Interview with Shunpei Tatebayashi "We need to create an environment to compete globally" - KDDI supports the development of Web 3.0

KDDI announced "αU (Alpha U)" as a metaverse/Web3 service in March last year. As KDDI's efforts are expected to accelerate in the future, we asked Shunpei Tatebayashi, the company's Web3 Promotion Department Manager, about the current state of the industry.

How do you see the current Web3.0 field?

Shunpei Tatebayashi (hereinafter, Tatebayashi): In March 2023, KDDI launched the metaverse/Web3 service "αU" to support the new generation that moves between reality and virtuality without any boundaries, and to create a world where anyone can become a creator. In addition to metaverse-related services such as "αU meta verse," we also provide the cryptocurrency wallet "αU wallet" and the NFT marketplace "αU market" as web3 services that utilize blockchain.

We see three social phenomena that are becoming apparent as a trend toward Web3.0: "1) Fundraising for startups and others using tokens," "2) The rise of fandom and creator economy," and "3) The possibility of new IDs and economic spheres." As an existing business operator, these changes are both a cause for concern and a major attraction.

On the other hand, we recognize that customers still feel uneasy, scared, and confused about this area, and we see solving this as a challenge from the business operator's perspective. In addition, the establishment of rules is also important in promoting the entry of companies, and it is necessary to create an environment in which the public and private sectors can work together to compete globally.