Ask Corporation
Ask Corporation is a Japanese comprehensive IT trading company, founded 1997, that distributes PC components, enterprise computing, professional video, and AI/robotics/VR products from 50+ global vendors to retailers, enterprise resellers, and broadcasters across Japan.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Ask Corporation does
Ask Corporation (株式会社アスク) is a privately held Japanese comprehensive IT trading company (総合商社) founded in December 1997 and headquartered in Tokyo (Ichigaya), with an additional sales office in Osaka (Yodogawa) and ISO 9001:2015-certified warehouses in Kashiwa and Takasaki. The company distributes a broad portfolio of global technology products — including PC components (graphics cards, motherboards, memory, cases, cooling, power supplies), enterprise computing (servers, NAS, storage), professional video equipment, AI/robotics solutions, VR/XR headsets, and secure storage — sourced from 50+ vendors such as AMD, NVIDIA, Synology, MSI, ZOTAC, Sapphire, Corsair, ASUS, ASRock, Cooler Master, Thermaltake, Super Micro, AJA, PICO, Stereolabs, and Apricorn. Registered capital is 15 million JPY and the company is led by Representative Director Mutoh Kazuhiko.
The business model is value-added hardware distribution. ASK earns revenue by sourcing products from overseas manufacturers and reselling them to Japanese consumer electronics retailers (Amazon Japan, Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, Yamada-Denki), enterprise value-added resellers and systems integrators (Otsuka, SYNNEX, Daiwabo, Ricoh, NEC, Toshiba, Panasonic, Hitachi, Sharp, Fujitsu, Sony Business Solutions), and direct customers such as broadcasting networks (NHK, TV Asahi, TBS, Fuji TV, TV Tokyo). The company layers on pre-sales market research, product localization, compatibility assurance, technical support, repair/returns handling, and a member-based B2B e-commerce platform (ASKB2B), plus an enterprise product-lending service. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is handled through direct quotation.
In 2026 ASK has visibly repositioned toward AI, XR, and 3D-vision solutions through new distribution and co-development partnerships with MetAI, Nexstege Technology, EXR, and Parallel Networks, and through new solution offerings including the AI Supercomputer package, ASK 3DGS (3D Gaussian Splatting service), and a Vuzix M400 Field DX PoC campaign. It has also added pro-eSports sales agent partnerships (Pro Gamers Group, Alliance, Virtus.pro) as a new go-to-market channel. Underlying operations continue to scale through a steady cadence of new product introductions, vendor events (AMD FAN FES, PULSE Powered by AMD, Thermaltake launches), and participation in industry exhibitions (Interop Tokyo 2026, NAB Show 2026, ASK FES 2026).
Ask Corporation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ask Corporation
- Legal name
- 株式会社アスク（ASK Corporation）
- Website
- https://ask-corp.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Ask Corporation is a Japanese comprehensive IT trading company, founded 1997, that distributes PC components, enterprise computing, professional video, and AI/robotics/VR products from 50+ global vendors to retailers, enterprise resellers, and broadcasters across Japan.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Ask Corporation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
Ask Corporation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Product Distribution and Resale: ASK Corporation generates revenue by distributing and reselling IT hardware products (PC parts, peripherals, servers, storage, graphics cards, audio/video equipment) sourced from global technology vendors to Japanese consumer and enterprise markets. The company acts as a value-added distributor providing market research, technical support, localization, branding, and supply chain services.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Ask Corporation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ask Corporation is a Japanese IT distribution and trading company that sources technology products from global vendors and resells them through Japanese consumer electronics retailers, enterprise resellers, and direct enterprise/government customers. The portfolio spans PC components (graphics cards, motherboards, memory, cooling, cases), enterprise computing (servers, NAS storage), professional videography equipment (capture cards, converters, broadcast graphics), AI/robotics solutions, and VR/XR products. Value-added services include pre-sales market research, product localization, system compatibility assurance, technical support, repair services, and supply chain management.
Product overview
Ask Corporation is a comprehensive IT trading company (総合商社) that distributes a wide range of technology products from multiple manufacturers to consumer, commercial, and professional users in Japan. The company serves as a distributor for major brands including AMD, NVIDIA, MSI, ZOTAC, CORSAIR, SAPPHIRE, ELSA, Synology, AVerMedia, and many others. Their product portfolio spans PC components (graphics cards, motherboards, memory, power supplies, cases, cooling solutions), enterprise computing (servers, storage, NAS systems), professional video equipment (AJA, Kiloview, Vizrt), AI/deep learning solutions, VR/XR products (PICO headsets, Stereolabs cameras), IoT/smart home devices, and security storage solutions (Apricorn). They also provide complementary services including technical support, inventory management, logistics, B2B e-commerce platform (ASK B2B), enterprise product lending, and system solutions consulting. The company acts as a master distributor and value-added reseller, offering pre-sales consultation, market research, localization support, and after-sales technical assistance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- AMD Products AMD Radeon graphics cards and Ryzen processors distributed through ASK's Japanese channel network to consumer, gaming, and enterprise customers.
- NVIDIA Products GeForce consumer graphics cards and NVIDIA RTX professional workstation GPUs distributed in Japan through ASK's channel network.
- Synology NAS Products DiskStation NAS models including DS224+, DS925+, DVA1622 surveillance NVR, ActiveProtect DP340 backup appliance, PAS7700 all-flash storage, and BC500/BC800Z/TC500/CC400W surveillance cameras distributed in Japan.
- MSI Products Gaming laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and PC components from Micro-Star International distributed in Japan.
- CORSAIR Products Memory modules, PC cases, power supplies, cooling solutions, and gaming peripherals from Corsair Components distributed in Japan.
- SAPPHIRE Products
Companies that use Ask Corporation
Customer profileNamed customers26 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Ask Corporation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Ask Corporation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
29 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- MetAI (合同会社MetAI)coreMetAI is a Japanese AI company with which ASK Corporation entered into a distribution agent agreement. This partnership enables ASK to distribute MetAI's AI solutions through its established channel network in Japan.
- Nexstege Technology (株式会社ネクステッジテクノロジー)coreNexstege Technology is a technology company with which ASK Corporation entered into a distribution agent agreement. The partnership expands ASK's portfolio of technology solutions distributed in Japan.
- EXR (イクスアール株式会社)coreASK Corporation and EXR entered into a strategic business partnership for the social implementation of AI and XR (extended reality) technologies. This partnership aims to jointly develop and deploy AI and XR solutions in the Japanese market.
- Parallel Networks (パラallelネットワークス)coreThrough partnership with Parallel Networks, ASK Corporation began offering AI solutions optimized for next-generation AI workloads targeted at data centers. This enables delivery of comprehensive AI infrastructure solutions to enterprise customers.
- Pro Gamers GroupminorPro Gamers Group is a pro eSports team with which ASK Corporation entered into a sales agent agreement to promote and distribute gaming products in Japan.
- Alliance (pro eSports team)minorAlliance is a professional eSports team with which ASK Corporation entered into a sales agent agreement to promote and distribute gaming products in Japan.
- Virtus.pro (pro eSports team)minorVirtus.pro is a professional eSports team with which ASK Corporation entered into a sales agent agreement to promote and distribute gaming products in Japan.
- Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD)coreAMD is a primary vendor partner of ASK Corporation, distributing AMD Radeon graphics cards and processors through ASK's channel network in Japan. ASK hosts AMD-focused events and campaigns including AMD FAN FES, PULSE Powered by AMD, and purchase promotion campaigns.
- NVIDIA CorporationcoreNVIDIA is a key vendor partner of ASK Corporation, distributing NVIDIA GeForce/RTX graphics cards and professional GPU solutions through ASK's Japanese channel. ASK provides NVIDIA driver downloads and runs NVIDIA-themed promotional campaigns.
- Synology Inc.coreSynology is a major vendor partner distributing NAS storage, surveillance systems, and data protection appliances through ASK in Japan. ASK provides lending services for Synology products and hosts webinars on Synology solutions including ActiveProtect ransomware protection.
- Sapphire Technology LimitedcoreSapphire Technology is a key graphics card vendor partner distributing AMD Radeon-based graphics boards through ASK Corporation in Japan. ASK announces new Sapphire products and manages promotional campaigns.
- ZOTAC Technology LimitedcoreZOTAC is a vendor partner of ASK Corporation distributing graphics cards and mini PCs through ASK's Japanese distribution network.
- MSI (Micro-Star INT'L CO., LTD.)coreMSI is a major vendor partner distributing gaming PCs, graphics cards, motherboards, and professional workstations through ASK in Japan.
- Corsair Components, Inc.coreCorsair is a vendor partner distributing gaming memory, power supplies, PC cases, and peripherals through ASK in Japan. ASK runs Corsair promotional campaigns including memory and case promotions.
- ELSA Japan Inc. (株式会社 エルザ ジャパン)coreELSA Japan is a vendor partner distributing graphics cards and professional visualization solutions through ASK in Japan.
- ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (ASUS)coreASUS is a vendor partner distributing motherboards, graphics cards, and computing solutions through ASK in Japan.
- ASRock Inc.coreASRock is a vendor partner distributing motherboards and PC components through ASK in Japan.
- Cooler Master TechnologycoreCooler Master is a vendor partner distributing PC cooling solutions, power supplies, and cases through ASK in Japan.
- Thermaltake Technology Co., Ltd.coreThermaltake is a vendor partner distributing PC cases, power supplies, and gaming peripherals through ASK in Japan. ASK co-hosts Thermaltake new product launch events.
- Fractal Design ABcoreFractal Design is a vendor partner distributing PC cases and cooling solutions through ASK in Japan.
- AJA Video Systems, Inc.coreAJA Video Systems is a vendor partner distributing professional video capture and conversion equipment through ASK for the Japanese broadcast and video production market.
- ATTO Technology CorporationcoreATTO Technology is a vendor partner distributing storage and network connectivity products through ASK for professional video and enterprise storage applications.
- Apricorn Inc.coreApricorn is a vendor partner of ASK Corporation for which ASK serves as the authorized distributor in Japan. Apricorn specializes in hardware-encrypted secure storage devices including PIN-authenticated portable drives and USB drives. ASK provides product pages, driver downloads, lending services, and warranty support for Apricorn products.
- Tripp LitecoreTripp Lite is a vendor partner distributing power protection and connectivity products through ASK in Japan.
- Super Micro Computer, Inc.coreSuper Micro Computer is a vendor partner distributing server and storage solutions through ASK for enterprise customers in Japan.
- VizrtcoreVizrt is a vendor partner distributing real-time graphics and video production solutions through ASK for broadcast and media customers in Japan.
- PICO TechnologycorePICO Technology is a vendor partner distributing VR headsets including PICO 4 Ultra Enterprise and PICO G3 through ASK in Japan. ASK provides lending services for PICO VR products.
- StereolabscoreStereolabs is a vendor partner distributing 3D camera systems including ZED cameras and embedded AI vision systems through ASK in Japan. ASK provides lending services and hosts webinars on Stereolabs 3D vision technology.
- Dorfield International (有限会社ドーフィールドジャパン)minorDorfield International is a related company (グループ関連会社) within the Global ASK Group that provides quality control and factory audit support services to help customers' businesses succeed.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Ask Corporation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Arrow Electronics: Global IT components and enterprise solutions distributor serving enterprise and industrial customers worldwide. Comparable to ASK in distributing PC components and enterprise IT infrastructure with global scale.
- Avnet: Global broad-line IT distributor with strong presence in electronic components and enterprise computing. Comparable to ASK in distributing CPUs, GPUs, and enterprise IT infrastructure, but with worldwide coverage.
- Ingram Micro: Global IT distribution giant (now part of Platinum Equity) operating broad IT distribution across multiple geographies. Comparable to ASK in distributing consumer electronics, PC components, and enterprise IT, but at vastly larger global scale.
Direct peers
- Otsuka Corporation: Large Japanese IT distributor and VAR (TSE: 4768) that competes directly with ASK in PC distribution, enterprise IT solutions, and channel reseller services across Japan. Both serve similar retail and enterprise customer bases.
- Macnica Holdings: Major Japanese semiconductor and IT product distributor (TSE: 3132) with strong enterprise relationships. Overlaps with ASK in distributing GPUs, networking, and AI infrastructure to Japanese enterprise customers.
- Ryosan Company: Japanese semiconductor and electronic components trading company (TSE: 8084) with similar IT distribution business to ASK. Serves Japanese electronics manufacturers and OEMs.
- Daiwabo Information System: Japanese IT distribution subsidiary of Daiwabo Holdings, listed as ASK's reseller partner, with overlapping coverage in PC components, peripherals, and enterprise IT distribution in Japan.
- SYNNEX Infotec (now TD SYNNEX Japan): Japanese IT distribution arm of TD SYNNEX, listed as one of ASK's key reseller partners and also a competitor in enterprise IT distribution. Provides comparable channel partner and enterprise services in Japan.
- Ryosetsu (Ryoyo Electric): Japanese electronics trading company distributing semiconductors, electronic components, and IT products. Overlaps with ASK in IT distribution and enterprise customer relationships in Japan.
Regional players
- Networld (Toshiba IT subsidiary): Toshiba-affiliated Japanese IT distribution and services company offering comparable channel partner services in enterprise IT distribution in Japan.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Ask Corporation social profiles
Digital presenceAsk Corporation compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Ask Corporation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ask Corporation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Ask Corporation subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Ask Corporation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ask Corporation 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 Ask Corporation
What does Ask Corporation do?
Ask Corporation is a Japanese IT distribution and trading company that sources technology products from global vendors and resells them through Japanese consumer electronics retailers, enterprise resellers, and direct enterprise/government customers. The portfolio spans PC components (graphics cards, motherboards, memory, cooling, cases), enterprise computing (servers, NAS storage), professional videography equipment (capture cards, converters, broadcast graphics), AI/robotics solutions, and VR/XR products. Value-added services include pre-sales market research, product localization, system compatibility assurance, technical support, repair services, and supply chain management.
Is Ask Corporation a public or private company?
Ask Corporation is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Ask Corporation founded?
Ask Corporation was founded in 1997.
Where is Ask Corporation based?
Ask Corporation is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Ask Corporation make money?
One revenue line is on record: product Distribution and Resale.
Who are Ask Corporation's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Arrow Electronics, Avnet and Ingram Micro. Direct peers are Otsuka Corporation, Macnica Holdings, Ryosan Company, Daiwabo Information System, SYNNEX Infotec (now TD SYNNEX Japan) and Ryosetsu (Ryoyo Electric). Networld (Toshiba IT subsidiary) is listed as a regional player.
Does Ask Corporation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ask Corporation.