What is the "enthusiasm" that lies beyond the boundaries? Interview with Whiplus, the operation manager of "IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO" just before its opening!

IVS 2024 KYOTO and IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO will be held over three days from July 4th to 6th. Prior to this, the Iolite editorial team interviewed Whiplus, the operation manager of IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO.

We talked about the highlights and themes of IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO, and the current state of Web 3.0 from the perspective of Whiplus, who is involved in large-scale Web 3.0 conferences.

—IVS 2024 KYOTO and IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO will be held in Kyoto following last year. Please tell us about the improvements and points of interest from the last time.

Whiplus: This year's venue will be Kyoto Pulse Plaza, which has been expanded in anticipation of an increase in the scale of the event and the number of visitors compared to last time. Last time, it was 10,000 people, but this time it will be 15,000 people.

Not only the scale, but also the content has been powered up, and there are two major elements.

The first is "strengthening networking". This time, we have prepared a place called "Crypto Village" to strengthen networking more than ever before. Here, speakers and participants can interact.

We have designed it so that crypto-related events can be held there, and if you participate in IVS, you can meet a lot of people. Of course, we have prepared a space that only those who have a BUSINESS Pass can enter, so you can also hold important business negotiations. We also have various communication tools, so we hope you will make use of them.

Last year, side events were also a big success, and around 150 events were registered. This year, the number has increased even further, and the number of side events has already exceeded 250. I think it will eventually exceed 300. In terms of networking, I recommend that you also visit the side events.

The second is to enrich the content by theme. This year in particular, we are enriching AI content. For example, "AI x DAO" and "AI x Gaming". Among these, we would like you to pay particular attention to the "AI x Anime" content. We will be holding a contest called the "AI x Web3 Anime Contest "Prince JAM!" in which participants will be able to submit short anime created using generative AI.

In addition, we are also enhancing our IP and entertainment-related offerings. We have set up a space called the "Web3 Entertainment Zone," so we hope that visitors will be able to experience a space that is infused with Web 3.0 technology.

This year, IVS Crypto will also be collaborating with Japan Blockchain Week, a large-scale blockchain week event. We expect 50,000 people to participate in Japan Blockchain Week over the course of a month, so we hope to play an important role as the main event of the event.

The key to enjoying IVS is not to just listen to talks passively, but to actually try something. Furthermore, the city of Kyoto is an attractive place with endless possibilities and many things to enjoy. I hope you will enjoy Kyoto itself.

—The Web 3.0 field is gaining momentum with the booming cryptocurrency market, but what are your thoughts on the current Web 3.0 field from Whiplus's perspective?

Whiplus: If I had to sum up the current situation in one word, I would say it is "opportunities and challenges." First of all, in terms of opportunities, three years ago, if you could mint NFTs, you would have been considered technologically superior, but I feel that technology has evolved considerably since then.

On the other hand, in terms of challenges, I feel that it is difficult to spread to the masses. There are many people who feel that there are difficult barriers to spreading this technology and that it is spreading slowly.

There is a clear chasm in this field, and even in the last three or four years, it has not yet left the early majority stage. I believe that what should be done to move Japan's blockchain industry and community forward is an issue that needs to be considered.

Various companies will also participate in this IVS Crypto. We will spread the word to the world that various companies, from small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporations, are using Web 3.0 and blockchain, from life infrastructure to entertainment. At the same time, we would like to convey that Japan has an environment in place to advance Web 3.0.

——What is the theme of IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO?

Whiplus: The theme is "Cross the Boundaries." It means "Let's go beyond the boundaries." As mentioned earlier, the purpose is to further spread Web 3.0 to the mass layer. It also includes the meaning of "going beyond the barriers between Japan and overseas."

Of course, we have a translation system in place, but most of the sessions will be conducted in English. We also expect many visitors from overseas, so we hope you will try to communicate in English. On top of that, we would like to realize a fusion of Japan's unique crypto culture with the world's crypto culture.

Whether it's a global company, a large company, a small or medium-sized company, Web 3.0 or Web 2.0, everyone has various challenges and barriers. We are focusing on creating opportunities to help people overcome these through this event.

——Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for this year's IVS2024 KYOTO and IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO.

Whiplus: We will make IVS Crypto the hottest event in Japan. We hope you will come to the venue and experience the excitement!

IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO Event Overview

■Date: Thursday, July 4th to Saturday, July 6th, 2024

■Venue: Kyoto Pulse Plaza and others

■Organizer: IVS KYOTO Executive Committee (Headline Japan Co., Ltd. / IVC, Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City)

■Website

IVS2024 KYOTO: https://www.ivs.events/ja

IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO: https://www.ivs.events/ja/crypto

About the IVS KYOTO Executive Committee

In order to hold IVS in Kyoto, Headline Japan Co., Ltd. was established together with Kyoto Prefecture and Kyoto City with the aim of further developing the startup ecosystem and further promoting local industries. We will promote the integration of startups with companies, universities, research institutions, cultural resources, etc. concentrated in Kyoto, leading to the creation of new industries and the production of startup companies that can compete globally.

<Constituent organizations>

Headline Japan Co., Ltd. / IVC, Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City

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