Yoshihito Sato of Overs, creator of "WHITE SCORPION," talks about the group's future and project prospects

We take a closer look at the full story of the "Web 3.0 x Idol" project, which is attracting a great deal of attention both inside and outside the Web 3.0 industry.

——Please tell us about the process and background that led to the launch of the IDOL3.0 PROJECT.

Yoshihito Sato (hereinafter, Sato): First of all, I myself was an "idol otaku." As I supported idols for many years, I felt various questions and issues as a fan.

From the perspective of finance, where I have worked for many years, the legal framework for IEO (fundraising through crypto assets) has progressed, and technological advances have been made in blockchain. In this situation, I thought that I could solve the problems and issues I had by using crypto assets and blockchain.

I thought that if I could start an idol group with funds raised through IEO, incorporate elements of Web 3.0 using crypto assets and blockchain, and expand it to idol activities and support activities, I could build a relationship between fans and idols that has never been seen before, so I started a company to promote such projects.

——After actually starting the project, what gap did you feel between what you thought as a fan and reality?

Sato: When I was an idol fan and preparing for the IEO, the idea was to raise funds, launch a project, nurture idols, and promote idol activities. We originally specialized in the financial field, and we operate the site with the help of experienced people.

From the start of the auditions, we held information sessions all over the country, and during that time, I attended several auditions and learned about the site from the management side for the first time. What struck me the most during that process was that the audition candidates were betting their lives on it.

I had heard about idols' constant anxieties, such as receiving retirement benefits after graduation and continuing their idol activities while thinking about their second career after graduation even while they are active, and I understood this in theory.

However, when I saw for myself that they were betting their lives on becoming idols, I felt a very vivid feeling.

After the 114 final stage candidates were publicly introduced for the first time in August, after numerous public auditions, an event was held on October 7th to announce the final successful candidates. Up until then, some candidates cried tears of joy when their names were called, while others looked disappointed when their names weren't called.

29 candidates made it to the final stage. We wanted everyone who remained there to pass, but in reality, that wasn't the case and we ended up narrowing it down to 11. Even there, some people had their names called and some didn't, and it really gave us a sense of the cruelty of reality.

It made us realize that this was a real, live idol audition, and it made us realize once again how important it is to support the members from now on, but it also made us feel more vigilant.

——What measures are you taking to look after your members?

Sato: Above all, health management. WHITE SCORPION members have lessons, interviews, events, and other activities almost every weekend. Some members come from far away to participate. Given that kind of lifestyle, it's important to take care of your physical and mental health. In the future, we plan to assign personal doctors to follow up with the members.

——I understand that the idea for this project started about five years ago, and it coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic some time later. What did you think at the time?

Sato: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many live shows and events were canceled, which significantly limited idol activities. Fans also lost everything they had previously enjoyed, such as dreams, joy, fun, and empathy. After that, idol activities and support activities were also significantly limited by COVID-19.

At that time, I thought that if we use Web 3.0 technology, it might be possible to hold live shows and events that do not require physical travel or contact. So, rather than seeing the COVID-19 pandemic as a negative thing, I felt that it was actually an opportunity to utilize Web 3.0.