Japan Smart Chain Launch Event Held in Tokyo
On November 28, 2024, we hosted a launch event in Tokyo to mark the official announcement of Japan Smart Chain (JSC), welcoming members of the media and representatives from partner companies. The event brought together a large number of attendees, providing an opportunity to share firsthand the background, mission, service offerings, and future vision of JSC.
The event began with a keynote speech by Joi Ito, Co-Founder of AltX Research, who spoke about the growing importance of JSC in the context of the evolving internet and the rise of web3 technologies. He noted that many companies and government agencies in Japan have struggled to fully leverage web3 due to the lack of a blockchain infrastructure that is both compliant with Japan’s stringent regulations and consistent with local requirements. JSC was specifically designed to fill this gap and serve as the foundational layer to support Japan’s transition into a more advanced digital society.
Following the opening remarks, Russell Cummer, Co-Founder of AltX Research, gave a presentation outlining the mission and key features of JSC. He explained that JSC is a sovereign public blockchain that maintains both reliability and transparency by leveraging compatibility with Ethereum while being validated entirely by trusted industry leaders based in Japan.
Cummer also introduced the four core principles that guide JSC’s development: sovereignty, security, safety, and scalability. He further emphasized that JSC is designed to reduce the compliance burden on businesses and end users by incorporating the proprietary “MIZUHIKI Protocol,” currently under development. This protocol aims to offer a more practical pathway for the adoption of web3 technologies in Japan.
The event also included the announcement of partnerships for JSC. Representing partner organizations, Mr. Daisuke Iwase, CEO of Animoca Brands Japan, took the stage and shared his strong expectations for the value that JSC’s services will bring.
In addition, Mr. Koji Maruyama, Executive Officer, General Manager, Investment Department at SBI Investment, and Mr. Ken Kitahara, Co-Founder and General Partner of Decima—both of whom are investors in JSC—joined the event as well. Each offered insightful perspectives on JSC’s potential for growth and its broader significance to society.
During the Q&A session, the audience posed thoughtful and insightful questions, reflecting the high level of interest in JSC’s vision and direction.
To close the event, a photo session was held with all speakers and partners gathered in front of the JSC logo, capturing a shared moment of commitment toward the challenges ahead.
A video recap of the event is available at the link below. We invite you to take a look.
Opening by Joi Ito (FinTech Observer)
Japan Smart Chain overview by Russell Cummer (FinTech Observer)
*The titles of the speakers are as of November 28, 2024.
