WCRC Researched Brand · World's Most Powerful Brands 2026 · Second Global Mega Edition
au
au is the telecommunications brand of KDDI Corporation in Japan and the country's second-largest mobile brand. Its offering spans au, UQ mobile and povo, and it runs a strong domestic app ecosystem including au PAY and au Jibun Bank. For the year ended 31 March 2026, KDDI reported operating revenue of JPY6,071.9bn, up 4.1%. WCRC's research found the brand strongest in financial health, with stable A-range ratings, and in market goodwill, thanks to a large consumer base. It has won network quality awards in Japan and has a partnership with SpaceX Starlink for direct-to-cell service. Its limits are regulatory: a 2022 major network outage drew a regulator fine, and 2026 coverage covered fictitious transactions at a group subsidiary.
- Sector
- Telecommunications
- Region
- Asia-Pacific
- Country
- Japan
- WCRC research
- Research Matrix screening
What WCRC found
Japan's second-largest mobile brand, spanning au, UQ mobile and povo.
FY2025 operating revenue of JPY6,071.9bn, up 4.1%, with stable A-range ratings.
Strong app ecosystem, including au PAY and au Jibun Bank, and a Starlink direct-to-cell partnership.
What holds it back: A 2022 network outage fined by the regulator and 2026 fictitious transactions at a group subsidiary, with JPY17.1bn of outflows, weigh on compliance standing.
Status in the 2026 edition
au was screened on the six-dimension WCRC Research Matrix for the 2026 edition. It is not among the 100 ranked brands.
WCRC publishes scores only for the 100 ranked brands. How WCRC ranks brands.
Questions people ask
Is au in the WCRC World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
au was screened on the six-dimension WCRC Research Matrix for the 2026 edition. It is not among the 100 ranked brands.
Which Telecommunications brands are ranked in 2026?
No Telecommunications brand reached the 2026 top 100.