Japan's Web3.0 Sets the Global Standard—The 'Japan Hub' Pavilion at the World's Largest Web3.0 Conference, TOKEN2049

Summary

1. The inaugural 'Japan Hub' at TOKEN2049—Creating a Space for Japanese Web3 Startups

Asia Web3 Alliance Japan (AWAJ) launched the first 'Japan Hub' pavilion at TOKEN2049 in Singapore. With GOLFIN as the main partner, companies like GET, MEC Labo, TON Japan, 0x Consulting Group, Assets Advisors Capital, and DEA participated, showcasing Japanese Web3 projects to global investors and media through booth exhibitions, pitches, and side events.

Supported by JETRO, Shibuya Startup Support, and members of the Diet, the initiative received high praise for its collaborative spirit and readiness to advance to the next step.

2. Diverse 'Web3.0×Various Fields' Demonstrates 'Japan Quality'—From Sports and Gaming to RWA and Entertainment

Partner companies launched projects that combine unique Japanese strengths with Web3 technology:

• GOLFIN: A trinity model combining real golf, eSports, and GPS to build a cross-border collaborative ecosystem centered around sports.
• DEA: Advancing the DEAP Oracle Network concept, which turns data into economic assets through games like 'Pictorial' and cryptocurrency DEP, with an eye on listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
• GET: Creating a new entertainment economy where artists and fans connect directly through staking and voting with the 'GET' token.
• 0x Consulting / MEC Labo / TON Japan / Assets Advisors Capital: Addressing the 'Galapagosization' of Japan's Web3.0, expanding IP games globally, promoting Telegram×TON, and bridging Japanese and Gulf institutional investors with RWA 'Mirai X'—challenging a wide frontier from finance to content.

These initiatives in 'Web3.0×Golf / Social / Entertainment / Consulting / Game / Telegram / RWA' have garnered attention for their uniquely Japanese quality and openness.

3. Turning Japan into a Web3.0 Hub—Addressing Gaps and Future Prospects

AWAJ's representative, Asif Hinza, emphasized the mission to bridge the gaps in 'information, network, and capital' between Japan and the world, aiming to make Japan a global Web3.0 hub.

He outlined a focus on the following three areas:

• Cross-border acceleration
• Collaboration between corporations and startups
• Development of decentralized media and communities

The response at the Japan Hub indicates high interest and collaboration needs for Japanese projects, with plans to position Japan as a hub connecting the Web3 economies of Asia and the world through further global event participation.

'Asia Web3 Alliance Japan (AWAJ)' hosted the first 'Japan Hub' pavilion at the TOKEN2049 conference held in Singapore in October 2025, gathering Japanese Web3.0 startups.

Under the production of 'Web3 Salon', the initiative powerfully promoted Japan's Web3.0 industry to the international community, providing high-quality networking and business collaboration opportunities for domestic startups.

With GOLFIN as the main partner, diverse companies like Global Entertainment Token (GET), MECLabo, TON Japan, 0x ConsultingGroup PTE.LTD., Assets AdvisorsCapital, and Digital Entertainment Asset Pte. Ltd. (DEA) participated as booth partners.

From September 29 to October 3, activities included booth setups and pitch presentations at the main venue, along with two side events.

On the conference days of October 1-2, the Japan Hub pavilion was set up in a highly visible area on the first floor of the main venue. Partner companies displayed their projects, facilitating direct interactions with numerous visitors.

On the second day, a startup pitch event was held on the TON stage. Initially, AWAJ's representative, Asif Hinza, explained the purpose of Japan Hub, stating its role in guiding foreign startups into the Japanese market and connecting Japanese investors and startups, expressing his commitment to 'help build your future in the Japanese market.'

Subsequently, JETRO's Mr. Kaga delivered a video message stating that JETRO would continue to support Japanese and foreign entrepreneurs in entering or expanding into global markets. At TOKEN2049, Mr. Yoshino from 'Shibuya Startup Support' discussed the support provided at the government level, highlighting the concentration of innovators and global tech companies in Shibuya, and their proactive support for startups, including those founded by foreigners.

Additionally, Ms. Nobuko Irie from the Democratic Party of Japan commented, 'I sincerely hope that Japanese startups will discover new business opportunities and achieve further growth.' Following this, pitches by various companies showcased the appeal of Japanese startups on a global stage.

The 'VC Connect' side event on September 30 featured three-minute pitches and networking aimed at supporting the global expansion of Japanese companies. On October 3, Web3 Salon hosted speeches, and the hybrid metaverse idol unit 'CloneGirls' performed live, enhancing offline community cohesion.

Collaborating with domestic and international partner institutions and supporters, the participation of seven companies in this initiative attracted attention from many investors, entrepreneurs, and international media. Many stakeholders were impressed by the quality and openness of Japanese startups.

Going forward, interviews with partners involved in the Japan Hub will delve into their global strategies and the significance of being a Japanese startup.

In diverse fields such as Web3.0, entertainment, technology, and RWA, they are honing their unique value propositions and challenging the global market. Insights from the field reveal not just an expansion overseas, but a new wave of challenges leveraging their identity as 'originating from Japan.'

Representative's Message

◉Asif Hinza │ Hinza Asif

President of the Nonprofit Organization Asia Web3 Alliance Japan

I have lived in Japan for over 11 years, experiencing firsthand the challenges of building a startup as a foreign company in Japan. I also deeply understand the difficulties Japanese companies face when trying to enter global markets. This awareness is precisely why the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan was founded.

We were born to bridge the gaps between Japan and the world. Our mission is to build a collaborative ecosystem where Japanese startups can connect with international investors and partners, and foreign companies can smoothly enter and grow in the Japanese market.

Through initiatives like the cross-border program, strategic partnerships, and the support of JETRO, we aim to position Japan as a core entity in the global Web3.0 movement through the Japan Hub and Web3 Salon.

"Strengthening Japan's Position as a Web3.0 Hub is Our Mission—Focusing on Three Areas to Overcome Global Barriers"

The Asia Web3 Alliance Japan (AWAJ) is dedicated to promoting growth and innovation in the Web3.0 sector across Asia and Japan. We explored the future direction of this active organization, both domestically and internationally.

──What are the key areas your organization will focus on in its projects going forward?

Our mission is to build a true bridge between Japanese startups, foreign investors, and government initiatives, thereby strengthening Japan's position as a global Web3.0 hub. However, this is no easy task. While Japan's Web3.0 ecosystem is filled with innovation, significant gaps still exist in global communication, investor access, and ecosystem understanding.

To overcome these barriers, we will focus on 'Cross-border Acceleration', 'Collaboration between Corporates and Startups', and 'Decentralized Media and Community Development'. Through these initiatives, we aim to transform Japan into a more open and globally connected nation, recognized as a key player shaping the future of the Web3.0 economy.

──Could you share your experience with the booth setup and presentations at this Japan Hub event?

The Japan Hub Pavilion at TOKEN2049 in Singapore was the first official stage set up to introduce Japanese startups to the global Web3.0 community. It marked a significant milestone in showcasing Japan's innovation, talent, and presence in the blockchain and AI sectors to the world.

This pavilion featured eight leading domestic projects, supported by government agencies such as JETRO and Shibuya Startup Support, and collaborated with international partners. The response from investors, entrepreneurs, and global media was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing that 'Japan is very proactive in collaboration and ready to take the next steps.'

This success has made it clear that the world is closely watching Japan's next moves in integrating blockchain and AI. Encouraged by this success, we plan to further expand the Japan Hub's efforts to major global events, positioning Japan as a central hub connecting the Web3.0 economies of Asia and the world.

"GOLFIN's Strength: The 'Trinity Model' Bridging the World Through Sports and Web3.0"

GOLFIN is a Web3.0 golf project that integrates the real with the digital, focusing on creating a 'golf economy'. We delve into its future strategies.

──What are the key focus areas for your project moving forward?

The greatest strength of GOLFIN lies in its 'Trinity Model' where real sports, e-sports, and GPS merge through the power of Web3.0.

Players earn points playing on actual golf courses using the Golfin GPS app, and will soon be able to compete with players worldwide within the Golfin Game, earning rewards. Additionally, users can lend their avatars to other players, and participate in online tournaments and prediction events to earn rewards. This new sporting experience allows everyone to engage both in the real and digital realms, enjoying a new kind of sports experience—this is the future GOLFIN wants to create.

Wonderwall is currently developing a next-generation e-sports platform that merges GPS and e-sports, with GOLFIN being the first title in this ecosystem. Plans are underway to expand into other sports like soccer and basketball, linking real-world sports with digital experiences to create a new form of sports entertainment.

This 'Move, Grow & Win to Earn' concept goes beyond traditional 'Play-to-Earn' by transforming 'connection' and 'empathy' into values, proposing a new lifestyle. At TOKEN2049, we felt the moment sports evolved from 'competing' to 'creating together' as real golf players, digital users, and sponsors united across borders.

Through our experience at this Japan Hub, I am convinced that Japan still has infinite potential to show the world. This is not a delay but rather an opportunity for a future yet to be unlocked. For Japanese projects to be valued globally, a collaborative creation mindset is essential. While Japan maintains its unique pride as an island nation, true innovation comes from interacting with the outside world and embracing diverse perspectives—this was reaffirmed at the event.

Moving forward, we will focus on expanding our platform that connects people and nations through sports, and on implementing the next-generation e-sports economy in society. GOLFIN aims to be a bridge connecting Japan and the world through sports and Web3.0, continuing to fuel the samurai spirit and drive the era of co-creation.

──How did you feel about the booth setup and presentations at this Japan Hub?

The 'Japan Hub Pavilion' at TOKEN2049, a first in its history, was particularly notable amidst the fervor of the event. GOLFIN (developed by Wonderwall Inc.) being chosen as a main partner was a great honor and also a responsibility.

Thanks to the efforts and support of many, including Mr. Hinza from Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, we were able to proceed with our exhibition at Japan Hub, sharing our aspirations with other booth partners as representatives of Japan's Web3.0, which felt incredibly supportive.

During the presentations, we had a 5-minute pitch slot where we communicated the potential of the Web3.0 ecosystem through real golf, centered around GOLFIN's vision of 'Move, Grow & Win to Earn'. We also introduced the real golf tournament 'MEXC Ventures Global Golf Masters' held on September 30 at the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, demonstrating a new model where 'real sports, e-sports, and Web3.0' merge.

The presentations reaffirmed the power of sports to connect people across nations and cultures, and the audience's reactions showed that this theme resonates globally. It was an inspiring experience that reminded us of the vast potential for evolution in the world.

At the booth, visitors from around the world showed strong interest in the new concept of merging sports and e-sports while experiencing the GOLFIN app. Through conversations with people from various countries and industries, we gained numerous inspirations and new insights for future developments.

Overall, the first Japan Hub fostered a sense of unity among Japanese companies as we collectively aimed for the global stage, and I am truly proud to have been part of this circle.

"Strengthening the Economic Sphere of Cryptocurrency DEP, Aiming for the First Tokyo Stock Exchange Listing as a Cryptocurrency Issuer by 2028"

Currently focusing on solving social issues through Web3.0, Digital Entertainment Asset is also aiming for a stock listing in Japan. What does the future hold for this company?

──What are the key focus areas for your projects moving forward?

We plan to establish our headquarters in Japan by the end of 2025, transitioning our Singapore entity to a subsidiary, and aim to achieve a milestone by being the first cryptocurrency issuer listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2028. We will continue to target the global market while creating multiple problem-solving gamification examples with major Japanese corporations and local governments, like the 'Pictorial' project with Tokyo Electric Power.

As a Web3.0 operator, we will continue to build an economic sphere around cryptocurrency DEP by leveraging on-chain user play data generated from our problem-solving games.

The 'DEAP Oracle Network', a public chain ecosystem we named, transforms all data into 'economic assets' and builds a new credit infrastructure through a blockchain oracle network. In 2026, we plan to enhance the presence of DEP in the public chain globally.

──How was your experience with the booth and presentations at this Japan Hub?

The DEAP Oracle Network, a public chain ecosystem revolving around cryptocurrency DEP, is still at the conceptual announcement stage, and we were unable to initiate node sales or recruit ecosystem partners at TOKEN2049 Singapore.

However, booth visitors were highly intrigued by the business scheme and gameplay of 'Pictorial'. Throughout the event, while blockchain games as speculative investments seemed to have peaked, the impression was strong that there is substantial potential in problem-solving games and the subsequent data utilization business. Post-2026, we aim to surprise the world in this direction.

"Creating a New Form of Entertainment with Web3.0 - Beyond the Conventional Frameworks"

GET is dedicated to exploring new forms of entertainment using Web3.0 technologies. What's next for their 'Global Entertainment Token (GET)'?

──What are the key areas your company will focus on in its projects moving forward?

At GET, we aim to enhance the interaction between artists, creators, and fans across various entertainment genres, promoting collaboration and transcending genre boundaries. It is crucial to coexist with existing systems while clearly communicating the benefits of using Web3.0.

The utility features provided by GET, such as marketplaces, along with functionalities like staking and voting, will allow fans to directly appreciate the efforts of artists and creators. We also plan to expand the ways of interaction in entertainment that were not possible before, through collaborations between projects participating in GET, and creating content and preserving IP together with fans.

──Can you share your experience with the booth and presentations at the Japan Hub during TOKEN2049?

Participating in the TOKEN2049's Japan Hub was an incredibly stimulating and valuable opportunity. The constant flow of visitors to our booth allowed many to learn about the GET project, and it facilitated discussions about collaboration and future developments with many Web3.0 stakeholders. The stage at Japan Hub hosted a series of presentations by various projects, attracting a large audience. After our presentation, many attendees visited our booth to inquire more about GET, underscoring the high interest in entertainment-focused projects.

"Addressing Japan's 'Web3.0 Galapagos Syndrome' with End-to-End Support for Cutting-Edge Projects"

0x Consulting Group, a Web3.0 consulting firm, supports a range of clients from startups to large corporations. We explored the company's focus areas and current industry insights.

──What are the key focus areas for your projects moving forward?

One major realization at TOKEN2049 was the 'Galapagos Syndrome' of Japan's Web3.0. While the current epicenter of Web3.0 is in finance, such as payments, unfortunately, there are hardly any leading projects originating from Japan.

Major chains are dominated by validators from the US, China, Korea, and Europe, with Japanese companies significantly lagging in both participation and stake amounts. Without change, Japan will continue to rely on foreign infrastructure, missing out on global trends, primary information, and networks.

We are committed to bridging this gap by diving into the epicenter ourselves, supporting the Japanese rollout of cutting-edge projects (BD/marketing/IPO) comprehensively.

Simultaneously, we are negotiating directly with major protocols and advancing connections with Japan's strong content holders. We are focusing on the 'finance' infrastructure to leverage Japan's globally renowned content in games, manga, food, and culture.

──Can you share your experience with the booth and presentations at the Japan Hub?

As mentioned, forming networks with major international protocols and cutting-edge projects was significant. There are many projects considering entering Japan, and we have already started concrete discussions upon returning home.

Additionally, discussions for partnerships with global Web3.0 conferences have progressed, resulting in partnerships with Blockchain Life, Consensus HK, etc., initiated from conversations at our booth.

Having participated in TOKEN2049 annually, the setup of our booth and main conference presentations allowed us to achieve what could not be done as mere attendees.

The companies that shared our booth also felt a strong impact, reaffirming the importance of being present in the crypto epicenter and accessing primary information firsthand.

"Accelerating Collaborations with Global Companies Interested in Japanese IPs, Contributing to the Revival of Japan as a Gaming Superpower"

MEC Labo, known for their involvement in developing the Web3.0 game 'Kai Sangokushi Taisen' based on the popular IP 'Sangokushi Taisen', is focusing on several key areas moving forward.

──What are the key focus areas for your company's projects moving forward?

We will accelerate collaborations with global companies and creators interested in Japanese IPs. We plan to co-develop content utilizing blockchain and animation technologies, leveraging our network with major Japanese IP holders.

Our company has a wealth of experience in collaborating on blockchain games with major publishers and managing IPs, so we aim to contribute to the revival of Japan as a gaming superpower by showcasing our achievements in Japan to the world.

──Can you share your experience with the booth setup and speaking at this Japan Hub event?

At our booth, we continuously showed anime videos and created engagement through handouts. This setup allowed us to stop visitors and engage them in conversation. All 150 flyers we prepared were distributed, significantly increasing our social media followers and connections.

During my presentation, the constraints of speaking in English and having only one minute actually emphasized the importance of conveying the core of our business succinctly. While Japanese presentations often start with extensive background information, I learned that direct responses are more effective globally.

Additionally, having exhibited and spoken at events other than TOKEN2049 also enhanced the initial trust with new contacts, allowing us to bypass several verification processes and advance our discussions. The diverse audience at Japan Hub provided valuable contacts and rapidly gathered material for hypothesis testing. We plan to continue exhibiting and speaking to accelerate the acquisition of recognition and trust.

"Returning to the Roots to Boost Web3.0 Engagement and Drive True Leading Projects"

The presence of 'Telegram Mini Apps' has brought significant attention to TON. TON Japan is advancing the adoption of the project in Japan, focusing on key aspects.

What are the focal points for your project moving forward?

As we advance our project, we are returning to our fundamental goal of 'increasing the number of people excited about Web3.0', and focusing on creating leading projects to support this aim.

Currently, in the TON and Telegram space, the hype around tap games has settled, and we are entering a growth phase with more sophisticated games and practical apps that are seamlessly integrated into daily life.

We believe that products that are 'purely enjoyable' and 'convenient to use' will serve as new gateways to Web3.0, and will evolve into true leading projects.

We will contribute to the growth and vitality of the entire ecosystem by creating globally loved examples, not only from partner companies' projects but also from our own published products.

Can you share your experience with the booth setup and presentations at this Japan Hub?

At the Japan Hub, we showcased our new project 'Holos', centered around trading card RWAs, which attracted significant interest from many visitors. The booth was bustling all day, with a constant flow of people.

Furthermore, we felt a strong interest in the Japanese market from overseas project representatives. The rate and amount of spending by Japanese users on Telegram are significantly higher compared to other countries, drawing global attention. In this context, we were able to build new networks with many overseas projects.

These connections will be a great asset as we continue to support domestic projects. Moreover, presenting at TOKEN2049 was a significant milestone for our company, bringing us a lot of feedback and new collaborative opportunities.

“Focusing on bridging institutional investors between Japan and the Gulf region with RWA venture 'Mirai X' to establish Japan as a trusted hub”

Recently, there has been increasing attention and demand for the tokenization of RWA (Real World Assets). What is the vision of Assets Advisors Capital in deploying RWA ventures in Japan?

──What are the key focuses for your company's projects going forward?

Our top priority in advancing our project 'Mirai X' and the RWA initiative is to build a bridge between regulated institutional investors in Japan and the Gulf region.

By integrating the tokenization of Web3.0 assets into a compliant capital market framework, we enable cross-border investments in real estate, green energy, and infrastructure. Our mission is to position Japan as a reliable global hub in ethical and transparent digital finance.

──How was the response to your booth and presentations at this Japan Hub?

TOKEN2049 and the Japan Hub provided a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the accelerating adoption of Web3.0 by institutional investors in Japan.

Our booth and speaking sessions attracted significant interest from investors not only from within Japan but also globally, reaffirming the growing demand for compliant RWA solutions.

This event reaffirmed Japan's position as the most trustworthy and mature Web3.0 ecosystem in Asia.

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