#Japan #Tokyo #Claude Code #FlashLabs #OrcaRouter

FlashLabs Enhances OrcaRouter with Claude Code Support

FlashLabs Inc., based in Tokyo's Chiyoda ward, has recently unveiled the integration of its AI inference gateway, OrcaRouter, with Anthropic's agent-based AI coding tool, Claude Code. This integration allows developers to utilize over 200 language models (LLMs) directly through OrcaRouter, enabling automatic routing to the optimal model based on the task type. With this feature, AI coding costs can be reduced by approximately 40% while maintaining high quality.

Background and Objective

By 2026, agent-based coding tools operating at terminal levels have rapidly become integral to developers' workflows. Among them, Anthropic's Claude Code has gained significant traction, widely adopted by development teams globally for its ability to autonomously comprehend an entire codebase and perform file editing, testing, and commits.

Despite its growing popularity, many developers found themselves restricted to using only Anthropic's models since Claude Code is designed to connect solely to Anthropic's API. While models like OpenAI's GPT, Google Gemini, and DeepSeek excel in certain coding tasks, there was no means to selectively utilize these alternatives without losing the superior agent experience provided by Claude Code.

The addition of Claude Code support within OrcaRouter addresses this limitation effectively. By redirecting the standard Anthropic Messages API to OrcaRouter, developers can keep the agent’s functionalities, user interface, and workflows intact while accessing over 200 models through a single endpoint and API key. Moreover, OrcaRouter’s adaptive routing automatically selects the best model based on prompt complexity and task type, ensuring efficient resource utilization without developer intervention.

Integration Overview

• - Pricing: 0% token surcharge (equivalent to the public price of the provider). Free tokens are available for trial use. Team plans start at $499/month.
• - Supported Protocol: Anthropic Messages API, the standard protocol used by Claude Code.

The Value for Businesses

1. Optimized Model Usage Per Coding Task: By optimizing per task, AI development costs can decrease significantly—around 40%. Simple tasks like code completions can leverage fast and cost-effective models, while complex tasks such as refactoring are automatically assigned to high-performance models like Claude Opus 4.8 or GPT-5.5.

2. Unified Access to Over 200 Models: Through OrcaRouter, developers can access models from over 15 providers, including Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and DeepSeek, without needing individual contracts. Any new models released will be added to routing candidates without any setup changes.

3. Maintaining Existing Agent Experiences: Developers need only specify environment variables to retain the seamless experience of Claude Code, including its agent functionalities and extended command features. Reverting to the original connection is as simple as removing the `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL` variable, thereby preserving existing developer workflows.

Technical Features

OrcaRouter Architecture

OrcaRouter functions as an AI gateway between Claude Code and numerous LLM providers. When a request is sent from Claude Code via the Anthropic Messages API, OrcaRouter evaluates the prompt’s complexity in under a millisecond, then routes it to the most suitable model without requiring changes on the Claude Code side.

Dedicated Routing for Coding Tasks

Using OrcaRouter’s Routing DSL, developers can define YAML-based routing strategies aligned with coding task types. Here’s how different tasks can be managed:

• - Code completion and boilerplate generation: Fast and low-cost models.
• - Bug fixing and refactoring: Balanced models.
• - Architectural design and intricate algorithms: Frontier models.
• - Code review and test generation: Directed to specialized models.

Midstream Failover

In case of provider disruptions, the system will switch to another provider automatically mid-session, ensuring that developers' Claude Code sessions remain uninterrupted and that long-duration tasks retain their state.

Future Developments

Moving forward, OrcaRouter will unveil code-specific routing templates for Claude Code and promote best practices sharing within the community. The integration will expand further with other AI coding tools, ensuring developers can benefit from optimal model selection, irrespective of location.

Statement from the Representative

Yoichi Hosoi, CEO of FlashLabs, stated, "Claude Code is currently one of the most highly rated tools for agent-based coding. However, many developers have been limited to utilizing only Anthropic's models. With OrcaRouter's Claude Code support, developers can effortlessly access over 200 models without sacrificing their coding experience. This feature allows them to concentrate on coding without worrying about costs owing to the automatic selection of the optimal model based on prompt complexity. Our goal is to create an environment where the Japanese development community can enjoy a superior AI coding experience unencumbered by tool limitations and cost concerns."

About OrcaRouter

Developed by Continuum AI and exclusively marketed in Japan by FlashLabs, OrcaRouter is a next-generation AI inference gateway. It integrates over 200 LLMs into a singular endpoint and API key, automatically routing prompts based on complexity. With no added token fees and simple integration requiring only a single URL rewrite, OrcaRouter equips enterprises with governance, tracing, monitoring, and evaluation functions—all through one unified gateway.

About FlashLabs

FlashLabs specializes in developing and commercializing AI solutions aiming for the automation and eventual autonomy of sales and customer experiences. By merging the processing efficiency and precision of machines with human strategic insights, FlashLabs provides exceptional outcomes that outstrip traditional approaches. As the creator of the open-source voice model Chroma, FlashLabs works with entities like NTT Data, Xiaomi, Kakao, Intel, G42, and MBZUAI to cater to developers and machine-learning engineers.

Continuing AI Evolution

As the AI landscape evolves, tools like OrcaRouter are poised to lead the charge in enhancing developer efficiency and cost-effectiveness through innovative integrations. FlashLabs remains committed to paving the way for a future where AI coding tools can seamlessly enhance developer productivity across diverse platforms and settings.