backdrop, Ascend launched its 4PL business in March 2026. As a partner to shippers and other players, the company provides a bird's-eye view of the entire supply chain to design optimal strategies and manage operations across various entities.
Mr. Morikawa is a leading expert in Japan who has spearheaded logistics consulting for over 30 years, ranging from public infrastructure to private supply chain strategies. He possesses deep knowledge in 'Logistics x IT' for efficiency and 'Logistics x Environment.' By welcoming him, Ascend aims to accelerate its initiatives toward sustainable logistics and enhance value for customers.
### About Takeshi Morikawa
Graduated from Tokyo University of Science with a degree in Civil Engineering. After joining Nomura Research Institute in 1990, he engaged in consulting related to supply chains and logistics. Since the late 1990s, he has worked on numerous projects for private companies, with a focus on RFID visibility and efficiency experiments. He joined Ascend as of April 1, 2026.
### About Ascend Inc.
Founded in March 2020 with the mission 'Unlock the true value of logistics to support all industries.' Ascend provides 'Logics,' a transportation management system for operators of all sizes. The company also handles research and analysis for government agencies like the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. In November 2025, it raised 1.1 billion yen in a Series B round, bringing its total funding to 1.8 billion yen.