On February 12, HAKOVO participated as a finalist in the Indonesia–Japan Fast Track Pitch Event, ASEAN-Japan Co-Creation Fast Track Initiative. This event was launched by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and JETRO, in collaboration with ASEAN member institutions, with the aim of promoting innovation and strategic partnerships between Japanese and ASEAN companies. HAKOVO presented its system to Indonesian stakeholders, and as a result, received the “Challenge Owner Award”, which also led to the partnership with Deltamas.
The Deltamas Industrial Park hosts around 180 companies, including automobile manufacturers, food producers, and data centers. Starting around May this year, HAKOVO plans to roll out its AI-driven digital trade, customs clearance, and logistics management platform to these companies. The platform features automated customs documentation powered by AI, highly accurate HS code classification, real-time detection of restricted or prohibited items (LARTAS), and suggestions for applying Free Trade Agreements (FTA). A key strength is its ability to flexibly adapt to frequent regulatory changes in Indonesia.
Two Unexpected Misfortunes Before the Final Pitch
CEO Takayuki Akahodani faced two sudden misfortunes leading up to the final selection on February 12.
First Misfortune:
Takayuki Akahodani had planned to arrive in Jakarta the day before and scheduled a regular client meeting in Karawang at 12:00 noon on 11 Feb. However, the night before, he received a notification that his flight had been changed from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. He quickly searched for a morning flight, but all seats were already taken, so he had no choice but to take the night flight to Jakarta still on 11 Feb.
After arriving at Changi Airport at 8:00 p.m on 11 Feb., he was informed that the flight would be further delayed to 11:00 p.m. In the end, the plane did not take off until 1:30 a.m. on Feb 12, the day of the pitch. I finally reached my hotel in Jakarta at 4:00 a.m. He tried to sleep while hearing the sound of the Qur’an, but with a meeting scheduled at 8:30 a.m. and entry to the pitch venue at 10:45 a.m., he could hardly get any rest before the big day.
Second Misfortune:
On February 1, he competed in a 200m sprint in Singapore. While achieving a personal best (24.99seconds) in his 50s, he fell at the finish line and tore his right acromioclavicular ligament, leaving his shoulder immobile. His main concern was whether the pitch event microphone would be fixed in place. Fortunately, it was, but the slide pointer had to be handheld. Being right-handed, he had to operate it with his injured shoulder. The lightweight pointer felt like a heavy block of lead, and he struggled to advance the first slide smoothly.
Award and Reception
Despite these challenges, the pitch was completed successfully, and HAKOVO received the award. That evening, he attended a reception at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence, where he deepened connections with government and corporate representatives. However, with his arm in a sling, enjoying the standing buffet was difficult. Using chopsticks with his left hand was risky, and he joked that “an AI robot that could deliver food directly to the mouth would be useful.” He also had to exchange business cards one-handed for the first time, which felt unusual. While digital business cards are emerging, traditional card exchanges remain a cultural ritual that fosters initial human connection. He reflected that this practice may eventually disappear, which felt bittersweet.
A Memorable Exchange
At the event, he bonded with Deltamas Vice President Director Mr. Uehara over athletics. Inspired by Mr. Uehara’s passion for full marathon running 42.195km, they agreed to train together soon with a challenging interval workout: 10 sets of 800m runs (at a 3-minute pace) with 400m walking rests.
A new challenge awaits!
