ASJ

Basic Information

Stock Code
2351
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Systems & Software
Prefecture
Saitama Prefecture
Establishment Year
February 1984
Listing Year
January 2003
Official Website
https://www.asj.ad.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Wedge HD, Sakura Internet, GMO GlobalSign Holdings, Image Information, Collabos, Tera Sky, Change Holdings, Amiya, Board RUA, Server Works, ID Holdings, Japan Business Systems, KSK

Overview

ASJ is a mid-sized company in the information and communications industry established in 1984, engaging in hosting, payment processing agency, and online gaming businesses, with strengths in stable server operations and diversified digital services.

Current Situation

In 2023, ASJ primarily focuses on hosting services and payment processing agency services, with consolidated sales of approximately 1.2 billion yen, positioning it as a mid-sized information and communications company. It operates online games and SNS through collaboration with subsidiaries and emphasizes the digital content sector. Hosting services are highly regarded by small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals for their reliable and stable operations. It is expanding payment processing and cloud services as growth areas. In recent years, it has actively developed smartphone apps and e-commerce support tools, while continuing to offer proprietary titles in online games. The company aims to expand its customer base with sustainable operations, IT infrastructure renewal, and new technology adoption. In the medium term, it focuses on expanding digital content and strengthening BtoB services to differentiate from competitors. In the future, diversifying payment services and enhancing security are key strategic challenges. Its contributions to the local economy are also appreciated, with expectations for continued expansion of its customer base in Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • iPhone app 'eWiFi' exceeded 1.5 million downloads worldwide.
  • Practices transparent management as one of the rare companies with an audit and supervisory committee in Japan.
  • Promotes light novel submissions via online novel SNS 'Nobepuro!'
  • Deploys collaboration products with renowned illustrators like Shiro and Odawara Hakone.
  • Originally a packaged software development company, transitioned to an IT services company.
  • Mid-sized Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market stock listed on Mothers for over 20 years.
  • Integrated subsidiary Neos' mail order and rental server operations to diversify services.
  • Operates game portals through ASJ Games.
  • Early adopter of enhanced corporate audit systems.
  • Hosting services for small and medium-sized enterprises enjoy strong local trust.

Hidden Connections

  • The 'Wafuwafu Rental Server' operated by ASJ Commerce is utilized as a platform for collaboration among local small and medium-sized IT companies.
  • Representative Director and President Haruaki Maruyama, a major shareholder, has led the company culture since founding.
  • Subsidiary E-Fusion serves as a key base for software development in the ASJ Group.
  • Online game business technology was strengthened through merger with Sports Ratings.
  • Payment processing supports a wide range from daily physical stores to online shops.
  • Light novel submission SNS is evaluated as a gateway for emerging writers.
  • Stable hosting operations feature robust disaster preparedness design.
  • Synergies across IT services are generated through collaboration with a wide range of subsidiaries.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expansion of hosting business due to increasing cloud service demand.
  • Growing needs for safe and diverse payment methods.
  • User expansion in online games and SNS services.
  • Increasing demand for business support tools for small and medium-sized enterprises.
  • Growth in related services accompanying advanced IT infrastructure.
  • Strengthening customer base through deepened region-specific services.
  • Business opportunities expansion from IT penetration in emerging markets.

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve 15% market share in cloud and hosting business.
  • Exceed 10,000 merchant stores in payment processing agency services.
  • Expand online games and digital content sales to 30% of consolidated sales.
  • Complete setup and operation of sustainable IT infrastructure.
  • Continuously implement IT dissemination programs deepened through collaboration with local communities.

Business Segments

Hosting Services Business

Overview
Provides highly reliable server hosting and related operation services to small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals.
Competitiveness
Reputation for stable operations utilizing data centers
Customers
  • Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
  • Sole Proprietors
  • IT-Related Companies
  • Web Service Operators
  • Local Governments and Educational Institutions
Products
  • Rental Servers
  • Cloud Hosting
  • Data Center Services
  • Server Maintenance and Operation Support

Payment Processing Agency Services Business

Overview
Supports online and physical store payments by providing safe and diverse payment methods.
Competitiveness
Diverse payment methods and high-level security technology
Customers
  • EC Site Operators
  • Retail Stores
  • Service Providers
  • Restaurants
  • Online Businesses
Products
  • Credit Card Payment Processing
  • Convenience Store Payment Processing
  • Electronic Money Payment Support
  • Payment Security Measures

Digital Content Development and Operation

Overview
Expands user communities through proprietary online games and SNS services.
Competitiveness
Diverse digital media deployments and user engagement
Customers
  • Online Game Users
  • SNS Users
  • Light Novel Writers and Readers
  • Advertisers
Products
  • Online Games
  • SNS Platforms
  • Light Novel Submission Sites
  • Game-Related Advertising Services

Groupware and Business Support Tools

Overview
Provides cloud tools to promote business efficiency and support work style reforms.
Competitiveness
Intuitive UI and ease of low-cost introduction
Customers
  • Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
  • Educational Institutions
  • Non-Profit Organizations
Products
  • Cloud Groupware
  • Reservation Management Systems
  • Affiliate Management Tools

E-Commerce Support Business

Overview
Supports sales promotion and customer management through online sales support tools.
Competitiveness
One-stop sales support solutions
Customers
  • Net Shop Operators
  • Small Retail Stores
  • Mail Order Businesses
Products
  • Net Shop Support Tools
  • Affiliate Programs
  • Reservation Management Systems

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Stable operation hosting technology specialized for small and medium-sized enterprises
  • Diverse payment support in payment processing agency services
  • Proprietary content deployment in online games and SNS
  • Diversified IT services including groupware
  • High reliability through data center utilization

Competitive Advantages

  • Strong niche strategy in small and medium-sized enterprise and individual markets
  • Centralized management of diverse payment methods
  • User acquisition through extensive digital content services
  • Flexible and low-cost cloud and groupware provision
  • Stable customer base from long track record

Threats

  • Intensifying competition with major cloud service companies
  • Burden of compliance with payment-related regulations and security enhancements
  • Intensifying competition in online game market and difficulty in user retention
  • Challenges in investing to keep up with rapid technological innovations
  • Intensifying competition for IT talent

Innovations

2023: Expansion of Smart Payment Platform

Overview
Introduced new QR code payments and smartphone payment integration services.
Impact
Improved payment convenience led to increased merchant numbers and contributed to sales growth.

2022: Enhanced High Availability of Cloud Servers

Overview
Adopted the latest data center technology to significantly reduce server downtime.
Impact
Achieved 99.99% service uptime, improving customer satisfaction.

2021: Online Game Platform Renewal

Overview
Implemented new user interface and strengthened SNS integration.
Impact
Increased user engagement time and advertising revenue.

2020: Security Enhancement Project Launch

Overview
Established advanced authentication systems and monitoring frameworks.
Impact
Reduced customer data leak risks and improved reliability.

Sustainability

  • Transition to energy-efficient data centers
  • Paperless promotion to reduce environmental impact
  • IT education collaboration activities with local communities
  • CO2 emission reduction through remote work promotion
  • Promotion of efficient IT resource reuse