Business Growth Insights Learned from a Los Angeles Study Tour

Hello, I’m Ichiki of Sync Logistics.

 I would like to share insights gained from a recent business study tour in the United States.

■ Automation Progress in America

At the end of last year, I spent about 10 days on a business trip to Los Angeles, conducting market research, business meetings, and a business tour of the Port of Los Angeles. The trip yielded many valuable insights that will contribute to our future business planning.
One of the most striking observations was the advancement of digitization and automation.
For example, in Los Angeles, I frequently used the autonomous taxi service “Waymo,” operated by Google. The service allows for reservation and payment via a dedicated app, making the process of getting in and out very smooth. The fare is about half that of local manned taxis, and since there’s no driver, there are no labor costs or tips required, making it more affordable.
During a weekend NBA game, I experienced a “cashier-less store” within the arena. After registering a credit card and being authenticated at the entrance, all you have to do is pick up the items you want and leave the store; the payment is processed automatically. Cameras and sensors inside the store identify the items you pick up, automatically linking the purchase data for payment, freeing us from waiting in line at the checkout.
I also noticed that the concept of “pricing what is valuable appropriately” is well-established. For example, the cost of regular seats at a Lakers game was quite high, much more than several times the price of a typical professional baseball game in Japan. Despite the high prices, the venue was packed. The tangible excitement and intensity of live viewing hold high value, and because many fans demand this experience, the price is accepted as fair for what is offered.
Using technology to increase efficiency and paying a fair price for valuable experiences are rational approaches that might be supporting the growth of the American economy.

■ Leveraging Technology to Enhance Value Provided

This inspection trip reinforced my belief that Japan should further promote the use of technology. As the country faces a shrinking workforce due to an aging population, it is essential to enhance productivity with limited resources.
I have been using ChatGPT regularly in my daily work, and it has significantly improved my productivity. A year ago, I felt that my own ideas were superior, but now ChatGPT matches, if not exceeds, my level of creativity and breadth of ideas.
By delegating specific processes to technology, we can focus more on tasks that “only humans can perform” or “tasks of high importance.”
In the logistics industry, where many stakeholders work together, priorities should include “sharing information among stakeholders,” “aligning understanding,” and “identifying and organizing issues”—areas that are currently beyond the capabilities of machines. Japanese people excel at cooperating for the greater good. To maximize this strength, it is essential that we effectively integrate technology to enhance productivity and increase the value of our work.
Technology continues to evolve daily. Our company remains committed to actively using digital technologies to create valuable services.

Thank you for your time.