Sony Network Communications president Jun Watanabe and Astar founder Sota Watanabe attended the WebX2024 event and spoke about Ethereum L2 blockchain Soneium. The minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Saito, also spoke at the event, expressing his hopes for Web3’s innovation.
The WebX2024 event brought blockchain enthusiasts in Japan together. The conference saw several guests take the stage, including Jun Watanabe and Sota Watanabe, who spoke at the event on Sony’s L2 blockchain, Soneium.
Soneium goes live on testnet
According to Sota Watanabe, the Soneium Spark incubation received much support from different entities like DFG and UOB Venture Management. Watanabe stated in an X post that the team will release an application form in a few days. At the event, Watanabe highlighted that Startale and Sony intend to build an entire ecosystem rather than
Soneium Spark incubator will offer eligible developers investments worth up to $100,000. The incubator will also provide professional support in business, finance, marketing, and technical issues from Astar Network, Startale, and Sony Group.
“By combining our strengths, Startale and Sony will go beyond simply building a blockchain to creating an ecosystem that aims for long-term success.”
Soneium also gave a detailed announcement on X regarding the L2 blockchain and how the Soneium Spark incubator will benefit eligible developers.
The L2 blockchain and the Soneium Spark incubator went live on the public testnet on August 28th after being announced on August 23rd. Soneium was developed by a Singaporean Sony subsidiary Startale Labs and was recently launched by Sony Block Solutions Labs to empower Web3 users and drive adoption in the space.
Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry speaks at the WebX2024 conference
Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Ken Saito, was among the guests who attended the WebX2024 conference. The minister took the stage promising litigation processes and industrial policies that will ensure the growth opportunities in the Web3 arena are captured.
Minister Saito stated that the global Web3 industry is experiencing a historic turning point of international competition stimulated by policymaking. The minister set a trajectory for Japan’s vision of becoming a center of global creativity in line with the importance of Web3 ecosystems. Minister Saito touched on implementing legal reforms and tax-friendly policies to create a conducive environment for startups to thrive.
The minister also acknowledged that Japan possesses the potential to expand Web3 and blockchain infrastructure. He promised to promote the industry in a way that attracts investors from the global network.
Jun Tamura and Yuzo Kano discuss crypto investment at the conference
CEO of bitFlyer Holdings Yuzo Kano and entertainer Atsushi had a conversation staged during the WebX2024 event that narrowed in on cryptocurrency investments. During the discussion, Tamura shared his experience investing in the digital asset landscape. He said he acquired 2 bitcoins when one BTC retailed for 180,000 yen (approximately $1200 at current rates).
Kano detailed that Bitcoin is collectively recognized globally as a hedge against risk sentiments, and industry players are quickly adding the asset to their portfolios. He explained that the prices of digital currencies are volatile and heavily influenced by political events globally.
Tamura asked Kano if one could become a millionaire in the current market by investing tens of thousands of yen. Kano responded to the query by stating that it was difficult to do so while investing in Bitcoin.
However, he explained that investing in smaller high-utility projects and holding them for the long haul is important. Kano also explained that enthusiasts should dig for underground projects that are not yet mainstream and will attract the attention of many investors soon.
The discussion dove into the idea of using crypto assets as typical currencies for payments. Kano acknowledged the role stablecoins play in executing international remittances across borders, a service available 24 hours a day.
The two went ahead to discuss the potential existing in blockchain-powered games that integrate the use of digital currencies in their ecosystems.
During the event, the organizers conducted a survey that revealed most participants had interacted with digital currencies as investment vehicles. The discussions also revealed that the Japanese crypto account holders surpassed the 10 million mark. Their numbers are quickly growing to the size of the forex market account holders.
The two-day WebX2024 conference was planned by Japanese Web3 media outlet CoinPost, and the WebX Executive Committee hosted the event at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo.
