Asterisk
Asterisk Inc. (株式会社アスタリスク) is an Osaka-based Japanese public company (TSE Growth: 6522) that designs AsReader-branded smartphone-attached RFID readers and barcode scanners, selling to automotive, healthcare, logistics, retail, and food-service enterprises across Japan, the US, EU, and China.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersOsaka, Japan
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Asterisk does
Asterisk Inc. (株式会社アスタリスク) is a Japanese technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells RFID readers and barcode scanners engineered to attach to consumer smartphones, marketed globally under the AsReader brand. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Osaka, the company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market (formerly Mothers) in 2021 under stock code 6522 and operates with a headcount of 101-250 employees across offices in Japan, the United States, Europe, and China.
The core AsReader product line functions as a hardware sleeve or dongle that pairs with the host smartphone for display, processing, and connectivity, integrating UHF RFID, 1D/2D barcode, and — increasingly — face-recognition capabilities. The cost architecture is the central commercial lever: smartphone-coupled units are positioned around 49,000 yen versus 100,000-300,000 yen for dedicated industrial terminals. The technology stack includes edge AI inference through a capital alliance with ArchiTek (approximately 1.9% stake, integrating the aIPE LSI) and a multi-sensor people-tracking system that fuses RFID with weight sensors. Asterisk holds patents across RFID, people tracking, and face recognition, with key claims upheld in IP litigation against Fast Retailing. Customer deployments span automotive (Toyota), healthcare (Osaka Medical University Hospital, Kishiwada Tokushukai Hospital), logistics (Daiwa Logistics), entertainment (Round One), and food service (Koganeseimen), with cumulative AsReader shipments exceeding 200,000 units.
The business model blends one-time hardware sales with software and services revenue, including a terminal rental service launched in June 2025 to introduce recurring revenue. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales, wholly-owned regional subsidiaries, and channel distribution through Itochu Pulp & Paper. The company is actively extending its surface: face authentication through a March 2026 partnership with Koyo Innotex, a North American launch of the RFID Reading TUB in July 2026, and software-only products such as the AsCode expiration-date management app (September 2025) and the RFID Starter Kit entry package (December 2025).
Asterisk firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Asterisk
- Legal name
- 株式会社アスタリスク
- Website
- https://asx.co.jp
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Asterisk Inc. (株式会社アスタリスク) is an Osaka-based Japanese public company (TSE Growth: 6522) that designs AsReader-branded smartphone-attached RFID readers and barcode scanners, selling to automotive, healthcare, logistics, retail, and food-service enterprises across Japan, the US, EU, and China.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Asterisk industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Mobile Auto-Identification Hardware
- NAICS
- Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers (423430)
- SIC
- Computer Communications Equipment (3576)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Barcode Scanners & Data Capture Devices (1D/2D/RFID Readers) (HDACAKAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Barcode Scanners & Retail/Industrial Data Capture (HDACAFAJ)
Keywords
Where Asterisk is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Osaka
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices8 records
Markets served
Asterisk business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- AsReader Hardware Product Sales: AsReader is sold as case-type, attachment-type, and dedicated readers for smartphones and tablets. Products include barcode scanners, RFID readers/writers, camera-based scanners, and accessories. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware product sales to businesses.
- Software / SaaS Subscriptions: Cloud-based facial authentication service (AsReader One) and related SaaS applications for access control, attendance management, and payment processing generate recurring subscription revenue.
- System Integration & Consulting Services: System integration, consulting, and implementation services for RFID and auto-identification deployments, including As Force (RFID-based system integration with ERP/WMS/POS), and custom application development.
- Terminal Rental Services: Rental service for business terminals launched in June 2025, providing ongoing managed equipment revenue.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | AsReader hardware reader product line |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Accessories and peripheral devices |
| Subscription | Monthly | AsReader One SaaS / cloud service |
| Subscription | Monthly | Terminal rental services |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Asterisk product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Asterisk Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets the AsReader line of smartphone-mounted barcode readers and UHF RFID readers/writers, along with related image recognition, face authentication, and people-tracking solutions, targeting retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing customers. The company sells these hardware products through direct enterprise sales, international subsidiaries, and partner/distributor channels, complemented by AsReader One cloud-based face authentication SaaS, the As Force RFID integration platform, and system integration services. Cumulative AsReader shipments exceeded 200,000 units as of December 2023 since the product line launched in 2013.
Product overview
Asterisk offers a comprehensive object recognition and mobile solutions portfolio centered on the AsReader brand, which encompasses multiple hardware product lines (barcode readers, RFID readers/writers, camera scanners, specialty readers), software products (AsCode, AsReader CameraX, AsTagFinder), platform systems (As Force RFID integration), and face authentication services (AsReader One, AsReader GoMA). The company also operates self-checkout technology through subsidiary Jido Regis Kenkyusho and runs a demonstration restaurant at Koganeseimen. The AsReader hardware series has achieved 200,000+ cumulative shipments since 2013, with products spanning from basic barcode jackets to advanced RFID systems, and the portfolio continues expanding into AI-powered retail automation with person tracking, face authentication, and weight sensor integration.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- AsReader: Smartphone-mounted barcode reader, RFID reader/writer, and related software product line for object recognition technology in logistics, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing industries.
Products and services
- AsReader smartphone-mounted barcode / RFID reader line Core smartphone- and tablet-mounted hardware product line including jacket-type, attachment-type, gun-type, dock-type, camera-type, and specialized barcode (1D/2D) readers and UHF RFID readers/writers used by retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing enterprises. Standard price from 49,000 yen excluding tax.
- AsReader CAMERA-Type / AsReader CameraX Software-based barcode scanning using smartphone cameras, with high-speed decoding (JAN13 in under 1ms) and laser pointer targeting for hands-free operation; CameraX is the Android-optimized high-performance version.
- AsTagFinder (P3 Finder SDK) High-precision 3D RFID tag location search system using phase analysis (rather than signal strength), co-developed with RF Locus, enabling ~10cm tag positioning accuracy for inventory location management.
- AsRegi+ RFID self-checkout register system RFID-based self-checkout register that separates product reading (RFID Reading TUB) from payment, combined with people tracking for flexible N-to-M reader-to-checkout configurations; co-developed with Citizen Systems.
- AsCode expiration-date management app Mobile application for rapid batch reading of barcodes and QR codes enabling quick expiration-date management and inventory scanning for convenience stores, supermarkets, and logistics.
- AsReader ASR-A24D Android-only attachment-type 2D barcode reader for smartphones with improved accuracy, 60cm+ reading range for standard JAN codes, and OCR capability.
- Infrared AsReader (ASR-060D) JVMA-compliant infrared optical communication module for vending machines, enabling real-time sales data transmission and route-sales management.
- AsReader PASSPORT-Type mobile passport reader Mobile passport reader using a smartphone camera and scantable, with ICAO-compliant MRZ reading and OCR text extraction for identity verification at hotels and duty-free stores.
- AsReader GoMA face-authentication door unlock Face-authentication door-unlock product integrating AsReader One face recognition with CANDY HOUSE SESAME smart locks, targeting enterprise, retail, and residential security access.
- AsReader One cloud face authentication service Subscription-based face authentication cloud service using smartphone or tablet cameras for entry management, attendance tracking, and cashless payments, requiring no dedicated cameras.
- As Force RFID-based system integration platform RFID operational base software system enabling integration with existing ERP, WMS, and POS systems via API and file-based connectivity without requiring changes to core infrastructure.
- RFID Starter Kit Bundled starter kit enabling easy adoption of RFID technology for new market entry and customer onboarding.
- AsReader PoE Adapter (ASA-028P) Power over Ethernet adapter accessory that provides power and wired data communication to USB Type-C smart devices, enabling stable AsReader operation without battery concerns.
- Terminal rental service Subscription-based rental service for business terminal devices launched in June 2025, providing customers with managed equipment access without upfront hardware purchase.
- System integration and consulting services Professional system integration, consulting, implementation, and custom application development services for RFID and auto-identification deployments integrated with ERP, WMS, and POS systems.
Quantifiable outcome
- Inventory counting time reduced to 1/10 or less compared to manual visual inspection
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Asterisk
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Asterisk technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability11 records
Feature8 records
Asterisk partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Koyo Innotex Co., Ltd. (コーユーイノテックス)coreStrategic business partnership for face recognition systems deployment. Asterisk provides hardware and solution proposals; Koyo Innotex provides network installation engineering and nationwide on-site support across Japan. Targets expanding face recognition market including access control, attendance management, and payment authentication in corporate, factory, and data center environments. Both companies leverage mutual customer bases to expand into new sectors.
- OpenStream Corporation / Kyocera (3-way partnership)coreThree-way partnership: Asterisk's AsReader CameraX barcode scanning software, OpenStream's Biz/Browser enterprise application platform, and Kyocera's DuraForce EX rugged smartphone. Targets enterprises migrating from Windows CE-based handheld terminals to smartphones. Solution enables existing business applications to run on new mobile devices, addressing Windows Embedded Compact 7 end-of-support deadline in 2026.
- Kyocera Corporation (京セラ)coreCollaboration to bundle Kyocera's business smartphone DIGNO SX2 with Asterisk's AsReader ASR-A24D barcode reader as a combined package (ASR-A24D-SX2). Sold through Asterisk as a high-performance Android-based handheld terminal solution for enterprise field operations. Targets companies migrating from Windows CE-based dedicated terminals to smartphones.
- CANDY HOUSE JAPAN Inc.coreCapital and business partnership for smart lock products. Asterisk developed AsReader GoMA face-authentication door unlock product using CANDY HOUSE's SESAME smart lock technology. Partnership enables integration of Asterisk's face recognition with SESAME smart locks for security access in enterprises, stores, and homes. Joint product targets both B2B and B2C markets.
- ArchiTek Corporation (アーキTek)coreCapital and business partnership for edge AI development. Asterisk acquired 1.9% stake in ArchiTek through C-type preferred shares. Joint development of products incorporating ArchiTek's aIPE (ArchiTek Intelligence Pixel Engine) LSI technology. Combined Asterisk's image recognition with ArchiTek's AI processors for compact, low-power edge AI solutions sold in Japan and internationally.
- Citizen Systems Corporation (シチズン・システムズ)coreJoint development of AsRegi+ RFID-based self-checkout system. Asterisk provides RFID reading tub, people tracking image recognition, and AsRegi POS app; Citizen Systems provides the payment terminal (Multi-Payment Box CP-B257). Enables flexible N-to-M reader-to-checkout configurations for retail environments.
- Itochu Pulp & Paper Corporation (伊藤忠紙パルプ)coreCapital and business alliance. Asterisk sold 10% of its shares to Itochu Pulp & Paper, which provides nationwide sales network for Asterisk's auto-identification solutions. Itochu Pulp & Paper adds Asterisk's RFID and IoT solutions to its paper/pulp product distribution portfolio. Partnership targets broad enterprise market coverage across Japan, aligned with government RFID initiatives.
- RF Locus Corporation (RFル卡斯)coreJoint development of P3 Finder (Phase-based 3D RAIN RFID tags Finder) — a high-precision RFID tag positioning system using phase analysis rather than signal strength. RF Locus contributes core phase-based positioning technology; Asterisk contributes smartphone integration and AsReader hardware platform. System achieves ~10cm positioning accuracy for inventory location management.
- Shenzhen Zhenghua Intelligent Technology (深セン市正華智能科技)minorExclusive sales partnership in Japan for RF tags (IC tags) manufactured by Shenzhen Zhenghua Intelligent Technology. Zhenghua has over 10 years of experience producing cost-effective, high-quality RFID tags (UHF, HF, LF), smart cards, and antennas. Asterisk obtained exclusive distribution rights for Japan, expanding its tag supply chain and enabling total RFID solution offerings including hardware, software, and consumable tags.
- IBM Japan (日本アイ・ビー・エム)minorIBM Japan's Managed Vendor Support Service (MVSS) handles all after-sales service for AsReader products globally, including call center, technical support, repair handling, and parts inventory management. Leverages IBM's established global service infrastructure to meet growing international customer demand for reliable after-sales support.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights8 records
Asterisk competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Honeywell: Industrial-AIDC incumbent offering rugged mobile computers, barcode scanners, and RFID readers through its Productivity Solutions business. Directly competes with AsReader in warehouse, retail, and healthcare deployments.
- Datalogic: Italy-based specialist in industrial barcode scanners, mobile computers, and RFID readers. Most direct head-to-head with the AsReader product line in retail and logistics use cases globally.
- CipherLab: Mobile computing and barcode scanning vendor with strong presence in APAC. Competes with AsReader jacket-style and rugged handheld scanners in retail, warehousing, and field-service applications.
- Sato Holdings: Japan-headquartered peer in barcode labeling, RFID tags, and auto-identification solutions. Overlaps directly with Asterisk in Japanese retail and logistics RFID deployments and shares the same geographic customer base.
- Zebra Technologies: Global leader in enterprise barcode scanning, RFID readers, mobile computing, and printing. Directly comparable to Asterisk across AsReader's barcode jacket/RFID hardware line, though Zebra plays at meaningfully larger scale and breadth.
- Cognex: Machine-vision and image-based barcode reader specialist. Comparable on the camera-based scanning and people-tracking AI side of Asterisk's object-recognition portfolio, particularly for industrial and logistics automation.
Emerging players
- Newland EMEA: China-headquartered AIDC vendor offering barcode scanners, mobile computers, and RFID readers. Comparable in product mix and geographic reach to Asterisk's AsReader business.
- Unitech Electronics: Mobile computer and barcode scanner vendor with overlapping product categories to Asterisk (rugged handhelds, RFID readers). Niche competitor primarily in APAC and select verticals.
- TSC Auto ID: Taiwan-based manufacturer of barcode label printers and adjacent scanning peripherals. Adjacent competitor in the auto-identification hardware ecosystem where Asterisk sells RFID and barcode readers.
Regional players
- M3 Mobile: Korea-based manufacturer of rugged mobile computers and RFID/barcode scanners. Competes with AsReader in selected Asia-Pacific retail and logistics accounts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Asterisk social profiles
Digital presenceAsterisk financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Asterisk leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Asterisk subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Asterisk funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors6 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Asterisk M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Asterisk
What does Asterisk do?
Asterisk Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets the AsReader line of smartphone-mounted barcode readers and UHF RFID readers/writers, along with related image recognition, face authentication, and people-tracking solutions, targeting retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing customers. The company sells these hardware products through direct enterprise sales, international subsidiaries, and partner/distributor channels, complemented by AsReader One cloud-based face authentication SaaS, the As Force RFID integration platform, and system integration services. Cumulative AsReader shipments exceeded 200,000 units as of December 2023 since the product line launched in 2013.
Is Asterisk a public or private company?
Asterisk is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Asterisk founded?
Asterisk was founded in 2006. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Asterisk based?
Asterisk is headquartered in Osaka, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Asterisk make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. AsReader Hardware Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are software / SaaS Subscriptions, system Integration & Consulting Services and terminal Rental Services.
Who are Asterisk's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Honeywell, Datalogic, CipherLab, Sato Holdings, Zebra Technologies and Cognex. Emerging players are Newland EMEA, Unitech Electronics and TSC Auto ID. M3 Mobile is listed as a regional player.
Does Asterisk have an API?
No public API is recorded for Asterisk.
What industry is Asterisk in?
Asterisk's product category is Mobile Auto-Identification Hardware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDACAKAC, Barcode Scanners & Data Capture Devices (1D/2D/RFID Readers), with a secondary code of HDACAFAJ, Barcode Scanners & Retail/Industrial Data Capture. Its NAICS code is 423430 and its SIC code is 3576.