Japan, October 21, 2025 – The appointment of Sanae Takaichi as the new Prime Minister is expected to bring significant changes to the country’s supply chain landscape. According to her policy speech on October 24, the Takaichi administration places strong emphasis on stricter immigration policies, which may further exacerbate labor shortages in the logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors areas already strained by demographic challenges.
At the same time, Takaichi’s pro-business stance, including support for AI, semiconductor investment, and digital trade platforms like TradeWaltz, signals a push toward supply chain modernization. Increased infrastructure and defense spending could further enhance domestic logistics capabilities and port connectivity.
With backing from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and strategic partnerships in digital trade, Japan’s supply chain may become more resilient and efficient though short-term disruptions remain a possibility as reforms take shape.
Potential Supply Chain Impacts Under PM Takaichi
Immigration Tightening
- Takaichi is considering stricter immigration enforcement, which may affect industries reliant on foreign labor especially logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture.
- This could worsen labor shortages and disrupt operations in sectors already facing demographic decline.
Pro-Business Reforms
- Her administration supports fiscal expansion, AI and semiconductor investment, and corporate governance modernization, which may boost supply chain digitization and capital efficiency.
- These reforms aim to enhance Japan’s competitiveness in global trade and manufacturing.
Defense and Infrastructure Spending
- Increased spending on defense and infrastructure could stimulate domestic logistics and port development, indirectly strengthening supply chain resilience.
TradeWaltz and Digital Trade
- Takaichi’s support for digital trade platforms like TradeWaltz aligns with Japan’s push for paperless, interoperable trade systems, which could streamline customs and cross-border logistics.
- Overall, while her policies may enhance Japan’s long-term supply chain efficiency through technology and investment, short-term risks include labor disruptions and political fragmentation that could delay reforms
Strategic Alignment Opportunities for HAKOVO
- Digital Trade Platforms: PM Takaichi supports platforms like TradeWaltz, which promote paperless, interoperable trade systems. HAKOVO’s uCCH model complements this vision by digitizing customs and logistics processes.
- Supply Chain Efficiency: Her administration emphasizes AI, semiconductor investment, and corporate governance modernization all of which align with HAKOVO’s tech-driven logistics and smart clearance solutions.
- Regional Connectivity: With a focus on infrastructure and port development, HAKOVO’s presence in Southeast Asia and its hub-and-spoke model could benefit from Japan’s push for stronger regional logistics networks.
- Government Collaboration: Prime Minister Takaichi’s policies are supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) through TradeWaltz. Centered on the development of a Japan–Indonesia digital trade platform in collaboration with TradeWaltz during fiscal year 2024, this initiative offers HAKOVO the opportunity to participate in public-private partnerships and pilot programs that promote cross-border trade.
HAKOVO CEO Takayuki Akahodani states that "HAKOVO’s ecosystem, digital capabilities, and strategic partnerships position the company well to collaborate with Japan’s evolving trade and logistics agenda under Prime Minister Takaichi".