kasco
Kasco Corporation is a Japanese golf equipment manufacturer founded in 1959, producing clubs, balls, gloves, and accessories under brands including KIRA, DOLPHIN WEDGE, and VATIC GOLF. The company serves consumers through DTC e-commerce, retail distribution in Japan, and Asia-Pacific distributor networks.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1959
- HeadquartersShinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What kasco does
Kasco Corporation (キャスコ株式会社) is a Japanese golf equipment manufacturer founded in 1959 in Kagawa Prefecture and now headquartered in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. The company designs and manufactures golf clubs (drivers, fairway woods, utility clubs, irons, wedges, putters), golf balls, gloves, bags, and accessories under multiple proprietary brands including KIRA, DOLPHIN WEDGE, Zeusimpact, DNA, VATIC GOLF, and WEATHER FREE, and additionally operates as the licensed Japan distributor for Wilson Golf under a 2008 agreement with Amer Sports Japan. Since 2010, Kasco has been a consolidated subsidiary of Mamiya-OP Co., Ltd.
The company's technology stack centers on proprietary materials and integrated in-house manufacturing, most notably the Super Hyten alloy for club faces (in production since 1994), the KIRA fluorescent-pigment system that converts UV to visible light for ball visibility, the QUAD SOLE X wedge sole architecture, and dual-core ball constructions with inner-soft / outer-hard structures that adjust spin by head speed. Kasco holds world-first production milestones in solid 3-piece (1986) and solid 4-piece (1997) golf balls. Manufacturing is anchored at the Shido Headquarters Plant in Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture — operational for golf balls since 1982 and golf clubs since 1991 — with glove and bag production at Kamatari Thailand Co., Ltd. (founded 1988), and golf ball and club production via Kasco Golf (Thailand) Ltd. (founded 1991).
Kasco's go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer e-commerce at kascogolf.com/jp, a try-before-you-buy club rental program operated through Club Station, and multi-channel retail distribution in Japan covering department stores, golf specialty stores, sports retailers, golf courses, and practice ranges. International markets are served through a wholly-owned Thailand subsidiary and dedicated distributors covering Taiwan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, India, and the Philippines. Revenue is generated almost entirely through unit-priced hardware sales (wedges ¥23,100–¥55,000, premium balls ¥3,300–¥6,930, gloves ¥1,870–¥1,980), and the company pursues brand-credibility marketing through professional golfer endorsements including Ayako Kimura (2025 Fujitsu Ladies winner) and Re Hana.
kasco firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- kasco
- Legal name
- キャスコ株式会社 (Kasco Corporation)
- Website
- https://kascogolf.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1959
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Kasco Corporation is a Japanese golf equipment manufacturer founded in 1959, producing clubs, balls, gloves, and accessories under brands including KIRA, DOLPHIN WEDGE, and VATIC GOLF. The company serves consumers through DTC e-commerce, retail distribution in Japan, and Asia-Pacific distributor networks.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
kasco industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Golf Equipment
- NAICS
- Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing (33992)
- SIC
- Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Golf Equipment, Apparel & Pro Shop Retail (CRAMABAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Golf Equipment & Accessories Distribution (CRAOAJAK), Golf Balls Retail (CRAMAGAB), Golf Gloves, Headwear & Accessories Retail (CRAMAGAF)
Keywords
Where kasco is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices7 records
Markets served
kasco business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Golf Equipment Hardware Sales: Kasco generates revenue primarily through the sale of physical golf equipment including golf clubs (drivers, fairway woods, utility clubs, irons, wedges), golf balls, gloves, bags, and accessories through both direct-to-consumer online store and retail distribution channels.
- International Distribution: Revenue from international markets through subsidiary operations in Thailand and distributor networks across Asia-Pacific region.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Premium golf balls - KIRA DIAMOND series |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Distance-focused golf balls - KIRA★MAX series |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Specialty wedges - DOLPHIN PITCH & RUN WEDGE |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Premium putter - 9/9 STRAP PUTTER |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Hybrid gloves - Palette Plus series |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels8 records
kasco product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kasco designs, manufactures, and sells golf equipment and accessories under its own brands and sub-brands, including golf clubs (wedges, utility clubs, drivers, irons, putters), golf balls, gloves, bags, weather protection items, and small accessories. It produces the KIRA ball series with proprietary fluorescent-pigment visibility technology, the DOLPHIN WEDGE series with Quad Sole X sole design, and operates the Vatic Golf, Yakpak, Zeusimpact, and licensed Wilson Golf Japan product lines. Manufacturing is conducted at the Shido plant in Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture, with glove and bag production in Thailand, and products are sold through Japanese retail channels and a D2C online store as well as Asia-Pacific distributors.
Product overview
Kasco is a Japanese golf equipment manufacturer offering a comprehensive range of golf products including clubs (wedges, utility clubs, drivers, irons), golf balls (KIRA series, Zeusimpact), gloves (Palette Plus, Silk Fit), bags, umbrellas, and accessories. The company operates multiple sub-brands including Vatic Golf, Yakpak Golf, and licensed Wilson Golf products. Key club technologies include the Dolphin Wedge series with Quad Sole X design, UFO AIR UT with high-loft utility design, and Vatic Golf featuring loading weight system. The KIRA golf ball series emphasizes high visibility through fluorescent pigments and is manufactured in-house at the Sanuki factory in Japan. Products are distributed through department stores, golf specialty stores, sporting goods retailers, golf courses, driving ranges, and online shops.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- VATIC GOLF: Golf equipment brand featuring loading weight system, launched in 2020
- WEATHER FREE
- KIRA
- Zeusimpact
- DOLPHIN WEDGE
Products and services
- DOLPHIN WEDGE series Premium wedges featuring Quad Sole X technology for smooth turf interaction, reducing chunk shots and dig-in misses. Includes DW-123 (straight neck), DW-125G (semi-gooseneck), and specialized models like Pitch & Run and Flying Wedge variants, for recreational and skilled golfers seeking short-game precision.
- UFO AIR UT by POWER TORNADO High-loft utility club (46° loft) featuring deep center of gravity design for easy ball pickup from difficult lies; the wing effect helps lift ball naturally, targeting recreational golfers needing forgiveness from rough and tight lies.
- UFO AIR DD by POWER TORNADO Utility club featuring Super Hyten alloy construction for enhanced performance and distance.
- KIRA DIAMOND High-quality 2-piece golf ball with inner-soft outer-hard construction using high-elasticity core and soft outer cover; driver produces low spin, approach produces high spin; features fluorescent pigments in cover for high visibility; made in Japan at the Sanuki factory.
- KIRA★MAX Distance-focused 2-piece golf ball for average golfers with new formulation for enhanced repulsion performance; approximately 2 yards more distance than previous model; available in 8 color options.
- KIRA Candy Women-specific designed golf ball with optimized performance characteristics for female golfers.
- Palette Plus SF-2618 Hybrid glove combining natural lamb leather palm with Permia synthetic leather back; high grip and breathability with new wrist-free design; available in 5 colors including camouflage patterns; made in Bangladesh.
- 9/9 STRAP PUTTER Specialized putter featuring a strap design that integrates body and club for a stable stroke and consistent roll.
- DOLPHIN PITCH & RUN WEDGE DPW-225 Specialty wedge designed for pitch-and-run approach shots, featuring Quad Sole X sole geometry for smooth turf interaction; available in 48° loft for both men's steel shaft (¥23,100) and ladies' carbon shaft (¥27,500) configurations.
- WEATHER FREE series Weather-resistant accessories including cool-down mantle, aluminum powder-coated fan umbrellas, and one-touch dual-purpose umbrellas for sun and rain protection on the golf course.
- Zeusimpact club series High-repulsion golf club series designed for maximum distance performance.
- DNA series clubs Golf club series featuring advanced materials and design for performance golf.
- KIZM marker Light-gathering casino marker for golf ball identification.
- VATIC GOLF clubs Premium golf club brand featuring loading weight system technology; includes drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters.
- YAKPAK GOLF bags and gear Golf bag and gear brand sold under Kasco.
- Wilson Golf Japan (licensed) Wilson Golf business in Japan licensed from Amer Sports Japan, Inc.; Kasco operates the brand under license.
- Silk Fit glove Premium glove using pure Ethiopian sheep leather; used by professional player Kimura Ayuko (won Fujitsu Ladies tournament on October 19, 2025).
Quantifiable outcome
- KIRA★MAX delivers approximately 2 yards additional distance compared to previous model due to 1.1% increase in ball speed
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use kasco
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
kasco technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
kasco partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record.
- Amer Sports Japan (Wilson Golf)Licensed agreement with Amer Sports Japan in 2008 for Wilson Golf business. Kasco took over Wilson Golf business operations in Japan.
- EDWIN (Golf)License contract with EDWIN to develop and sell 'EDWIN GOLF' product line, expanding brand portfolio.
- Hunting World (Golf Line)Distribution agreement with US premium bag brand Hunting World to sell golf gear items in Japan, signed 2021.
- Japan Golf Goods Association (JGGA)Adherence to JGGA measurement standards and anti-counterfeiting labeling program for golf clubs.
- Toyo Cloth (Permia®)Use of Toyo Cloth's Permia® synthetic leather material in Palette Plus glove product line.
- Japan Shaft (Dolphin Original Steel Shaft)Custom-branded steel shaft developed for DOLPHIN WEDGE product line, branded as Japan Shaft Dolphin Original steel shafts.
- GolfPride (Grips)Use of GolfPride CPX grips in DOLPHIN WEDGE and related products.
- Club Station (Rental Service)Outsourced club rental service operation to Club Station, enabling nationwide 3-night/4-day rental program for try-before-you-buy.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
kasco competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bridgestone Golf: Japanese-headquartered golf equipment manufacturer producing clubs, balls, and accessories with global distribution. Direct comparable to Kasco as a fellow Japan-based integrated golf equipment maker competing in clubs and balls across Asia and beyond.
- Mizuno: Japanese sporting goods manufacturer with a major golf division producing clubs, balls, bags, and apparel. Directly comparable to Kasco across product categories, Japan-centric heritage, premium positioning, and Asia-Pacific distribution.
- Honma Golf: Japanese premium golf club and ball manufacturer emphasizing craftsmanship and high-end pricing. Comparable to Kasco on Japan-based premium positioning, integrated manufacturing, and Asia-led distribution strategy.
- XXIO (Sumitomo Rubber Industries / Dunlop Sports): Japanese premium golf brand owned by Dunlop Sports, producing clubs, balls, and accessories. Comparable to Kasco as a domestic Japanese competitor targeting mid-to-high-handicap golfers with full product ranges.
- Srixon / Cleveland Golf (Sumitomo Rubber Industries): Global golf equipment brand under Dunlop Sports manufacturing golf balls, clubs, and accessories. Comparable to Kasco in product breadth (balls, irons, wedges), Asia-led heritage, and similar distribution through sporting-goods retail.
Broad incumbents
- Titleist (Acushnet Holdings): Global leader in golf balls and clubs under Acushnet Holdings. Comparable as a competitor in golf balls (KIRA vs Pro V1) and clubs, though at substantially greater scale and with stronger pro-tour positioning.
- TaylorMade Golf: Global premium golf equipment brand producing drivers, irons, wedges, and balls. Comparable as a multi-product golf hardware peer, with much broader global distribution and tour presence than Kasco.
- Wilson Sporting Goods: Global sporting goods brand with significant golf business (clubs, balls, bags). Relevant as a peer both competitively and via Kasco's Wilson Golf licensing relationship with Amer Sports Japan.
- Ping: Major global golf equipment manufacturer specializing in clubs (drivers, irons, putters). Comparable as a multi-category golf club competitor with global distribution, though with stronger iron/putter franchise than Kasco.
- Callaway Golf: One of the largest global golf equipment companies producing clubs, balls, and apparel. Broadly comparable as a multi-category golf hardware competitor, though much larger and globally dominant rather than Asia-focused.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
kasco social profiles
Digital presencekasco financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
kasco leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
kasco subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
kasco funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
kasco 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 kasco
What does kasco do?
Kasco designs, manufactures, and sells golf equipment and accessories under its own brands and sub-brands, including golf clubs (wedges, utility clubs, drivers, irons, putters), golf balls, gloves, bags, weather protection items, and small accessories. It produces the KIRA ball series with proprietary fluorescent-pigment visibility technology, the DOLPHIN WEDGE series with Quad Sole X sole design, and operates the Vatic Golf, Yakpak, Zeusimpact, and licensed Wilson Golf Japan product lines. Manufacturing is conducted at the Shido plant in Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture, with glove and bag production in Thailand, and products are sold through Japanese retail channels and a D2C online store as well as Asia-Pacific distributors.
Is kasco a public or private company?
kasco is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was kasco founded?
kasco was founded in 1959.
Where is kasco based?
kasco is headquartered in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does kasco make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Golf Equipment Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are international Distribution.
Who are kasco's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bridgestone Golf, Mizuno, Honma Golf, XXIO (Sumitomo Rubber Industries / Dunlop Sports) and Srixon / Cleveland Golf (Sumitomo Rubber Industries). Broad incumbents are Titleist (Acushnet Holdings), TaylorMade Golf, Wilson Sporting Goods, Ping and Callaway Golf.
Does kasco have an API?
No public API is recorded for kasco.
What industry is kasco in?
kasco's product category is Golf Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMABAG, Golf Equipment, Apparel & Pro Shop Retail, with a secondary code of CRAOAJAK, Golf Equipment & Accessories Distribution. Its NAICS code is 33992 and its SIC code is 3949.