What CANDY HOUSE does

CANDY HOUSE designs, manufactures, and sells the SESAME smart-lock ecosystem under the operating brand CANDY HOUSE JAPAN株式会社, headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo. The company serves both individual consumers seeking to upgrade existing Japanese (and increasingly US/Nordic) deadbolts to smartphone- and biometrics-controlled locks, and enterprise customers — offices, coworking operators, property managers, short-term rental hosts, and shared-space operators — who deploy SESAME Biz for multi-door access management.

Its core technology is a custom SesameOS firmware stack on a Bluetooth-based smart-lock platform, paired with a proprietary brushless motor rated for one million operations and GMR angle sensors for precise deadbolt positioning. The product surface spans motorized locks (SESAME 5, 6 Pro, 6 Pro Mini, 6 Pro Sliding Door), biometric access terminals (Face and Face Pro with 3D infrared face + palm vein recognition), fingerprint and card readers (Touch / Touch Pro), a multi-protocol Hub3 gateway with Matter and infrared device control, the SESAME Bot 3 robotic button actuator, the SESAME Bike 2 smart bike lock, and Open Sensor 2 for door-state auto-locking. All services run on AWS with Japan-region servers for data residency. The company 3D-prints custom adapters covering over 99% of Japanese door-lock types, which is the primary distribution moat.

Revenue is generated primarily through direct-to-consumer hardware sales (one-time purchases ranging from 4,980 yen for SESAME 5 up to premium 6 Pro pricing) via the official storefront, Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping, plus a small recurring SaaS stream through SESAME Biz (Free / Light / Pro / Business / Enterprise tiers) for enterprise access management, API quotas, and credential provisioning. Go-to-market is hybrid: product-led growth and YouTube-driven launches for consumers, supplemented by Kickstarter and Makuake crowdfunding validation; enterprise sales are sales-assisted, with a reseller channel (012cloud.jp) and direct outreach to system integrators and property managers.

Name

CANDY HOUSE

Legal name

CANDY HOUSE JAPAN株式会社

Website

https://jp.candyhouse.co

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

CANDY HOUSE designs and sells the SESAME smart-lock ecosystem—motorized locks, biometric terminals, IoT hubs, and the SESAME Biz SaaS platform—for residential and enterprise customers across Japan, the US, China, and Taiwan.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Smart Locks

NAICS

Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314)

SIC

Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822)

akta.pro primary industry

Residential Smart Lock Hardware (Keypad, Keyless, Biometric, Connected) (HSAHAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Smart Lock Software Platforms & Mobile Apps (Access Control SaaS) (HSAHAEAG), Access Control & Smart Locks (Managed/Monitored) (HSAHAAAG), Smart Home Hubs, Controllers & Voice Assistants (HSAPAQAA), Smart Locks & Access Control Retail (CRAIAMAD)

Keywords

• Smart lock products
• Biometric access control
• IoT home automation
• Enterprise access management
• Developer SDK platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Operations

Revenue model

1. Smart Lock Hardware Sales: Sale of smart lock devices (SESAME 5/5 Pro/6 Pro/6 Pro Mini/6 Pro Sliding Door), biometric access terminals (SESAME Face series, SESAME Touch series), and ecosystem devices (Hub3, Bot 3, Bike 2, Open Sensor 2, Remote/Remote Nano). One-time purchase model with perpetual use of app and basic features.
2. SESAME Biz SaaS Subscription: Annual or monthly subscription plans (Light/Pro/Business/Enterprise/Free) for enterprise access control management. Plans include device/user limits, API request limits, and feature tiers. Free plan available with limited API requests; paid plans offer unlimited users, card management, authentication machine management, and higher API quotas.
3. Accessories & Consumables: Sale of batteries (CR123A, CR2), 3M tape, magnets, custom key adapters, and other accessories. Repeat purchase model driven by product ecosystem. Batteries priced at 148-298 yen per unit; adapters from 98-380 yen.
4. Developer API / SDK Licensing: Free open-source SDK for developers with API key access. SESAME Biz plans impose API request limits per month, with higher limits on paid tiers. Revenue derived indirectly through ecosystem lock-in and SESAME Biz subscriptions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

CANDY HOUSE designs, manufactures and sells the SESAME smart lock ecosystem, a platform-plus-modules architecture of motorized Bluetooth smart locks that attach to existing door cylinders. The product line spans the SESAME 5/6 Pro smart lock series, biometric access terminals (SESAME Face and Touch), the Hub3 multi-protocol gateway, Open Sensor 2 door sensors, SESAME Cycle 2 bike locks, SESAME Bot 3 IoT controllers, and the SESAME Biz cloud SaaS platform for enterprise access management, supported by an open-source SDK and Web API for developers.

Product overview

CANDY HOUSE is a smart lock and IoT company offering the SESAME smart lock ecosystem as a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core SESAME 5/6 series smart locks attach to existing door cylinders for smartphone-controlled access. Biometric access is enabled via SESAME Face (face/palm recognition) and SESAME Touch (fingerprint/card) terminals. Hub3 serves as the multi-protocol gateway enabling remote control, Matter integration, and infrared device control. SESAME Bot provides programmable button automation for non-smart devices, while SESAME Cycle offers smart bicycle locks. SESAME Biz is a cloud SaaS management platform for business access control. Accessories include special adapters for 99% of Japanese lock types, batteries, magnets, and mounting hardware. Products are sold direct-to-consumer and through Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SESAME Biz: Access control management system for businesses and offices
• SESAME API

Products and services

• SESAME 5 Main smart lock with improved motor durability using thicker electric brushes and increased contact points. Features non-contact GMR (giant magnetoresistive) angle sensor for higher precision and durability. Enhanced clutch mechanism ensures emergency unlocking even if battery is removed mid-operation. Priced at 4,980 yen.
• SESAME 6 Pro Premium smart lock with brushless motor, rated for 1 million operations. Industry-unique ultra-quiet operation. Higher torque and durability than standard models. Also available in mini version and sliding door version.
• SESAME 6 Pro Mini Compact variant of the SESAME 6 Pro with brushless motor designed for smaller doors or limited spaces.
• SESAME 6 Pro Sliding Door Smart lock specialized for Japanese sliding doors, combining traditional aesthetics with smart lock functionality.
• SESAME 5 North America/Nordic Version International version of SESAME 5 designed for North American and Nordic markets with compatibility for US and European lock standards.
• SESAME Face Pro Biometric access terminal with 3D face recognition using infrared structured light technology and palm vein authentication. Supports fingerprint, NFC card, and password authentication methods. Weather-resistant IP65 rated. SesameOS 3 powered.
• SESAME Face 2 Pro AI Era AI-powered biometric terminal combining 3D face recognition and palm vein authentication with SesameOS 3. Supports 100 face, 100 palm, and 100 password registrations. IP65 rated. 0.0001% false recognition rate. Radar-based proximity detection from 30cm to 270cm.
• SESAME Face Entry-level biometric access terminal with 3D face recognition and palm vein authentication. Simplified version without fingerprint sensor for lower price point. IP65 rated. Supports 100 faces and 100 palm veins.
• SESAME Face AI Era Compact AI-powered biometric terminal focused on face and palm vein authentication only. Entry-level price point with SesameOS 3 support. IP65 rated.
• SESAME Touch Pro Proximity card reader with fingerprint authentication, NFC card support, and numeric keypad. Controls up to 100 fingerprints, NFC cards, and passwords. Connects via Bluetooth to Sesame locks.
• SESAME Touch Entry-level card reader with fingerprint authentication, NFC card, and password support for keyless entry without smartphone. Connects via Bluetooth to Sesame locks.
• Open Sensor 2 Door position sensor that detects door open/close status. Triggers automatic locking via SESAME when door is closed. Features ultra-fast auto-lock response and configurable detection sensitivity.
• SESAME Cycle 2 Smart bicycle lock with Bluetooth connectivity. Allows smartphone-based lock/unlock and sharing of access with others.
• SESAME Bot 3 Programmable finger robot that controls physical buttons and switches via Bluetooth. Customizable scripts enable automation of various devices including door intercoms, elevator buttons, and other push-button systems. Supports Matter protocol.
• Hub3 Multi-protocol smart home hub supporting Bluetooth, WiFi, infrared remote control, and Matter. Compact design enables remote control of SESAME devices and integration with smart home ecosystems. Controls air conditioners, TVs, and other IR devices.
• Remote Indoor remote control unit for SESAME devices. Provides Bluetooth control of locks without smartphone dependency.
• Remote Nano Portable compact remote with long-press mode option to prevent accidental unlocking. Can control multiple SESAME devices including remotely located locks.
• SESAME Biz Cloud-based access management system for businesses. Features include key sharing, group key management, access history tracking, CSV export, one-time password issuance with time limits, and API access for enterprise integration. Annual or monthly subscription plans ranging from Free (1,000 API requests/month) to Enterprise.
• Special Key Adapters Custom-fit adapters 3D-printed for specific lock models including MIWA HP40, U1, B5, NDR, POSTE, and others. 99% of Japanese lock types supported via custom adapter service. Priced 98-380 yen per adapter.
• Neodymium Magnet Set Super strong neodymium N50 magnets (5-pack) for tool-free installation on magnetic doors. Includes anti-slip sheets and 3M tape. Compatible with all SESAME locks, Touch, and Face series.
• High-capacity CR123A Battery (1800mAh) High-capacity primary lithium battery (LiMnO2) for SESAME, Face, Touch Pro, Cycle, and Open Sensor 2. 1800mAh capacity with ultra-low self-discharge rate of 1% per year. Priced at 198 yen (tax included 218 yen).
• Panasonic CR123A Battery (1550mAh) Panasonic-branded primary lithium battery for SESAME, Face, Touch Pro, Cycle, and Open Sensor 2. 1550mAh capacity with ultra-stable voltage output. Priced at 298 yen (tax included 328 yen).
• CR2 Battery (850mAh) Primary lithium battery for SESAME Bot and Touch series. 850mAh capacity with ultra-low self-discharge rate. Priced at 148 yen per unit.

Quantifiable outcome

• Battery life of ~550 days at 10 operations/day for SESAME 4, ~365 days for Face series with 2 batteries, and ~500+ days for CR123A batteries
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability7 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• ユニソン (UNISON Co., Ltd.)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 December 2025Japan's leading parcel box manufacturer (domestic sales No. 1). CANDY HOUSE provided smart lock technology integration for UNISON's 'Vico Smart' parcel box launched December 2025. SESAME smart lock technology is embedded in UNISON's next-generation delivery box, combining convenience and security. UNISON covers the parcel box market while CANDY HOUSE provides the smart lock technology component.
• 美和ロック (Miwa Lock)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Major Japanese lock manufacturer. Entered a capital and business alliance in 2024 with approximately 350 million yen in funding (including multiple individual investors). Joint development in the AIoT (AI + IoT) field and new market development. CANDY HOUSE's custom key adapters specifically cover MIWA lock products (HP40, 75PM series).
• Wiz ( Wiz株式会社)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 30 May 2022Company providing IT services. Participated in Series A and is also a SESAME Biz customer deploying SESAME across approximately 30 locations including branch offices and employee housing. Demonstrates dual investment and implementation partnership.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• SwitchBot: Smart home IoT company offering retrofit smart lock devices, hubs, and sensors. Adjacent ecosystem player with overlapping Matter/smart home integration story and similar consumer DIY retrofit approach.
• Level Home: US-based designer of invisible/minimalist smart locks with HomeKit/Matter support. Comparable consumer smart lock product with overlapping premium positioning and biometric/mobile credential features.

Broad incumbents

• Schlage (Allegion): Major US lock manufacturer (Allegion) with the Schlage Encode smart lock line and broader commercial access portfolio. Established incumbent with deep distribution that competes for both residential and light-commercial smart lock share.
• August Home (Yale / Assa Abloy): Smart lock pioneer acquired by Assa Abloy / Yale; offers consumer retrofit smart locks with app-based access, voice integrations, and an enterprise adjacent offering through Yale. A larger, broader incumbent in the same smart lock category.
• Aqara: Global smart home platform offering smart locks, hubs, and sensors with Matter/HomeKit/Google/Alexa integration. Broader smart home incumbent competing on ecosystem breadth and price across multiple geographies.

Direct peers

• Igloohome: Singapore-based smart lock and access management company focused on short-term rental and property management operators. Comparable target customer base (Airbnb hosts, property managers) and similar SaaS-style access credentialing model.
• Qrio: Japan-based smart lock maker (Sony-backed) producing retrofit smart locks for Japanese doors. Direct competitor in the Japanese residential smart lock market with overlapping use cases (smartphone unlock, shared keys, family access).
• Nuki Home Solutions: Austria-based smart lock company selling retrofit Bluetooth/Wi-Fi locks and a SaaS-style access management platform (Nuki Web). Closely comparable retrofit smart lock + access SaaS model, though primarily European rather than Japanese.

Others

• Miwa Lock: Major Japanese lock manufacturer and CANDY HOUSE investor/strategic partner. Both OEM competitor (manufactures traditional Japanese door locks) and enabler (3D-printed Sesame adapters cover MIWA lock types).
• Nature Remo: Japan-based smart home hub company with which CANDY HOUSE has an integration partnership (Nature Remo added support for SESAME Bot 2 / SESAME 5 NA). Adjacent smart home ecosystem player rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/candy_house_jp
• GitHubgithub.com/CANDY-HOUSE
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtFmJKtIJflQNROHG2wumMA
• Facebookfacebook.com/candyhouseinc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/candy-house-inc-

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds7 records

Investors6 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CANDY HOUSE