Exclusive coverage of a notable project aiming to become one of the top 30 chains in the world
Why is MOOI, an emerging blockchain among the many blockchains out there, so highly regarded? We spoke with Mr. Zhao of Voyager Japan about its background, future areas of focus, and expansion into the Japanese market.
What are the current plans for MOOI Network and what initiatives are you focusing on?
Cho Hun-je (hereinafter, Cho): MOOI Network (hereinafter, MOOI) began full-scale operation last year, and up until now, we have focused on building a blockchain infrastructure. Our number one goal is to create a blockchain that is easy to use and has an intuitive UI and UX.
As a result of focusing on these aspects, we were able to release an NFT marketplace called "Jellyme." We are currently focusing on building the MOOI ecosystem through Jellyme.
MOOI is currently bridging with Klaytn and Polygon. As the number of compatible chains increases, I think more users will join Jellyme and other services, but are there any blockchains that you are currently planning to bridge to?
Zhao: MOOI is a network compatible with EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine), but if you create a blockchain on your own, it is difficult to gain credibility from the beginning. For that reason, I think most blockchains ensure their reliability by publishing their source code or forming partnerships with external parties.
At MOOI, we focus on creating an ideal network and aim to position ourselves as a layer 2 chain that does not depend on external capital, so we thought we could ensure reliability. With that in mind, we started as a layer 2 chain for Klayton.
However, we are not completely dependent on Klayton. We are working with Klayton to ensure that blocks are generated properly.
In terms of ensuring reliability, we are not currently considering partnering with other blockchains. However, I think there may be situations where the freedom of asset movement cannot be ensured unless liquidity is secured with other networks.
At MOOI, we support Klayton and Polygon using solutions from partner companies, and we would like to continue to work with other networks in terms of liquidity.
In the future, it is important for us to make the blockchain as easy to use as possible for Japanese people, so we think it is important to collaborate with Ethereum and Ripple, for example.
MOOI is a group company of Cocone, which has a track record with avatar apps such as "Pokecolo" and "Livly Island." Have you ever felt any differences between so-called "Web 2.0" and "Web 3.0"? Please also tell us about any related episodes of failure or improvement.
Zhao: So-called Web 2.0 is divided into two platforms, Apple and Google, and the focus is on how much competition there is to survive. Also, it is important to provide something that suits the hobbies and preferences of the customers who flow in from there.
On the other hand, when it comes to Web 3.0, the current situation is that there is no platform where apps are gathered or a place where you can start marketing from. Compared to something like Web 2.0, I feel that it is difficult in that there is no way to make the name of the product known.
In addition, in terms of customer payment behavior, Web 3.0 requires various steps, and I feel that the hurdles are high. Therefore, while forming the value of blockchain, we have been working on it, thinking that the biggest challenge is how to provide customers with a simple UI/UX and a convenient system.
In particular, we have made repeated improvements to the UI. Things that developers think are obvious can actually be difficult for users. For example, when minting NFTs, gas fees are charged even if you fail, and this needs to be improved.
We also warned customers, but at first it was written in English, so onboarding was difficult. We are still reviewing the UX and making improvements such as Japanese notation.
What do you think is MOOI's advantage in the Japanese market for both users and companies?
Zhao: The advantage of MOOI is that the gas fees (fees) are low. I think that this is an advantage that is shared by both customers and companies.
We are currently researching how to provide something to companies, including accumulating knowledge. First of all, we will develop internal tools specialized for the functions required by companies.
This year is said to be a year with great potential for promoting Web 3.0 for Japan. How do you plan to use MOOI for the Japanese market in the future?
Zhao: There are many projects and networks that have been launched domestically in the Japanese market, but I think there are very few successful cases of Web 3.0. The background to this is probably the strict regulatory environment. On the other hand, there is also an aspect that contributed to protecting users without being affected by the various incidents that occurred last year.
There is also a movement to promote Web 3.0 as the country's next strategy, and we would like to look at how MOOI can develop from various angles while complying with Japanese laws and regulations. First of all, MOOI's goal for this year and next year is to launch a Web 3.0 project for the domestic market.
◉ Cho Hunje
After working as an engineer for several major IT companies, he joined Cocone Inc. in 2016. In 2020, he became the COO of CARROT Inc. He is currently the CEO of Voyager Japan Inc., which is in charge of the Japanese expansion of MOOI Network.
Interview Iolite FACE vol.10 David Schwartz, Hirata Roi PHOTO & INTERVIEW "Yukos" Special feature "Trends in the cryptocurrency industry in Japan", "Trump vs. Harris: What will happen to the cryptocurrency industry?", "Was the reputation economy a prophecy?" Interview: Simon Gerovich, Metaplanet Co., Ltd., Kim Dong-Gyu, CALIVERSE Series Tech and Future Sasaki Toshinao...etc.
