This summer, where AI and Practical Blockchain intersect, JBW will kick off in August──focusing on dialogues that transcend industry boundaries [Interview with organizer Mai Fujimoto] | CoinDesk JAPAN

From August 22 to September 19, the largest event in Japan related to blockchain, "JBW (Japan Blockchain Week)," will be held, featuring a variety of events.

This time, the theme is "AI shaping the next wave of Practical Blockchain evolution." During the period, several major Web3 and Practical Blockchain-related events are scheduled, including events by "Solana Superteam Japan" promoting the Japanese expansion of the public blockchain Solana, as well as hackathons such as WebX Asia and ETHTokyo.

On the 23rd, the "Japan Blockchain Week Summit" will kick off, featuring presentations from NVIDIA Corporation, the Japanese subsidiary of the world’s top GPU manufacturer, and GMO Aiken AI Corporation, among others.

JBW originated from the NFT conference "Non Fungible Tokyo" that started in 2018, and is now operated in collaboration with multiple organizations. It aims to invite experts and stakeholders from Japan and abroad in the fields of NFT, Practical Blockchain, and cryptocurrency to promote the spread of Web3 and the healthy development of the industry. Yuki Kamimoto, CEO of N.Avenue, which operates CoinDesk JAPAN, is also participating as an advisor.

CoinDesk JAPAN interviewed Mai Fujimoto, one of the key members of JBW and known as "Miss Bitcoin," who has been involved in the cryptocurrency industry since its early days, about this year's highlights.

AI is a "must-have" theme

──Please tell me the circumstances and background of the birth of JBW.

The origin of JBW began with "Non Fungible Tokyo" at a time when NFTs were not yet widely recognized. Named after the official term for NFT, Non-Fungible Token, it was a small-scale event with about 60 participants at that time.

Since then, we have continued to focus on noteworthy topics in conferences, but starting from 2022, rather than holding standalone events, we have been collaborating with other organizers to adjust schedules with the aim of "revitalizing the blockchain industry across Japan," expanding in the form of JBW. As a result, it has become easier for participants from overseas to visit Japan.

──How do you see the impact of AI on the Practical Blockchain?

When viewed globally, AI is definitely an indispensable theme.

For example, the project "Aethir" which possesses and operates a large number of GPUs, has raised funds through cryptocurrency and owns about 4,000 NVIDIA H100s. In a sense, it can be described as the "GPU version of MicroStrategy," and given its important role as AI infrastructure, the fusion of AI and Practical Blockchain cannot be overlooked.

Furthermore, once the infrastructure is established, AI may become difficult for humans to control, and the "discomfort with monopolies" that has been discussed in the context of Web3 is becoming clearer.

One of the representative projects in this context is "0G Labs." It aims to build a decentralized AI infrastructure from the beginning to avoid repeating the centralization of information that was criticized in Web2. Since it is difficult to decentralize the power structure after AI has sufficiently developed, they are designing a decentralized foundation now.

I hope you are looking forward to these projects, as all of them are scheduled to present at the summit on the 23rd.

The significance of JBW lies in connecting the blockchain industry with those outside of it. The summit will also feature major companies active in the AI field. I want people from the AI industry to understand the serious efforts being made in Web3 and to share the value that can only be realized through blockchain. By creating such a platform for mutual understanding, I believe we can bridge the gap between industries.

Virtual humans as MCs, AI robots guide the venue.

──It seems like the atmosphere will be different from previous JBW summits.

"Non Fungible Tokyo" was similar in that, not only in the cryptocurrency industry but also in the entertainment industry and among artists, the diversity of participants has greatly changed the atmosphere of events. This time, with players from the AI field joining in, I expect it to bring an even newer vibe.

Highlights of the summit include a presentation by the Japanese company Aww Inc, which works on the 3DCG virtual human "imma". imma has been featured in advertisements for Prada and Burberry, becoming a globally recognized presence. This time, Aww will create a new virtual human named "Mirai-chan" for JBW, who will serve as the event's MC. There are also plans for initiatives and projects unique to Web3, such as token issuance.

Furthermore, the G1, Japan's first humanoid AI-equipped robot provided by GMO AI & Robotics Trading, will serve as a guide within the venue. There are setups prepared for visitors to experience the exciting fusion of AI and Web3.

August 23rd is a Saturday. I hope you will come to the venue.

Exclusive to CoinDesk Japan! Here is the free invitation for the JBW Summit.

The Spread of Cryptocurrency in the Payment Sector and the Rising Demand for Privacy Protection

──How do you view the current Web3 industry in Japan? As someone who has been involved since the dawn of it, do you feel any changes?

There are two main points. One is that the use of cryptocurrency for payments is progressing in earnest. The other is the growing awareness of privacy protection.

Since around 2011, I have been involved with Bitcoin and have been working on the spread of cryptocurrency payment systems. Recently, there have been more large-scale fundraising cases and partnerships with major financial institutions and payment platforms, and I feel that cryptocurrency payments are actually becoming more widespread.

At the same time, the rapid advancement of AI has heightened concerns regarding the handling of personal data. The Practical Blockchain is fundamentally a technology that emphasizes transparency; however, the current situation where all transactions are made public can lead to security risks. In some cases, it can be akin to "walking around with your bank account balance hanging out." In fact, incidents such as the kidnapping of large holders have occurred, illustrating that transparency can backfire.

This awareness of issues is increasingly shared within the Practical Blockchain industry, and there has been a clear increase in sessions related to privacy technology at recent Ethereum-related events. In the United States, interest in privacy has garnered attention due to the not guilty verdict for Tornado Cash and discussions about a pardon for the founder of the dark web site "Silk Road."

| | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Schedule | Title | Organizer | Click here for details | | 8.23 | Japan Practical Blockchain Week Summit AI Edition | Japan Practical Blockchain Week | | | 8.24 | Solana Super Tokyo | Solana Superteam Japan | | | 8.25-26 | WebX Asia | WebX | | | 8.27 | Practical Blockchain Leaders Summit | B Dash Ventures / Hashed | | | 9.11 | Web3 Privacy Now | Web3 Privacy Now | | | 9.12-15 | ETHTokyo | ETHTokyo | | | 9.16-19 | EDCON Osaka | Osaka Prefecture, De University of Ethereum, etc. | |

This year's JBW has many sessions planned that delve into the social impact brought about by AI and decentralized technologies. This reflects an awareness of the need to confront the rising privacy and ethical risks behind convenience at an early stage.

Practical Blockchainの現在地を実感

──The entire Blockchain Week will last for about 4 weeks. Finally, I would like to hear a message for the attendees.

The upcoming Practical Blockchain Week will be held for about a month from August 22 to September 19.

Not only at the summit, but through various events such as Solana Super Tokyo, WebX Asia, Blockchain Leaders Summit, and ETHTokyo, it is structured in a way that allows one to feel the current state of Japan's Practical Blockchain and its connection points with the global landscape.

The ETHTokyo, which is at the end, is a unique event that combines a conference and a hackathon, serving as a gathering place for Ethereum developers from around the world. The theme for 2025 is "Emancipatory Tech for Future of Humanity." With Ethereum developers coming from all over the world, we hope you look forward to the projects that will be presented.

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CoinDesk JAPAN will deliver the appeal and potential of this event as the official special media partner of JBW2025 during the event period. A new future envisioned by Practical Blockchain and AI will begin to unfold this summer, starting from here.

CoinDesk Japan exclusive! The free invitation to the JBW Summit is here.