Bascule
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersTokio, Japan
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
Bascule firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bascule
- Legal name
- 株式会社バスキュール
- Website
- https://bascule.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bascule industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Creative Experience Design
- NAICS
- Graphic Design Services (541430), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Mailing, Reproduction, Commercial Art & Photography (7330)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Outsourced Art/Audio Production Services (2D/3D, Animation, VFX, Audio/VO) (MPAFAKAM)
Keywords
Where Bascule is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokio
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices3 records
Markets served
Bascule business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Project-Based Creative Services: Bascule operates as a project design studio, taking on creative and technical development projects for corporate clients, government agencies, and cultural institutions. Projects span interactive installations, XR experiences, digital signage, AR/VR applications, live entertainment tech, and urban experience design. Revenue is earned through project fees negotiated per engagement.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Bascule product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bascule is a Tokyo-based "Project Design Studio" that designs and develops custom interactive digital experiences, XR/AR/VR applications, real-time data visualizations, and large-scale installations for enterprise clients and government agencies. Projects span interactive installations, audio AR platforms, VR experiences, live entertainment technology, urban experience design, and space entertainment systems, delivered through end-to-end visioning, prototyping, and deployment. The studio combines creative direction with proprietary technology platforms (KIBO宇宙放送局, 音声AR, Connected Flip, TerraCaster, VR Real Data Baseball) to execute unprecedented cross-industry projects.
Product overview
Bascule is a 'Project Design Studio' (ビジョンイング × プロトタイピング × ブリコラージュ) operating as a creative production company that builds custom interactive experiences rather than a unified SaaS product. The portfolio consists of distinct proprietary platforms and services: KIBO宇宙放送局 (space entertainment with ISS bidirectional communication), 音声AR (audio-based AR platform for tourism/museums), VR Real Data Baseball (professional sports VR), Connected Flip (digital interactive flip for remote events), MeteorBroadcaster (real-time meteor detection), The Tree of Light (LED installations), SUBAROAD (automotive drive app), and TerraCaster (satellite Earth imagery). Supporting products include SOFINA 肌id (AI skincare), INITIME BOX (volumetric video MR), EAR WE GO! (location radio), THE ISS METAVERSE (ISS digital twin), and TOKYO NODE Xplorer (AR city exploration). Major collaborations include Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai Signature Pavilion 'Live Earth Journey' with director Shoji Kawamori.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- KIBO宇宙放送局: Space live entertainment project connecting space and Earth in real-time from the KIBO Japanese Experiment Module on the International Space Station
- 音声AR
- MeteorBroadcaster
- Connected Flip
- VR Real Data Baseball
- The Tree of Light
- SUBARU Digital Innovation Lab
- #きぼうを見よう
Products and services
- KIBO宇宙放送局 (KIBO Space Broadcasting Station) World's first space entertainment platform enabling real-time bidirectional communication between the ISS 'Kibo' Japanese Experiment Module and ground. Features ISS orbital simulation, Earth AR visualization, and live broadcast programming with astronauts and artists; serves media partners and the general public.
- 音声AR (Audio AR) Audio-based augmented reality platform using smartphone/tablet apps and backend systems to deliver location-aware, personalized audio experiences. Applied to tourism, museums, exhibitions, and city exploration for enterprise clients and municipalities; features GPS positioning, multi-language support, and venue analytics.
Quantifiable outcome
- KIBO宇宙放送局: World's first bidirectional ISS-to-ground live broadcast with millions of viewers across multiple programs
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Bascule
Customer profileNamed customers20 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Bascule technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration10 records
AI capability16 records
Feature7 records
Bascule partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
25 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Nippon Television Network Corporation (日本テレビ)flagshipStrategic partner for TerraCaster — next-generation Earth observation video platform using weather satellite data. Also partner for INITIME BOX VR/MR application and KIBO宇宙放送局 programs. Co-developing new space entertainment content and satellite data applications.
- Rhizomatiks (Abstract Engine Inc.)coreRhizomatiks co-founder Motoi Ishibashi appointed as external executive officer at Bascule (July 2025). Partnership focuses on Physical AI R&D, large-scale experience events, and building a new creative collective for the generative AI era. Joint efforts include Tokyo Node Xplorer Rhizomatiks × ELEVENPLAY content.
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)flagshipJAXA is Bascule's core strategic partner for the KIBO宇宙放送局 (KIBO Space Broadcasting Station) project, part of JAXA's J-SPARC (宇宙イノベーションパートナーシップ) co-creation R&D program. Bascule developed the world's first bidirectional live communication system between ISS/KIBO and ground, enabling space-to-earth TV broadcasts. The partnership also covers THE ISS METAVERSE and satellite data applications including TerraCaster.
- Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.flagshipLong-standing strategic partner across numerous Nihonbashi area projects including HELLO SPACE WORK! NIHONBASHI events (2021-2023), EAR WE GO! location-based radio experience, The Tree of Light installations, 星降ル森, and other urban experience activations. Multiple annual events and ongoing co-creation of urban entertainment experiences.
- Mori Building Co., Ltd.corePartner for TOKYO NODE Lab (Toranomon Hills), Dodgers Experience展 VR Baseball, Toranomon Hills Clock digital signage, MUUUSE Christmas Experience, and TOKYO NODE Xplorer AR app development. Bascule is a member of the TOKYO NODE LAB innovation community.
- SUBARU CorporationflagshipCreative partner in SUBARU Digital Innovation Lab R&D project. Bascule is responsible for concept design and prototype development of new digital services. First output is SUBAROAD app for SUBARU owners. Partnership involves open innovation with multiple technology partners.
- KDDI CorporationcorePartner across multiple projects including COLO RESPECT YOU regional platform, PICA初島/UMU威海島 RESPECT YOU au experience, and 流星放送局 meteor broadcasting. KDDI's regional co-creation initiatives leverage Bascule's audio AR and digital experience capabilities.
- Sony CorporationcoreTechnology partner across multiple projects including Tokyo Node Lab, Dubai Expo Japan Pavilion (Sony PCL for spatial audio), and various XR initiatives. Sony's imaging and audio technologies are integrated into Bascule's experiential installations.
- Dentsu Inc. / Dentsu Live Inc.coreLong-standing agency partner for numerous projects including Tokyo Node, Dubai Expo Japan Pavilion, and various event productions. Dentsu's production capabilities complement Bascule's creative and technical development.
- Niantic, Inc.minorCollaborated on DIVE to INGRESS audio AR agent game, combining Niantic's AR gaming platform with Bascule's audio AR technology for an interactive entertainment experience.
- HAKUHODO Inc.minorMajor advertising agency partner for various creative and digital projects, providing additional client access and production capabilities.
- Panasonic CorporationminorPartner across multiple XR and digital experience projects including Kabuki Avatar, physical mirror installations, and other Panasonic technology-integrated experiences.
- The Pokémon CompanyminorCollaboration partner in KIBO宇宙放送局 programs (THE SPACE SUNRISE LIVE 2021), contributing Pokémon characters and content to space entertainment broadcasts.
- SuntoryminorPartner for TOUCH-AND-GO COFFEE Produced by BOSS — personalized coffee ordering and digital signage experience. Bascule designed the full digital customer experience from ordering to pickup.
- Young Communication Co., Ltd.minorClient and partner for 'This is 嵐 LIVE 2020.12.31' interactive section — the largest-scale online live streaming event in Japan at the time, requiring advanced interactive fan engagement technology.
- Twitter Japan K.K.minorSocial media and content distribution partner for KIBO宇宙放送局 programs and other live streaming projects. Twitter's real-time platform is used for audience interaction and content distribution.
- BS TV TOKYO / TV TOKYOminorBroadcasting partner for KIBO宇宙放送局 and related space entertainment programs, providing TV broadcast infrastructure and audience reach for live space entertainment content.
- Coca-Cola (Japan) Company, LimitedminorPartner in KIBO宇宙放送局 THE SPACE SUNRISE LIVE 2021, providing brand content integration for space entertainment broadcast programs.
- Sky Perfect JSAT / スカパーJSATminorSatellite broadcasting partner for KIBO宇宙放送局 programs, providing BS satellite broadcast infrastructure for space entertainment content delivery.
- Japan Association for the 2025 World ExpositionflagshipBascule serves as creative director and producer for the Signature Pavilion 'いのちめぐる冒険' (LIVE EARTH JOURNEY) at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, directed by Shoji Kawamori. Partnership involves concept development, MR/XR/immersive technology integration, and content production.
- METI / JETROcoreGovernment partners for Dubai Expo Japan Pavilion project. METI and JETRO coordinated Japan's participation in the international exposition where Bascule delivered the gold medal-winning audio AR experience.
- Showcase Gig Inc.minorPartner for The Label Fruit next-generation fruit milk tea shop digital ordering, pickup locker digital signage, and customization UI development.
- Red Bull Japan Co., Ltd.minorPartner for various sports and entertainment projects including event activations and interactive experiences.
- SoVeC Co., Ltd.coreSpatial audio technology partner for 2025 Expo pavilion (ANIMA!, Super Dimensional Theater) and Tokyo Node projects, providing advanced audio engineering for immersive experiences.
- IMAGICA EEX Inc.coreVisual direction and CG production partner for 2025 Osaka Expo Signature Pavilion 'いのちめぐる冒険', responsible for immersive theater content direction and CG production.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Bascule competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Universal Everything: UK-based digital art and experience design studio creating immersive installations, motion design, and generative art for cultural institutions and brands. Comparable as a boutique creative-tech studio working at the intersection of art and technology.
- WOW Inc. Tokyo visual design and motion graphics studio working on commercials, music videos, and brand experiences. Overlapping client roster (Suntory, Sony, Honda) and similar bespoke-project-based creative model.
- PARTY (Whatever Inc.): Tokyo creative studio producing digital experiences, advertising, and interactive installations for major Japanese brands. Comparable client mix (corporate, entertainment, government) and similar scale of bespoke creative production work.
- Unit9: London-based experience production studio working on AR/VR, interactive installations, and branded experiences for global brands. Comparable in technology depth (XR, AR, data visualization) and project-based creative services model.
- teamLab: Japanese digital art collective and experiential design studio creating immersive installations, museums, and large-scale exhibitions globally. Most direct competitor to Bascule in the Japanese premium experiential design space — operates TOKYO NODE venue alongside Bascule.
- Moment Factory: Montreal-based multimedia entertainment studio creating immersive experiences, lighting installations, and destination venues globally. Closest international analog to Bascule's "project design studio" model combining technology and creative direction.
- B-Reel: Stockholm/New York creative tech agency producing interactive experiences, VR, and digital products for global brands. Similar scale and multidisciplinary creative-tech studio positioning as Bascule.
- Rhizomatiks (Abstract Engine): Tokyo-based creative technology studio combining engineering, art, and performance. Highly comparable to Bascule in discipline and client base; key personnel overlap (Motoi Ishibashi moved from Rhizomatiks to Bascule in July 2025).
Emerging players
- SIX Inc. Tokyo creative technology firm led by Tsubasa Oyagi who collaborates directly with Bascule on projects like SOFINA iP. Highly comparable in creative-tech discipline and Japanese market focus, at smaller scale.
- Imaginary Forces: New York design-driven creative studio specializing in title sequences, brand experiences, and immersive installations. Comparable as a boutique creative studio with strong craft focus, though less technical depth than Bascule in XR/AR.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Bascule social profiles
Digital presenceBascule financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bascule leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Bascule funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Bascule M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments2 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Bascule
What does Bascule do?
Bascule is a Tokyo-based "Project Design Studio" that designs and develops custom interactive digital experiences, XR/AR/VR applications, real-time data visualizations, and large-scale installations for enterprise clients and government agencies. Projects span interactive installations, audio AR platforms, VR experiences, live entertainment technology, urban experience design, and space entertainment systems, delivered through end-to-end visioning, prototyping, and deployment. The studio combines creative direction with proprietary technology platforms (KIBO宇宙放送局, 音声AR, Connected Flip, TerraCaster, VR Real Data Baseball) to execute unprecedented cross-industry projects.
Is Bascule a public or private company?
Bascule is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Bascule founded?
Bascule was founded in 2000. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Bascule based?
Bascule is headquartered in Tokio, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Bascule make money?
One revenue line is on record: project-Based Creative Services.
Who are Bascule's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Universal Everything, WOW Inc., PARTY (Whatever Inc.), Unit9, teamLab, Moment Factory, B-Reel and Rhizomatiks (Abstract Engine). Emerging players are SIX Inc. and Imaginary Forces.
Does Bascule have an API?
No public API is recorded for Bascule.
What industry is Bascule in?
Bascule's product category is Creative Experience Design. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAKAM, Outsourced Art/Audio Production Services (2D/3D, Animation, VFX, Audio/VO). Its NAICS code is 541430 and its SIC code is 7371.