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 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.

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.

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.