#Blockchain

WebX 2026

Asia's premier Web3 conference connecting global blockchain leaders, startups, investors, enterprises, and policymakers through talks, exhibitions, and networking.

Japan Blockchain Week 2026

Japan's largest blockchain event series, connecting global Web3 leaders through conferences, networking, hackathons, and community events across Tokyo.

Japan’s idols and the fan economy—history and now

Ryo Asai’s new novel *In the Mega-Church* explores Japan’s fan economy and idol culture, tracing its evolution from Johnny’s boy bands and AKB48’s participatory model to globalized, tech-driven fandoms. Today, digital platforms, audition documentaries, and virtual performances reshape how fans connect with idols. Startups are innovating in fan engagement, live interaction, and merchandise using data and blockchain, though issues like scandals and over-commercialization remain. Japan’s idol industry highlights the power of community-driven content. The article also announces a February 2026 Shibuya program for creative tech startups, featuring exhibitions, networking, and collaboration with DIG SHIBUYA.

Japan’s Stablecoin Landscape: Regulation, Innovation, and the Road Ahead (part 1/2)

Japan has played a pioneering role in regulating cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. While stablecoins like USDT and USDC reach over $235 billion globally, Japan is still in early adoption stages. The country first legally defined crypto assets in 2017 under the Payment Services Act (PSA). A 2023 amendment introduced the first stablecoin regulations, marking a key milestone. Alongside, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA) governs security tokens and blockchain-based financial products. With cashless payments now at 42.8%, experts see stablecoins as the next step in Japan’s digital payment evolution, supported by progressive legal and technological frameworks.

EDCON 2025 – Osaka

WebX2025

NFTs with Real World Assets in Japan’s art & culture scene

With the release of the ERC-721 standard on Ethereum in 2017, NFT art projects like CryptoKitties and CryptoPunks quickly captured global attention, and celebrities, artists, and companies worldwide started generating their own NFTs at an enormous rate. This led to the NFT boom of the early 2020s, of which you are undoubtedly familiar.

Aiming for a World That Liberates All Businesses from Privacy Risks - Ryosuke Takahashi, Acompany Co., Ltd..

As privacy protection gains global attention, Acompany aims to create a world free from privacy risks through secure computation technology. We interviewed founder Ryosuke Takahashi about his vision for ideal data security and future global trends.