Why a Manufacturing and Wholesale Company with Over 100 Years of History Elevated Logistics to a Management Agenda
PLAID Inc.'s internal startup 'STUDIO ZERO' has published an interview article with logistics leaders from Kawamoto Corporation. It details their structural logistics reform aimed at moving towards data-driven 'designed logistics' in response to the 2024 problem.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 22:10
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (15h 29m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 11:34 (477h 55m after Collected)
The internal entrepreneurial organization STUDIO ZERO of PLAID Inc. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo: Representative Director Kenta Kurahashi) has published an interview article featuring three leaders from the corporate planning and purchasing/logistics departments (Mr. Yasuaki Yoshida, Mr. Hiroaki Hirata, and Mr. Takahiro Kawai) of Kawamoto Corporation (Osaka City, Osaka: Representative Director and President Makoto Fukui).
Read the article
Kawamoto Corporation (hereinafter 'Kawamoto Corporation'), which manufactures and wholesales medical and hygiene products and has a history of over 100 years since its founding, has built trust by sincerely responding to customer requests over many years. However, in response to external environmental changes such as the '2024 Problem' surrounding the logistics industry and soaring costs, the company has now embarked on structural 'logistics reform'.
Moving from the conventional logistics of 'just transporting' to 'designed logistics' based on data.
As a partner in this transformation, PLAID Inc.'s (hereinafter 'PLAID') STUDIO ZERO is providing hands-on support.
Why did a historic company decide to fundamentally reform its logistics structure now? And what is the full picture of a project that combines data analysis with deep immersion into the frontlines? We discussed their passion for logistics reform and their future prospects.
Mr. Yasuaki Yoshida: Kawamoto Corporation, Managing Director and Executive Officer, General Manager of Corporate Planning and Administration
A Certified Public Accountant who oversees various areas within the company, including corporate planning, accounting, human resources, and internal audits.
Mr. Hiroaki Hirata: Kawamoto Corporation, Executive Officer and General Manager of Purchasing and Logistics Division
Originally from the Consumer Sales Division. Recognized the necessity of logistics reform at Kawamoto Corporation and resolved to execute it. Overcoming the gap between long-standing business customs and frontline realities, he drives the practical work of reform.
Mr. Takahiro Kawai: Kawamoto Corporation, Manager of Purchasing and Logistics Division
Originally from the Medical Sales Division. Aims to shift from a sales-focused perspective to logistics that balances profitability and efficiency, working on frontline improvements.
Atsushi Ueda: PLAID Inc. / STUDIO ZERO Senior Business Architect, Logi Business Leader
After experiencing roles from the frontlines to a head office management position at Sagawa Express Co., Ltd., he now enters inside shipper companies, promoting rare activities that connect logistics frontline issues to management agendas.
Read the article
Kawamoto Corporation (hereinafter 'Kawamoto Corporation'), which manufactures and wholesales medical and hygiene products and has a history of over 100 years since its founding, has built trust by sincerely responding to customer requests over many years. However, in response to external environmental changes such as the '2024 Problem' surrounding the logistics industry and soaring costs, the company has now embarked on structural 'logistics reform'.
Moving from the conventional logistics of 'just transporting' to 'designed logistics' based on data.
As a partner in this transformation, PLAID Inc.'s (hereinafter 'PLAID') STUDIO ZERO is providing hands-on support.
Why did a historic company decide to fundamentally reform its logistics structure now? And what is the full picture of a project that combines data analysis with deep immersion into the frontlines? We discussed their passion for logistics reform and their future prospects.
Mr. Yasuaki Yoshida: Kawamoto Corporation, Managing Director and Executive Officer, General Manager of Corporate Planning and Administration
A Certified Public Accountant who oversees various areas within the company, including corporate planning, accounting, human resources, and internal audits.
Mr. Hiroaki Hirata: Kawamoto Corporation, Executive Officer and General Manager of Purchasing and Logistics Division
Originally from the Consumer Sales Division. Recognized the necessity of logistics reform at Kawamoto Corporation and resolved to execute it. Overcoming the gap between long-standing business customs and frontline realities, he drives the practical work of reform.
Mr. Takahiro Kawai: Kawamoto Corporation, Manager of Purchasing and Logistics Division
Originally from the Medical Sales Division. Aims to shift from a sales-focused perspective to logistics that balances profitability and efficiency, working on frontline improvements.
Atsushi Ueda: PLAID Inc. / STUDIO ZERO Senior Business Architect, Logi Business Leader
After experiencing roles from the frontlines to a head office management position at Sagawa Express Co., Ltd., he now enters inside shipper companies, promoting rare activities that connect logistics frontline issues to management agendas.