"Building a World-Class Digital Company from Japan and Taiwan."

I founded WAKEI Inc. out of a profound sense of crisis and responsibility, shaped by more than 25 years at the forefront of the digital industry. From participating in All About’s startup and contributing to its successful IPO, to leading global business expansion at Rakuten as Agency Sales Director and International Advertising Director, and later taking leadership of the Japan business at a series of world-leading global adtech companies — including Appier (Taiwan), Mobvista (China), InMobi (India), and Outbrain (US)— I have dedicated my career to bringing the world’s most advanced digital solutions to the Japanese market.
Throughout this journey, I witnessed with growing concern how Japan’s digital marketing industry, once the undisputed leader in APAC, gradually lost its competitive edge and fell behind global standards. A strikingly similar stagnation has also taken root in Taiwan.

Having spent decades driving this industry forward, I became convinced that our generation cannot simply pass this situation on to the next. It is our responsibility to break the cycle.
How can we reintroduce world-class management practices and cutting-edge technologies into our markets? Is it possible to build a truly competitive digital enterprise from Japan and Taiwan — one that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best?It was during this period of reflection that I reunited with Wang-Teh Ko, a trusted comrade from All About’s early startup days. He now leads investment activities for the co-founding family of Hotai Group, actively investing in next-generation digital companies across Taiwan and Japan. Our visions resonated immediately.
By combining his powerful networks and deep insight into the Taiwanese market with my global adtech expertise, I became certain we could build something truly powerful — a borderless company capable of reshaping digital marketing across both markets.
This ambition took a major leap forward when MicroAd, Japan’s leading ad-tech company, and Ho-Chwan Investment Co., Ltd., the investment vehicle of the Hotai Group’s co-founding family, joined us as strategic shareholders. This unique alliance brings together the assets and stability of established leaders with the agility and fresh perspective of a startup — creating a dynamism that neither could achieve alone.
As an Independent Trading Desk (ITD), WAKEI selects only the world’s best technologies and delivers fully transparent operations. At the same time, through deep collaboration with our Taiwanese partners, we provide seamless cross-border solutions that connect Japan and Taiwan.

“Binding Wisdom. Forging Harmony. Leading Humanity Toward a More Prosperous World.”

Guided by this mission, we will transcend barriers of language, business customs, and industry conventions to unlock the full potential of every client. We invite you to join us as WAKEI drives new momentum across the digital economies of Japan, Taiwan, and beyond.

Takeshi Iryo

CEO, WAKEI Inc.