Supply Chain Cyberattack Disrupts Muji’s Operations, Exposing Third-Party Vulnerabilities

Muji’s Digital Storefront Grinds to a Halt Following Logistics Partner Breach

Japanese minimalist retailer Muji has been forced to suspend all online orders after a ransomware attack crippled operations at its third-party logistics provider Askul. The incident has exposed the vulnerabilities inherent in modern supply chain dependencies, leaving customers unable to purchase the brand’s signature furniture, clothing, and stationery through digital channels., according to technology trends

Muji’s Digital Storefront Grinds to a Halt Following Logistics Partner Breach
Askul’s Comprehensive System Shutdown
Broader Retail Impact Beyond Muji
Japan’s Growing Corporate Cybersecurity Challenges
Corporate Response and Customer Impact

The disruption highlights how cyberattacks on single suppliers can create cascading effects across multiple retail operations. Muji confirmed that “logistics failures” had paralyzed its online store and subscription services, though the company has not provided any timeline for when normal operations might resume.

Askul’s Comprehensive System Shutdown

Askul, a major Japanese e-commerce and logistics firm responsible for fulfilling Muji’s online orders, announced that a ransomware infection caused widespread system failure. The company has halted all orders and shipments while investigating the full scope of the breach. Critical functions including new user registrations, returns processing, catalog requests, and pharmaceutical orders remain suspended, creating significant operational challenges for businesses relying on Askul’s distribution network.

Even customer service channels have been affected, with both the service hotline and online inquiry forms rendered inoperable. The company stated that orders not delivered as of October 21 are being canceled “sequentially,” adding further complications for consumers and business partners alike.

Broader Retail Impact Beyond Muji

The cyberattack’s ripple effects extend beyond Muji’s operations. Loft, another Japanese household goods retailer, has reported service impacts due to the Askul breach. Department store chain Sogo & Seibu has also suspended online sales of certain merchandise, demonstrating how single-point vulnerabilities in supply chains can affect multiple retailers simultaneously., according to industry reports

Askul serves numerous major retailers and corporate suppliers, positioning it as a critical link between online storefronts and distribution warehouses. This central role means that any disruption to Askul’s operations automatically affects multiple retail brands and their customers., according to market analysis

Japan’s Growing Corporate Cybersecurity Challenges

This incident represents the latest in a series of cybersecurity incidents affecting Japanese corporations. Earlier this month, Asahi, the nation’s largest brewer, acknowledged that a cyberattack by the Russian-speaking Qilin gang had halted production lines and delayed national product launches. These repeated incidents suggest Japanese corporations may need to reassess their cybersecurity preparedness, particularly regarding third-party vendor relationships., according to technology trends

Neither Muji nor Askul has disclosed which ransomware group is responsible for the attack or whether any ransom demands have been made. No major cybercrime group has claimed responsibility for the breach at the time of reporting.

Corporate Response and Customer Impact

Both companies have issued public apologies that emphasize humility but provide limited concrete information about resolution timelines. Askul has promised to provide updates “as soon as we understand” the incident’s full scope, while Muji has thanked customers for their “understanding” during restoration efforts., as related article

The situation presents a particular irony for Muji, whose brand identity centers on simplicity, tranquility, and reliability. Customers seeking the company’s famously Zen aesthetic now encounter digital error messages instead of minimalist products, creating a stark contrast between brand promise and current reality.

For now, consumers seeking Muji’s calming influence must look beyond digital channels or practice patience in its purest form—waiting quietly for systems to restore and checkout pages to function again.

Reference: Muji service impact notice | Askul official statement