the 2023 Japan Blockchain Week is coming to a close. Whether it be industry giants or Web3 practitioners, they have truly experienced this extraordinary and lively moment and shared their exclusive memories of Japan's Web3 in their own words. Foresight News has collected and curated a portion of these memories to help you understand, document, and appreciate this historic moment that belongs to Japan and Web3.
Fiona， Foresight News Oversea partner: 很幸运在日本的区块链周认识了一群优秀的 builders，与日本经济省副司长的对话也让我更全面地感叹日本市场的潜力和激情，充分理解了很多海外项目创始人都在努力学习日语的动力。(I was fortunate to meet a group of outstanding builders during Japan Blockchain Week. Having a conversation with the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy, allowed me to fully appreciate the potential and enthusiasm of the Japanese market. It also helped me understand the motivation behind many overseas project founders’ efforts to learn Japanese.)
Chloe， Foresight News Brand Director: 在日本古都感受到了不同文化碰撞的魔力，中日韩三国作为Web3世界不容忽视的东方支点，有必要也有能力去提升地域凝聚力和影响力。(In the ancient capital of Japan, I experienced the magical collision of different cultures. As key players in the Web3 world, China, Japan, and South Korea holds the necessity and capability to enhance regional cohesion and influence.)
Masahiro Ito， Power-X Director, President & CEO: Japanese successful corporations were once startups too, taking risks and facing uncertainties. Japan still possesses the fertile ground necessary to replicate such a journey.
Toshiaki Shimakawa， Headline Japan CEO: We hope to use this occasion to make business collaborations and engage in other transactions.
Susumu Fujita, President of CyberAgent: Insight is crucial.
Evans，Arcane Group Partner： 日本的Web3市场是一座待开发的巨大金矿，国际项目的本土化以及本土项目的国际化都还具备极高的成长空间。(Japan’s Web3 market is a vast untapped goldmine, offering significant growth potential for both international projects localizing themselves and domestic projects expanding internationally.)
Jenny，VP of investing Animoca Ventures： 许多本地游戏大厂更加积极地参与到Web3建设事业中，日本创业项目也更偏重IP，未来可期！(Many local gaming giants are actively involved in the development of Web3 initiatives, and Japanese startup projects are increasingly focused on leveraging intellectual property (IP). The future looks promising.)
Sandy Peng，Scroll Co-Founder: Japan has enjoyed a relatively stable domestic inflation environement over the last decade, and financial services coverage is very good even at the village level, so the main use case for crypto is NFT/ Gamefi. However, for Web3 game studios to compete with Japan’s domestic Web2 game companies in terms of “playability” is very hard, so I’m excited to see the large Web2 IP and Game makers enter the space. There’s a lot of opportunities for infrastrucutre and tooling for NFTs in Japan, there’s a clear gap in the market and we’re super bullish.
Nina，Offchain Labs Asia-Pacific Regional Manager：以太坊扩容打开了区块链应用普及的大门，这扇门的背后就是亚洲。（Ethereum’s scalability has opened the door to adoption of blockchain applications, and behind this door lies Asia.）
Chess，QuestN Co-Founder：令和5年，Web3，平安京，明治维新。（Reiwa 5, Web3, Heiankyo, Meiji Restoration.）
Jimmy，iZUMi Founder： 京都大会见到日本社区里卧虎藏龙，“沉睡十年”后日本加密社区项目是否会像泉水iZUMi一般喷涌而出值得期待！（At the Kyoto Conference, there were hidden talents in the Japanese crypto community. It is worth anticipating whether Japanese Web3 projects will surge forth like the iZUMi spring water after “a decade of slumber.”）
Donghyeon Jo, co-founder of Undefined Labs： Crypto market opportunities in Japan are enormous and ripe for development. Backed by the government and Web2 companies, developers are able to introduce their innovative concepts and strategies to the market. Japan’s involvement in this field will be crucial.
Lee Kim， Operation Lead of Undefined Labs: The relaxation of blockchain regulations by the Japanese government has visibly invigorated the country’s blockchain industry, making it an excellent opportunity to observe this transformation. It was also noticeable how many companies and startups came together for potential collaborations. The Japanese market appears to be strengthening further.
Keisy Lo, Newman Capital Head of BD： What a fruitful week it has been catching up with old friends and new connections. It is incredible to see how the web3 scene have shifted drasitcally since last year and at Newman we are thrilled to be a part of the movement, bridging world class IPs and projects to not only the rest of asia but also globally.
Stanley， Bware Labs Business Representative、 MZ Web3 Fund Consultant： 这届的IVS办的非常成功，理由有三：1）得到了日本政府和京都政府的大力支持，如开放了世界文化遗产的二条城给参与者；2）参会者的质量非常高，一个明显的感受是，一直在与不同业务线的同行开会中，连静静地听一场演讲的时间都没有；3）明显感受到传统行业的公司很积极地参与到Web3，对行业长期发展树立了信心和期望。(This year’s IVS was very successful for three reasons: 1) It received strong support from the Japanese government and the Kyoto government, such as opening up the World Cultural Heritage site Nijo Castle to participants; 2) The quality of the attendees was very high, I was the constant having meetings with peers from different business lines, leaving no time even for quietly listening to a speech; 3) There was a clear sense that traditional industry companies were actively participating in Web3, which has instilled confidence and expectations for the long-term development of the industry.)
Joe, Waterdrip analyst: Japanese distinctive Web3 requires more collective efforts to build.
Ivan Li，Comma3 Ventures Founding Partner： 在如此古典有文化底蘊的京都充滿了這些創新的活力，這樣衝突的美感讓我們相當期待日本在web3世界的爆發力。(In a city as culturally rich and steeped in tradition as Kyoto, the presence of this innovative energy is truly captivating. The juxtaposition of these contrasting elements fills us with great anticipation for Japan’s explosive potential in the world of web3.)
Charlie， LucidBlue Ventures Managing Partner： IVS大会让我更深度的了解到了日本加密货币市场的具体市场情况，大企业的专业度，大会的用心程度，来的日本社区和KOL的热情，让人喜人，日本加密从业者的谨慎和滞后是目前问题。最前沿的很多认知和事物理解，可能还不太跟得上全球第一线。(The IVS conference provided me with a deeper understanding of the specific market conditions in Japan’s cryptocurrency market. The professionalism of large enterprises and the level of dedication of the conference were impressive. The enthusiasm displayed by the Japanese community and key opinion leaders (KOLs) was truly delightful. However, it is evident that cautiousness and lagging behind are current challenges for Japanese crypto professionals. Their understanding of cutting-edge knowledge and trends may not be keeping up with the global forefront.)
James， Emoote Venture Partner： 既可CX亦可产品（有自然留存）的经济系统设计可能是目前行业阶段的最优解(The design of an economic system that is both market-focused and product-focused, may be the optimal solution in the current stage of the industry.)
Chase Guo, Co-founder of Sleek： IVS Crypto has attracted an impressive number of domestic and international crowds, with a good mix of Web3 and Web3 curious start-ups. The program is well thought-out and the stages well-placed to not only educate the public on Web3, but also facilitate networking between builders and investors.
Chris， Chainbase COO: Crypto让跨境交易摩擦变得很低，但还是没能让日本人用英语交流的成本降低，懂日语是在日本建设的第一步；从业人员整体年龄比中国大十岁以上；content/IP/gaming相关的项目一定要来，日本人太吃这一套了。(Cryptocurrency has significantly reduced friction in cross-border transactions, but it has not lowered the cost of English communication for Japanese people. Understanding the Japanese language is the first step to building a presence in Japan. The average age of professionals in the industry in Japan is ten years older than professionals in China. Content, intellectual property (IP), and gaming-related projects are a must-have in Japan, as Japanese people are highly receptive to such ventures.)
Soomin Kim, CoinNess Global BD Head: It is expected that Japan will become a leading force in driving the next wave of innovation as another prominent cryptocurrency hub in Asia.
Aki， LCA Game Guild Head of Consulting： I was just purely amazed by the amount of energy and the excitement at the conference. Proud to be hosting such an event here in Japan and be at the forefront of innovation.
I’m sure many successful projects will flourish from the collaborations happening here and I feel confident about the future growth of the industry.
Watacchi, KudasaiJP Founder： In JBW/IVS, we saw so many international projects/companies looking into the business chance in Japan, and one of Japanese, we are so glad to have more Projects/companies onboard to the Japanese market!
Ye Park, CEO of Merkle Trade： After experiencing the incredible enthusiasm emanating from everyone at IVS/JBW, I’m more convinced than ever that Asia is poised to become the next hub for crypto. It is always inspiring to connect with fellow builders and supporters of the industry, and IVS/JBW proved to be an exceptional platform for such interactions.
Robert Simons & Peggy Chung, CEO and Co-Creator of Kaidro / Gadget-Bot Prod：Our experience in Japan has been overall amazing. We were able to connect with investors, partners and now friends that we have only been able to see online. Both IVS crypto 2023 and NFTokyo are top tier events that is a must for those interested or within the web 3 space. We have had nothing but warm welcomes and lovely interactions”
Duma，KEKKAI CEO： 不只是Web3，日本其实在各个行业上都有着比较特殊的市场，本地的用户也有着鲜明的优质属性，作为在日本创业的华人Web3 founder，期待更多伙伴能够加入一起build这片市场！(Not only in Web3, but Japan actually has unique markets in various industries, and local users have distinct high-quality attributes. As a Chinese Web3 founder starting a business in Japan, I look forward to more partners joining us to build this market together!)
Laster，DeGame Founder： 日本是web3 builder 值得大力投入的市场， 人口过亿，社群基础强大，消费能力也强，政策也越来越完备及友善。(Japan is a market worth investing in for Web3 builders. With a population of over 100 million, a strong community base, and high consumer purchasing power, Japan offers significant opportunities. Moreover, the country’s policies are becoming more comprehensive and friendly towards the Web3 industry, creating a conducive environment for growth and innovation.)
Tommy，Typus Finance Founder: 在京都古城匯聚開創者，而我們把歷史悠久的金融服務乘載於區塊鏈上，恰如其分。在這持續看到Web2與Web3的對話，我們距離Web3應用落地更近了。(In the ancient city of Kyoto, innovators gather, and we carry the rich history of financial services on the blockchain, which is perfectly fitting. Here, we witness the ongoing dialogue between Web2 and Web3, bringing us closer to the realization of Web3 applications.)
Peishi Lee，Gate.io APAC Region Head: 日本市场奖励认真做事的人，华人也可以讲好东京叙事。(The Japanese market rewards those who work diligently, I believe Chinese can also contribute to this market.)
Nicholas Zaldastani， CESS Co-Founder: This year’s conference heralded, the fact that Web3 is very present and real. Massive adoption is coming in the Japanese crypto field.
Tania Tse， Co-Founder of Sleek: Even in a bear market, the local and international Web3 communities in Japan are flourishing and full of vitality. The IVS event has provided us with a great platform where we can overcome language and cultural barriers, exchange ideas, and establish partnerships. Blockchain has truly transcended borders, bringing people together in a seamless global ecosystem!
Mr. Block， KOL： 京都，這座城市中古老和現代的完美融合。在一個由當地的Web3社群舉辦的小型聚會上，一位名叫Satoshi的開發者分享了他的經歷。當被問及為何選擇進入這個領域時，他回答：“在區塊鏈中，我找到了自己的幕府。(Kyoto, a city where ancient and modern blend perfectly. At a small gathering organized by the local Web3 community, a developer named Satoshi shared his experience. When asked why he chose to enter this field, he replied, “In the blockchain, I found my own shogunate.”)