Facta non verba.

Japan, the emerging Mecca of digital innovation: Hashed’s take on Web3 opportunities by Hashed An in-depth examination of Japan's growing influence in the Web3 industry. (Disclaimer: I've took part as a reviewer) - Despite past setbacks, Japan's robust domestic market, cultural affinity for key Web3 sectors like gaming and anime, and the government's strong support are driving its progress. - The nation's strategic approach to Web3, alongside a commitment to nurturing start-ups and embracing digital innovation, is drawing increased attention from global players. However, successfully translating Japan's potential into global scale projects remains a key challenge. - We see significant synergies between its strengths and Japan's flourishing sectors and remains optimistic about Japan's role in the global Web3 market.

From Shuji Utsumi, Co-COO at SEGA's FB Feed "My interview article was issued but the content is not necessary what I meant to deliver. We are not pulling back from blockchain game and it is likely that we even announce more projects to come."Sega does not have a big product development internally but work with talented Web3 developers. We also have invested in Web3 through LP of the funds specialized in this area and key developers. But I guess Bloomberg expected that we did more in Web3 utilizing our internal team. Anyhow I just like to say we have not changed the stance towards Web3."

Sega Pulls Back From Blockchain Gaming as Crypto Winter Persists by Bloomberg SEGA, the game studio known for Sonic The Hedgehog, is stepping back from blockchain gaming due to the global crypto industry downturn (WHICH IS NOT TRUE - WILL BE MENTIONED IN THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE). - However, Sega will allow lesser-known franchises to be used for NFTs and will continue investing in related projects, believing that the technology still has potential use in the industry.

Japan’s Biggest Bank MUFG Is in Talks to Issue Global Stablecoins by Bloomberg MUFG is in advanced discussions to issue stablecoins through its blockchain platform, Progmat. This move comes following the enactment of Japan's stablecoin law on Jun 1 (which allows only licensed banks, registered money transfer agents, and trust companies to issue such tokens). - MUFG is engaging with several companies behind popular global stablecoins and other firms about using Progmat to mint stablecoins tied to foreign currencies like the USD for global use. - Instead of launching its own stablecoin, MUFG intends to leverage Progmat to issue security tokens on behalf of third parties. The bank is discussing stablecoin projects with entertainment firms, non-financial businesses, and a consortium of financial institutions. - + There's growing interest from international financial groups, raising the possibility of Japan becoming a global hub for stablecoin issuance. + Japan's strategy emphasizes stablecoins that are fully backed by fiat cash in a matching currency.

(For Korean Subscribers) 내일 오후 행사입니다!! 드림플러스 x 해시드, 프로토콜 캠프 소개 & 밋업 드림플러스와 해시드가 공동 운영하는 프로토콜 캠프가 밋업을 진행합니다. 이번 밋업은 프로토콜 캠프에 대한 전반적인 소개 및 5기 모집에 대한 설명이 이루어질 예정이며 자유로운 Q&A 와 네트워킹으로 이루어질 예정입니다. 블록체인 생태계에 진입하고 싶으신 빌더분들, 웹3 프로덕트를 빌딩하고 싶으신 분들께서는 많은 관심 및 참여를 부탁드립니다. [행사 정보 요약] 날짜: 7/11일 화요일 오후 4시 ~ 6시 장소: 해시드 라운지 (서울시 강남구 테헤란로 4길 14, 미림타워 3층) 오후 4시 ~ 5시: 프로토콜 캠프 소개 및 Q&A 오후 5시 ~ 6시: 자유로운 네트워킹 👉 RSVP link

First Mover Asia: Bitcoin Maintains $30K as Prospective Issuers Refile ETF Applications by CoinDesk Despite its seemingly outdated internet industry, Japan is positioning itself to embrace the Web3 revolution. The government, reflecting on the missed Web2 wave, sees the potential for creating a new generation of tech comps in the Web3 space. - While Japan's best-known IPs remain cautious about Web3, the government's plans to make the country a friendly market for startups signal a commitment to embracing this new digital frontier.

Japan’s National Tax Agency Says Crypto Startups Will Not Pay for Unrealized Gains by Coinspeaker The Japanese gov't is aiming to draw crypto investors back by exempting digital asset projects from taxes on unrealized gains, where previously they faced about a 35% tax rate. - The exemptions will apply to long-term held crypto assets and preventive measures against their transfer. Taxation will only occur when profits are converted into fiat through regulated exchanges. - This initiative, supported by PM Fumio Kishida, is part of Japan's broader effort to leverage digital tech including NFTs and DAOs for potential use in governance and exploring the metaverse industry.

Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire: 'Other Governments Are Regulating Digital Dollars Before the US' by Bitcoin.com Jeremy Allaire has expressed concerns about the lack of stablecoin regulation in the U.S. He highlighted that other countries have already implemented rules for issuing digital dollars and urged the U.S. gov't to take action. - "We are seeing governments around the world — the EU, the U.K., Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and others — actually defining the rules for how dollars, digital dollars, are issued and operate in those markets, which is astounding."

Have been busy in Kyoto for IVS Crypto right after my last sem in college; will share couple insights and thoughts on Japanese market later on. How Asia Will Be the Ultimate Winner of US War on Crypto by BeInCrypto The US gov't crackdown on the industry has led to bankruptcies and lawsuits for American fintech firms, prompting many of them to move to Asia. - With clearer regulations and a thriving industry, Asia, particularly HK and SG, is expected to benefit the most from this shift. Japan is also emerging as a crypto hub in the region.

This philosophy made me even more bullish on what they're building, what they're trying to achieve thru their new device, and how human race can evolve thru this invention.

Steve was dreaming of what generative AI services such as ChatGPT and Character.ai is providing nowadays. Recommend to watch the video, but here's the main quotes from the video: Steve Jobs visit at Lund University in 1985 (3:17~8:18) "My particular view is that a computer is a new medium, one of the media; prints, television, radio, and a computer will in the future be looked at I think more in this way as a delivery vehicle for software, just like a book is a delivery vehicle for its own kind of software. And whenever we develop a new medium we generally tend to fall back into our old habits from our old media. As an example when the television first came of age in America the first television shows were simply a camera pointed at a radio show and it took about 2~30 years for television to really come into its own in the late 1950s." (...) "Through the miracle of the printed page I can at least read what Aristotle wrote without an intermediary, and maybe if there's a professor they can they can add to that but at least I can go directly to the source material and that is of course the foundation upon which our Western civilization is built. But I can't ask Aristotle a question!" (...) "We are now entering another revolution of free energy. Macintosh as you know uses less power than a few of those light bulbs and yet can save us a few hours a day or give us a whole new experience. And it's free intellectual energy, it's crude, very crude, but it's getting more refined year after year after year, and in our lifetimes, it should get very refined. And so my hope is someday when the next Aristotle is alive we can capture the underlying worldview of that Aristotle in a computer, and someday some student will be able to not only read the words Aristotle wrote but asked Aristotle a question, and get an answer." (...) "There is a tremendous momentum behind this and I think that this year maybe a delay this year we may look back and say well 1985 was a slow year, but there is such momentum behind this that it will happen, it will permeate and change forever our educational processes. And my hope again is that not too many generations of students will pass through before this happens."

Steve Jobs visit at Lund University in 1985 "My particular view is that a computer is a new medium, one of the media; prints, television, radio, and a computer will in the future be looked at I think more in this way as a delivery vehicle for software, just like a book is a delivery vehicle for its own kind of software. And whenever we develop a new medium we generally tend to fall back into our old habits from our old media. As an example when the television first came of age in America the first television shows were simply a camera pointed at a radio show and it took about 2~30 years for television to really come into its own in the late 1950s." (...) "Through the miracle of the printed page I can at least read what Aristotle wrote without an intermediary, and maybe if there's a professor they can they can add to that but at least I can go directly to the source material and that is of course the foundation upon which our Western civilization is built. But I can't ask Aristotle a question!" (...) "We are now entering another revolution of free energy. Macintosh as you know uses less power than a few of those light bulbs and yet can save us a few hours a day or give us a whole new experience. And it's free intellectual energy, it's crude, very crude, but it's getting more refined year after year after year, and in our lifetimes, it should get very refined. And so my hope is someday when the next Aristotle is alive we can capture the underlying worldview of that Aristotle in a computer, and someday some student will be able to not only read the words Aristotle wrote but asked Aristotle a question, and get an answer." (...) "There is a tremendous momentum behind this and I think that this year maybe a delay this year we may look back and say well 1985 was a slow year, but there is such momentum behind this that it will happen, it will permeate and change forever our educational processes. And my hope again is that not too many generations of students will pass through before this happens."

Can you Scale a Venture Capital Fund? Worth reading. If you're short on time, these 5 quotes serve as the key takeaways: "In its current state, I think we're on the precipice of dropping the 'Venture' and just being straight-up 'Capital'. What started off as a cottage industry rooted in backing steep contrarianism, is now an industry of short-termed thinkers speedrunning their way to stardom." (...) "Whilst there is nothing fundamentally wrong with this thinking, in a lot of cases, these investments have turned out to be a value trap. Apparently undervalued at first, yet, actually a size-constrained business that shouldn’t have raised money." (...) "My personal opinion is that the best founders will raise smaller seed rounds and focus more on hitting milestones. In the current market, efficiency and profitability are rewarded the most, and milestone-based funding breeds discipline and decisiveness." (...) "As such, I believe the larger seed-focused firms will struggle to balance the workload of writing smaller cheques and managing more portfolio companies." (...) "Balancing ownership and the number of portfolio companies is key."

Every Company Will Be a Fintech Company Existing banking systems disadvantage the poor and primarily benefit large financial institutions. Traditional solutions to address these issues have been unsuccessful due to high costs and complexity. - However, software could allow non-fintech companies to offer financial services, potentially revolutionizing the sector. The development of banking APIs could allow diverse companies to offer banking services, providing more inclusive and innovative options. This shift could improve access to financial opportunities and reduce income inequality. ^ And it's now done by Apple, the biggest tech giant ever.

Bump. Classic.

Worth noting: Apple is aggressively positioning itself as a fintech company, leveraging its 2-billion-strong mobile userbase. This could be significant for any other crypto-native payment and identification solutions attempting to rise to the top of the App Store. Businesses will be able to accept IDs in Apple Wallet with iOS 17, among other changes Apple announced two major updates to Apple Wallet: 1) the ability to set up recurring payments with Apple Cash and 2) a system for businesses to accept digital IDs stored in Apple Wallet. - 1) Recurring payments with Apple Cash can be useful for regular expenses like rent or for parents giving allowances to children. The update will allow users to set up weekly, biweekly, or monthly payments to another recipient, and to automatically top off their Apple Cash balance when it runs low. - 2) Apple has been gradually introducing digital IDs in Wallet across several U.S. states, and with iOS 17, businesses will be able to accept these IDs without requiring extra hardware. This feature can streamline processes like ID checks for alcohol purchases or car rentals, and can be used at bars and clubs with age requirements. Apple is also launching two APIs for businesses to use for accepting IDs in Wallet: the Display Only API for limited information, and the Data Transfer API for more extensive identification information.

IMF Working Hard on Global CBDC Platform Concept, Georgieva Says IMF is actively developing a global infrastructure concept that would facilitate interoperable settlements between digital currencies issued by national central banks. - This platform aims to prevent the underutilization of CBDCs, and the concept of interoperability would provide a shared infrastructure to prevent the formation of "settlement blocks," which could lead to further economic fragmentation. - Of the 14 central banks considering the issue of a national digital tender, 10 are nearing completion, but many aspects, such as the regulation and organization of CBDCs, have yet to be decided.

If the SEC's legal theories on investment contracts are right, then basically all luxury goods in existence—watches, sneakers, cars, handbags—are securities. The idea that the SEC should regulate markets for these goods is...I don't know how else to say it...pants-on-head crazy. — tweet from Jake Chervinsky

Spatial computers are early, blockchain and DLTs are early, what I’ve gotta do = believe HODL; find the transitional development between the waves, create fundamentals and get ready for the real wave

Bump 2