ask
ASK Corporation is a privately held Japanese IT distributor and solutions integrator that resells PC components, workstations, storage, professional video, and AI hardware from global manufacturers to Japanese consumers, resellers, and enterprises, bundling localization, kitting, and technical support services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What ask does
ASK Corporation (株式会社アスク) is a privately held Japanese comprehensive trading company (総合商社) headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, that distributes IT hardware, software, and integrated solutions primarily in the Japanese market. The company aggregates products from a broad roster of global manufacturers — including NVIDIA, AMD, Synology, CORSAIR, MSI, Lenovo, ZOTAC, SAPPHIRE, Thermaltake, Vizrt, and Kiloview — and sells them through three distinct channels: a consumer-facing storefront for individual/DIY buyers, a member-only ASK B2B e-commerce platform for resellers and small business customers, and a direct enterprise inquiry-based sales motion for system integration projects.
Its product portfolio spans PC components (graphics boards, motherboards, CPUs, cases, memory, storage, cooling, power supplies), peripherals and gaming/esports gear, workstations and servers, enterprise NAS and backup (notably Synology FlashStation and ActiveProtect), professional video and broadcast equipment (Vizrt TriCaster, Kiloview NDI encoders), VR/XR/IoT devices, AI-ready hardware, and software solutions (V-Ray, Matterport, OpenSpace, NVIDIA Omniverse, Proxmox). Underlying this is a value-added distribution model in which product resale is bundled with kitting and configuration, compatibility assurance, Japanese-language localization, technical support, data recovery, and equipment lending — services that differentiate ASK from pure box-moving resellers.
ASK generates revenue primarily through hardware product margins across both B2C and B2B channels, supplemented by professional solution services. It pursues demand generation through product-report content marketing, webinars, social media, and recurring company-organized events (ASK Enterprise AI Conference, ASK FES, Thermal Camp), and it has recently expanded into AI data center infrastructure (Parallel Networks), AI/XR strategic alliances (IXR Corporation), and consumer esports merchandise (Team Liquid, Alliance). Ownership, founding year, revenue, and headcount are not publicly disclosed.
ask firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ask
- Legal name
- 株式会社アスク
- Website
- https://ask-corp.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- ASK Corporation is a privately held Japanese IT distributor and solutions integrator that resells PC components, workstations, storage, professional video, and AI hardware from global manufacturers to Japanese consumers, resellers, and enterprises, bundling localization, kitting, and technical support services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ask industry classification
Industry- Product category
- IT Hardware Distribution
- NAICS
- Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing (334), Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Computers & Peripheral Equipment & Software (5045), Wholesale-Electronic Parts & Equipment, Nec (5065)
- akta.pro primary industry
- PC Cases, Chassis & Case Accessories (HDACAGAG)
Keywords
Where ask is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
ask business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Product Distribution (Hardware Sales): ASK Corporation generates revenue primarily through the distribution and resale of IT hardware products including PC components, peripherals, servers, storage, networking equipment, and professional video/broadcast equipment. The company acts as an authorized distributor for numerous international manufacturers, importing products and selling them through B2B and B2C channels in Japan. Revenue is generated through product margin and may include pricing models varying by customer segment (individual vs. business).
- Solution Services: The company provides complementary solution services including product and solution proposals, system upgrade recommendations, compatibility assurance, localization, market research, technical support, and inventory management. These services support the core product distribution business.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | No public pricing tiers disclosed — transactions are quote-based for business customers and standard retail pricing for individual consumers. |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
ask product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ASK Corporation distributes IT hardware, software, and related solutions from leading global manufacturers, covering PC components (graphics boards, motherboards, CPUs, cases, memory, storage, cooling, power supplies), PC peripherals, workstations and mobile workstations, enterprise storage/NAS/servers, professional broadcast/video equipment, AI/deep-learning hardware, VR/XR/IoT devices, and software solutions. The company serves both individual consumers and business customers, complemented by value-added services including kitting, data recovery, and lending/leasing for enterprise buyers.
Product overview
ASK Corporation is a comprehensive IT trading company (総合商社) that distributes a wide portfolio of technology products primarily from third-party manufacturers. The company operates as a Value-Added Distributor (VAR) offering products across categories including PC components (graphics boards from ZOTAC, MSI, SAPPHIRE; AMD and NVIDIA platforms; Thermaltake, DeepCool cases and cooling), PC peripherals (CORSAIR, Synology NAS, XPPen tablets, network equipment from TP-Link/Linksys), gaming/esports products (AVerMedia streaming gear, Fnatic Gear, MSI, NZXT, and esports team merchandise from Team Liquid/Alliance), workstations (Lenovo ThinkStation/ThinkPad, HP, ASUS ExpertBook), professional video equipment (Vizrt TriCaster, Kiloview NDI encoders/decoders), storage/server solutions (Synology FlashStation, HD6500, CyberPower UPS), VR/XR and IoT devices, AI/deep learning hardware, and software solutions (V-Ray, Matterport, OpenSpace, NVIDIA Omniverse). The company also provides value-added services including kitting, data recovery, and kitting/configuration services. ASK positions itself as a one-stop solution provider combining product distribution with technical support, localization, market research, and partnership branding services for the Japanese market.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- PC Components Distribution Distribution of graphics boards, motherboards, CPUs, cases, memory, storage, cooling, and power supplies from brands such as NVIDIA, AMD, ASUS, MSI, CORSAIR, Thermaltake, DeepCool, and OWC. Targets PC builders, gamers, and enthusiasts assembling or upgrading desktop systems.
- PC Peripherals Distribution Distribution of PC peripherals including keyboards, mice, monitors, headsets, gaming chairs, tablets, and network equipment from brands such as MSI, CORSAIR, and others. Targets individual consumers and gaming/streaming users.
- Workstations and Mobile Workstations Distribution Distribution of workstations and mobile workstations (e.g., Lenovo ThinkStation, ThinkPad, HP, ASUS ExpertBook) for personal and business productivity use. Targets individual professionals and enterprise buyers.
- Enterprise Storage and Server Distribution Distribution of enterprise NAS and server products, including Synology FlashStation, HD series, rackmount NAS, and backup solutions. Targets SMB and enterprise IT buyers deploying production storage infrastructure.
- Professional Video and Broadcast Equipment Distribution Distribution of professional broadcast and video equipment including Vizrt TriCaster live production systems and Kiloview NDI encoders/decoders. Targets broadcasters, video producers, and live-event production teams.
- AI and Deep Learning Hardware Solutions Distribution of AI and deep-learning hardware (including NVIDIA-based solutions) and related platforms. Targets AI researchers, enterprises deploying AI infrastructure, and developers.
- VR/XR and IoT Solutions Distribution Distribution of VR, XR, and IoT hardware and solutions. Targets developers, enterprises, and individual consumers adopting immersive or connected-device technologies.
- Software Solutions Distribution Distribution of third-party software including V-Ray, Matterport, OpenSpace, and NVIDIA Omniverse. Targets designers, engineers, and visualization users.
- CAD and Design Workstation Solutions Configured CAD/design workstation solutions combining hardware (workstations, GPUs) and software (e.g., V-Ray) tailored for designers and engineers. Targets individual creators and enterprise CAD teams.
- Kitting Services Pre-deployment kitting service that bundles, configures, and ships IT hardware as ready-to-deploy units for enterprise customers. Targets business buyers needing streamlined multi-product rollouts.
- Data Recovery Service Data recovery and backup service for customers who need to recover data from failed drives or systems. Targets individual consumers and businesses.
- Lending Service for Business Customers Lending / rental service for business customers to finance IT hardware acquisitions. Targets enterprises needing flexible procurement and cash-flow management.
- ASK B2B E-commerce Platform Dedicated B2B e-commerce platform (ASK B2B) for business customers to procure IT hardware, software, and related solutions, with quote-based and bulk purchasing workflows. Targets enterprise and SMB buyers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Wide product portfolio covering PC parts, peripherals, esports/gaming, workstations, servers, storage, networking, professional video, AI/deep learning, virtualization, embedded systems, IoT, audio, cameras, outdoor, and software solutions.
Companies that use ask
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
ask technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
ask partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Team LiquidminorSales agent agreement (販売代理店契約) with Team Liquid, a world-renowned professional esports team. ASK distributes Team Liquid merchandise including player uniforms and support goods in Japan.
- イクスアール株式会社 (IXR)coreStrategic business partnership (戦略的業務提携) with IXR Corporation for social implementation of AI and XR technologies. This is a deeper strategic alliance focused on bringing AI and extended reality solutions to market.
- Parallel Networks (パラallelネットワークス)corePartnership with Parallel Networks to provide AI-optimized data center solutions (データセンター向けAIソリューション) for next-generation AI workloads, marking ASK's entry into AI data center infrastructure.
- Pro Gamers GroupminorSales agent agreement (販売代理店契約) with Pro Gamers Group, distributing team merchandise and branded products.
- AllianceminorSales agent agreement (販売代理店契約) with Alliance, a global esports team known for producing top players and digital stars. Distributing team uniforms and support goods.
- NVIDIAcoreAuthorized distributor and partner for NVIDIA products including GeForce graphics boards, professional RTX/Quadro graphics, and related solutions. ASK distributes NVIDIA-based products and provides technical support.
- AMDcoreAuthorized distributor and partner for AMD products including Ryzen CPUs, Radeon graphics boards, and EPYC server processors. Multiple AMD-focused campaigns are conducted by ASK.
- SynologycoreAuthorized distributor for Synology NAS and storage solutions in Japan. ASK distributes Synology products including flash storage (FS series), rackmount NAS (HD series), and ActiveProtect ransomware protection appliances. Strong co-marketing including webinars and case studies.
- CORSAIRcoreAuthorized distributor for CORSAIR products including PC cases, power supplies, memory, cooling, peripherals, and gaming devices. Multiple seasonal campaigns conducted.
- MSIcoreAuthorized distributor for MSI products including motherboards, graphics boards, and gaming devices. Listed as a major manufacturer partner.
- LenovocoreAuthorized distributor for Lenovo products including ThinkStation workstations, ThinkPad mobile workstations, servers, and storage. Offers VRED-recommended workstations and custom configurations.
- ZOTACcoreAuthorized distributor for ZOTAC products including NVIDIA chipset graphics boards, mini PCs, and mini-ITX motherboards. Listed as a major manufacturer partner.
- SAPPHIRE TechnologycoreAuthorized distributor for SAPPHIRE graphics boards in Japan. SAPPHIRE handles manufacturing and quality control, with ASK serving as the Japanese sales partner.
- ThermaltakecoreAuthorized distributor for Thermaltake products including PC cases, power supplies, and cooling solutions. Multiple product announcements and campaigns.
- VizrtcoreDistributes Vizrt products including TriCaster all-in-one IP live production systems, real-time graphics, and live production solutions. Represents Vizrt's live video production brand in Japan.
- KiloviewcoreAuthorized domestic distributor (国内正規代理店) for Kiloview IP video transmission devices. Products include NDI encoders/decoders (N50, N60, N5, N40 Plus, N3-s), video encoders (E3), video decoders (D350 v2, D260), IP video media gateways (MG300 v2), and rackmount chassis (RF02, RU series).
- OpenSpacecoreDomestic agent (国内代理店) for OpenSpace's AI-powered construction DX platform. OpenSpace uses 360-degree cameras with AI to automatically plot site documentation onto blueprints, enabling remote project management and progress tracking.
- MatterportcoreDistributes Matterport spatial data platform and 3D capture solutions for architecture, engineering, construction, and real estate visualization.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ask competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Macnica: Macnica is a major Japanese semiconductor and IT distribution company that similarly serves as an authorized distributor for global technology vendors serving Japanese enterprise and consumer markets. Both companies compete for tier-1 vendor authorizations (NVIDIA, AMD) and Japanese enterprise IT customers across components, networking, and emerging categories.
- Tokyo Electron Device (TED): Tokyo Electron Device is a Japanese specialized distributor of semiconductors, electronic components, and IT solutions, similar to ASK's role as a value-added IT distributor. Both companies serve Japanese enterprise customers with technical sales support, design-in services, and integration expertise.
- Ryoyo Electro: Ryoyo Electro is a Japanese semiconductor and electronic components distributor that serves enterprise customers in Japan with a similar authorized-distributor model for global technology vendors. The companies overlap in serving Japanese industrial, computing, and communications customers.
Broad incumbents
- Otsuka Corporation: Otsuka is one of Japan's largest IT distribution and system integration companies, offering computers, peripherals, software, and managed services to Japanese enterprises. While much larger and broader in scope than ASK, Otsuka competes for similar Japanese business customers across IT hardware procurement and solution sales.
- Ingram Micro: Ingram Micro is the world's largest IT distributor with established operations in Japan, offering a broad portfolio of IT hardware, software, and services. As a global incumbent, Ingram competes with ASK for vendor authorizations and downstream Japanese reseller relationships across consumer and enterprise segments.
- TD SYNNEX: TD SYNNEX is a major global IT distributor formed from the merger of Tech Data and SYNNEX, with Japanese operations serving resellers and enterprises. The company competes with ASK in distribution of PC components, peripherals, and enterprise IT solutions across Asia-Pacific.
- Arrow Electronics: Arrow Electronics is a global value-added distributor of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions with presence in Japan. Arrow competes with ASK for semiconductor and component vendor authorizations, particularly in industrial and enterprise computing segments.
- Avnet: Avnet is a global electronic component distributor serving customers across Asia-Pacific including Japan, with a similar authorized-distributor model for tier-1 semiconductor and component manufacturers. Both companies pursue design-in and enterprise sales opportunities in the Japanese market.
- ScanSource: ScanSource is a global value-added IT distributor offering technology products and solutions to resellers and integrators. While primarily U.S.-focused, ScanSource competes with ASK in similar distribution categories (communications, networking, computing) and represents an analogous value-added distribution model.
Regional players
- Exclusive Networks: Exclusive Networks is a global cybersecurity and infrastructure specialist distributor with Asia-Pacific operations. While primarily focused on cybersecurity and networking (vs. ASK's broader PC component focus), both companies operate as value-added distributors in Asia-Pacific with similar channel partner and enterprise sales motions.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
ask social profiles
Digital presenceask financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ask leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
ask funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ask 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
What does ask do?
ASK Corporation distributes IT hardware, software, and related solutions from leading global manufacturers, covering PC components (graphics boards, motherboards, CPUs, cases, memory, storage, cooling, power supplies), PC peripherals, workstations and mobile workstations, enterprise storage/NAS/servers, professional broadcast/video equipment, AI/deep-learning hardware, VR/XR/IoT devices, and software solutions. The company serves both individual consumers and business customers, complemented by value-added services including kitting, data recovery, and lending/leasing for enterprise buyers.
Is ask a public or private company?
ask is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was ask founded?
ask was founded in -1.
Where is ask based?
ask is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does ask make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Product Distribution (Hardware Sales) is the primary driver. The others are solution Services.
Who are ask's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Macnica, Tokyo Electron Device (TED) and Ryoyo Electro. Broad incumbents are Otsuka Corporation, Ingram Micro, TD SYNNEX, Arrow Electronics, Avnet and ScanSource. Exclusive Networks is listed as a regional player.
Does ask have an API?
No public API is recorded for ask.
What industry is ask in?
ask's product category is IT Hardware Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDACAGAG, PC Cases, Chassis & Case Accessories. Its NAICS code is 334 and its SIC code is 5045.