Asukanet

Basic Information

Stock Code
2438
Industry
Services
Category Detail
Lifestyle Services
Prefecture
Hiroshima Prefecture
Establishment Year
July 1995
Listing Year
April 2005
Official Website
https://www.asukanet.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Overview

Asukanet is a Hiroshima-based lifestyle services company established in 1995, offering digital photo processing services and aerial display technology, and boasting the top domestic market share in posthumous portrait photography.

Current Situation

Asukanet recorded net sales of 7.038 billion yen and net profit of 473 million yen for the fiscal year ending April 2024, establishing a stable revenue base. Its digital processing service for posthumous portraits holds about 30% of the domestic market share, and IT services for funeral homes are steadily expanding. The photobook business has received high acclaim both domestically and internationally under brands such as 'MyBook' and 'ASUKABOOK.' The aerial imaging technology for aerial displays holds numerous patents as an innovative technology, with overseas expansion underway. Aiming for sustainable business development, the company is focusing on cloud and IT service development for mid- to long-term growth. Under Representative Director Daikiro Murakami, it is promoting product diversification and customer base expansion, anticipating revenue growth through innovative technologies and service enhancements from 2024 onward.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Holds about 30% share of the domestic market in posthumous portrait photo processing.
  • Holds numerous patents for proprietary aerial imaging technology.
  • Cumulative photobook production has exceeded 5 million copies.
  • Cumulative usage of funeral home IT service 'tsunagoo' exceeds 250,000 cases.
  • Head office and advanced technology development base located in Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima City.
  • High acclaim for photobook brand 'ASUKABOOK' domestically and internationally.
  • Sponsor of Hiroshima Toyo Carp and Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
  • Simultaneous Japan-US release of photo book editing software specialized for photography enthusiasts.
  • Developed cloud services specialized in IT utilization support for the funeral industry.
  • Aerial displays deploy proprietary technology different from holograms.
  • Long track record and trust in OEM manufacturing in the photo book field.
  • Provides web site generation tool 'Osofu.jp' for funeral homes.
  • Free cloud-based end-of-life planning support service 'Memorial Portrait Bank.'
  • Established unique market position through integration of IT and photo technology.
  • Maintains growth through regular new services and brand refreshes.

Hidden Connections

  • Deep business collaborations with funeral-related companies through IT service deployment in the funeral industry.
  • Aerial imaging patents also influencing optical system-related industrial technologies.
  • Long-term transactions with multiple major photo service companies in photo book OEM manufacturing.
  • Close sponsor relationships with local sports teams as a Hiroshima-based company.
  • Online posthumous portrait photo processing service plays a role in promoting IT utilization by funeral homes.
  • Data delivery tools derived from IT services have diversified into birth announcements.
  • Photobook brands have gained certain recognition in Asian and North American markets overseas.
  • Strengthening international IP protection through overseas deployment of patented technologies.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Rapid adoption and market expansion of funeral-related IT services
  • Increasing demand for end-of-life planning in an aging society
  • Digitalization progress in photobook and photo-related markets
  • Exploration of new applications and overseas expansion for aerial display technology
  • Revenue base strengthening through expanded cloud service usage
  • Differentiation enhancement through high-value-added product development
  • Creation of new business models through IT and video technology integration
  • Stable revenue securing through strengthened OEM partnerships
  • Business expansion strategy from regional to nationwide scale
  • Brand value improvement through permeation of sustainability management
  • Service quality and operational efficiency improvements via AI utilization
  • Global growth through active overseas market development

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve 50% domestic share in posthumous portraits and funeral-related IT services
  • Expand overseas sales of aerial display technology to 20% of total
  • Expand overseas photobook business to increase sales by 30%
  • Implement 30% CO2 emissions reduction as sustainability target
  • Exceed 500,000 cloud service users
  • Build new service lines utilizing AI technology
  • Further sophistication of OEM manufacturing system and multi-product deployment
  • Expansion of regional contribution activities linked to local revitalization
  • Achieve continuous sales growth through diversification
  • 40% improvement in company-wide operational efficiency through DX promotion

Business Segments

Funeral-related IT Services

Overview
Supporting business efficiency in the funeral industry through IT services and support.
Competitiveness
IT expertise and system suite specialized for the funeral industry
Customers
  • Funeral Homes
  • Funeral Hall Managers
  • Cemetery Operators
  • Altar Setup Operators
  • Funeral Supply Retailers
Products
  • tsunagoo Funeral Performance Content
  • Cloud-based Obituary Notification System
  • Funeral Home Web Site Generation Tool
  • Printing Creation Tool SoSign
  • Funeral-related IT Support Services

Photo Processing and Printing Services

Overview
Various services supporting photo processing, printing, planning, development, and OEM manufacturing.
Competitiveness
Combination of high-quality photo technology and stable production system
Customers
  • Photo Studios
  • Photography Enthusiasts
  • Photo Studios
  • Video Production Companies
  • Photo-related OEM Companies
Products
  • High-function Photo Retouching Service
  • Photobook Binding OEM
  • Photobook Dedicated Software
  • Photo Print Consumables
  • Photobook Design Tools

Aerial Display-related Business

Overview
Provision of innovative aerial display products and systems, along with technical support.
Competitiveness
Superior video expression through proprietary technology with numerous patents
Customers
  • Trade Show Operators
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Corporate Promotion
  • Video Production Companies
  • Educational Institutions
Products
  • ASKA3D Plate
  • Aerial Imaging Products
  • Aerial Display Systems
  • Video Aerial Imaging Devices
  • Patent Technology Licensing

OEM/Partner Manufacturing Support

Overview
Supporting planning, manufacturing, and sales of photo products for OEM partners.
Competitiveness
Reliable production technology and diverse customization capabilities
Customers
  • Major Printing Companies
  • Photo-related Companies
  • IT Service Companies
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Distributors
Products
  • Photobook OEM Manufacturing
  • Photo-related Consumables Provision
  • Custom Photobook Planning
  • OEM Processing Services

Video Production and Editing Services

Overview
Specialized video production and editing services for funerals and weddings.
Competitiveness
Professional video technology and online distribution systems
Customers
  • Bridal Operators
  • Event Planning Companies
  • Funeral Homes
  • Video Production Companies
  • Individual Customers
Products
  • Memorial Video Production
  • Bridal Video Editing
  • Online Video Distribution
  • Video Content Design

Cloud Service Provision

Overview
Photo and obituary-related services using cloud platforms.
Competitiveness
User-friendly IT utilization to reduce burdens
Customers
  • Funeral Homes
  • Individual Users
  • Photo Studios
  • Event Operators
Products
  • Memorial Portrait Cloud Storage Service
  • Obituary and Birth Announcement Delivery Tools
  • Online Photo Management
  • Cloud Printing Integration System

IT System Equipment Sales

Overview
Sales and maintenance services for IT equipment targeted at funeral homes and photo-related businesses.
Competitiveness
Industry-specific hardware and reliable support system
Customers
  • Funeral Homes
  • Photo Studios
  • Event Companies
  • Sales Agents
Products
  • Cloud-compatible Terminals
  • Printing-related Equipment
  • Software Licenses
  • Peripheral Equipment Support

Web Service Development

Overview
Development and operation of web apps and services for the funeral industry and customers.
Competitiveness
System building capabilities tailored to industry needs
Customers
  • Funeral-related Operators
  • Photobook Users
  • Event Organizers
Products
  • Funeral Home Site Development
  • Photobook Online Editing
  • Customer Management Tools

Printing-related Logistics Services

Overview
Supporting efficiency in logistics and inventory management for photo-related products.
Competitiveness
Logistics expertise specialized in photo products
Customers
  • Photo-related Retailers
  • OEM Partners
  • Mail-order Operators
Products
  • Photobook Logistics Management
  • Printed Materials Delivery Support
  • Inventory Management System Integration

Special Photo Product Development

Overview
Planning, manufacturing, and sales of special photo products including aerial displays.
Competitiveness
Product differentiation through a wide range of patented technologies
Customers
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Trade Show Planners
  • Retailers
Products
  • Aerial Display-related Products
  • Photo Decoration Supplies
  • Special Printing Materials

Photo Education and Training Services

Overview
Providing education and training on photo techniques and system operations.
Competitiveness
Practical educational curriculum specialized for the industry
Customers
  • Photo Studio Staff
  • Photographers
  • Funeral Operators
Products
  • Photo Editing Training
  • Funeral IT System Operation Education
  • Workshops for Technicians

Overseas Sales Support Business

Overview
Supporting overseas expansion with product sales and technical assistance.
Competitiveness
Brand strategy and agent network adapted to overseas markets
Customers
  • Overseas Agents
  • Exporters
  • Local Business Partners
Products
  • ASKA3D Overseas Sales Support
  • Photobook Brand Export
  • Technology Transfer Services

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Top domestic share in posthumous portrait photos
  • Numerous patents for innovative aerial imaging technology
  • Revenue base from diverse service deployments
  • High brand recognition for quality photobooks
  • Expertise in funeral-related IT services
  • Stable customer base and track record
  • Sales networks domestically and internationally
  • Track record in cloud service introductions
  • Abundant OEM manufacturing experience
  • Integrated system of technology and planning capabilities
  • Reliable operations with regional closeness
  • Risk diversification through multifaceted business deployment

Competitive Advantages

  • High market share in online posthumous portrait photo processing
  • Differentiation through proprietary aerial display technology
  • Securing niche markets with IT services for funeral homes
  • High-quality photobooks expanding to overseas markets
  • Product lineup with numerous patented technologies difficult to imitate
  • Diverse service provision leveraging cloud infrastructure
  • Full customization capabilities responding to customer needs
  • High reliability in manufacturing system with many OEM partners
  • Broad business deployment through integration of IT and video technology
  • Brand power as a major regional company
  • Market access through diverse sales channels
  • Synergistic effects of funeral-related services and photo-related businesses

Threats

  • Market erosion in posthumous portraits and photobooks by competitors
  • Risk of product obsolescence due to rapid technological evolution
  • Impact on the funeral industry from regulatory changes
  • Intensified competition from new IT service entrants
  • Cultural adaptation challenges in overseas markets
  • Regional risks such as natural disasters
  • Decline in traditional services due to digitalization progress
  • Reduced consumer spending during economic downturns
  • Patent-related litigation risks
  • Revenue fluctuations in overseas sales due to exchange rate variations
  • Social environmental changes such as new infectious diseases
  • IT security risks

Innovations

2023: tsunagoo Obituary Service Cumulative Usage Exceeds 250,000 Cases

Overview
Achieved a significant milestone indicating the expansion of usage for the IT service 'tsunagoo' targeted at funeral homes.
Impact
Contributes to customer base expansion and stabilization of service revenue.

2022: Asukabook 20th Anniversary Service Enhancement

Overview
Service renewal and functional enhancements for the representative photobook brand 'Asukabook.'
Impact
Achieved improved brand value and higher customer satisfaction domestically and internationally.

2021: Launch of Birth Announcement Service 'e-tayori' for Funeral Homes

Overview
Developed a communication tool for birth announcements to expand from memorial portrait services into new areas.
Impact
Contributes to opening new customer segments and service diversification.

2020: Establishment of Technology Development Center in Sagamihara

Overview
New technical development base established in Sagamihara City to expand aerial display business.
Impact
Contributes to strengthened R&D and improved domestic and international technological competitiveness.

2023: Improvement of Posthumous Portrait Photo Processing Technology Using AI

Overview
Achieved improved accuracy in wrinkle removal and hair addition by incorporating AI technology.
Impact
Directly contributes to customer satisfaction and market share expansion.

2024: Promotion of IoT Integration in Photobook Production Systems

Overview
Implemented productivity improvements through IoT technology introduction for binding production efficiency.
Impact
Achieves cost reductions and shortened production lead times.

2023: Expansion of Overseas Sales Agents for Aerial Displays

Overview
Strengthened overseas expansion of ASKA3D products and expansion of agent networks.
Impact
Expands overseas sales and improves brand recognition.

2021: Development of Cloud-based Funeral Performance Multimedia

Overview
Cloud-ification and service enhancement of online delivery and performance technology for the funeral market.
Impact
Promotes IT utilization by funeral homes and secures new revenue sources.

2020: Launch of Memorial Portrait Bank Cloud Service

Overview
Free service for cloud storage of posthumous portrait photos and messages themed on end-of-life planning support.
Impact
Achieves customer base expansion and improved brand image.

2022: Expansion of Photobook OEM Manufacturing Capacity

Overview
Enhanced OEM manufacturing capabilities to meet increasing demand from major clients.
Impact
Contributes to strengthening revenue base and ensuring long-term stability.

Sustainability

  • Local employment creation and contribution to regional economy
  • Promotion of in-house paperless operations and waste reduction
  • Equipment updates for reduced environmental impact in manufacturing
  • Promotion of recycled paper use and stringent material procurement
  • Sustainability education for employees
  • Active support and donations for social welfare