As Web3 becomes a global hub for innovation, Asia plays a crucial role. Markets across the region showcase unique and diverse perspectives, from regulatory strategies and technological development to the promotion of the creator economy. ABMedia interviewed Makoto Aok, founder of WebX and a key figure in driving the Asian Web3 ecosystem. Aok not only plays a key role in the development of Japan's crypto industry, but also fosters regional collaboration through his international perspective and experience studying in Taiwan. This interview explores his personal background and connections to Taiwan, delving into his insights on the evolution of WebX's vision, his observations on the Asian market, regulatory trends in Japan, and the future of blockchain security and regional collaboration.
Makoto Aoki's connection to Taiwan
Q: First, could you briefly introduce your educational background and career? We are very interested in understanding how you first became involved in Taiwan and what role this connection plays in your current work.
answer:
In terms of educational background, I graduated with a bachelor's degree from National Chengchi University in Taiwan. Instead of pursuing my degree in Japan, I wanted to better understand the Asian business landscape, so I chose Taiwan due to its central location and proximity to Japan. During my time in Taiwan, I deeply appreciated the importance of democracy. I believe Japan's high voter turnout and citizen political participation strongly parallel the concepts of decentralization and participation in blockchain.
The Vision Behind WebX
Q: WebX has quickly become a major Web3 event in Asia. What was the original vision when WebX was founded? How has that vision evolved over the years? WebX has quickly become a major Web3 event in Asia. Can you talk about the vision when WebX was founded and how that vision has evolved over the years?
answer:
When I first joined Coinpost in 2022, I noticed a key issue: many international cryptocurrency projects were interested in establishing themselves in Japan, but they found it challenging due to language barriers and Japan's unique market environment. This presented an opportunity for me, so my team and I founded WebX to provide a platform and bridge for international projects to enter Japan.
We are now seeing a significant increase in interest and participation not only from Web3 creators and innovators, but also from regulators and institutions. WebX is no longer just an amusement park; it has become a collaborative middle ground where bottom-up and top-down forces come together to drive meaningful discussions and propel the ecosystem towards greater maturity and legitimacy.
Web3 Landscape in Asia
Q: How does the Web3 ecosystem in Japan and across Asia compare to the West? What are Asia's unique strengths and challenges? Compared to Europe and the US, what are the characteristics of the Asian Web3 ecosystem, including Japan? Please share your thoughts on Asia's unique strengths and challenges.
answer:
Each region approaches Web3 differently based on its unique market needs, regulatory stance, and user behavior.
In Asia alone, the Web3 landscape is incredibly diverse, and in terms of regulation, we've seen everything from pro-innovation frameworks to outright bans on cryptocurrencies. Perceptions of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies also vary; regulators can be more open to blockchain technology while being more cautious about cryptocurrencies. However, we're starting to see a positive shift in sentiment, as even traditionally cautious jurisdictions are showing greater openness to cryptocurrency adoption.
Asia is unique in its vast population of tech-savvy but underserved users, particularly in Southeast Asia, where over 70% of users are unbanked. Blockchain technology fills this gap by opening up access to traditionally inaccessible financial tools. As more users connect to blockchain, the importance of ensuring transparency, accountability, and safeguarding customer assets becomes increasingly prominent.
On the prospects for crypto asset regulation in Japan
Q: Japan has taken a relatively forward-thinking approach to regulating digital assets. How do you see the regulatory landscape evolving? What can the global industry learn from the Japanese model?
answer:
With strong guardrails and a strict framework now firmly established, we are seeing Japan’s regulatory environment continue to evolve and adopt a more progressive approach. Reforms such as recent tax cuts signal a shift in cryptocurrency policy.
In the next phase, we can expect to shift from a purely defensive approach to innovative growth, maintaining competitiveness through policies that are more conducive to innovation while protecting cryptocurrency users. Like other cryptocurrency regions, Japan has set an example in balancing security and innovation.
WebX 2025 achievements
Q: Now that WebX 2025 has concluded, please share any particularly memorable themes, technological innovations, or trends worth noting from this year's conference.
answer:
One of the biggest takeaways is that the cryptocurrency industry has matured significantly, driven by growing market confidence, increasing institutional participation, and greater regulatory clarity. This shift has been particularly pronounced in Asia. From crypto treasury assets to stablecoin pilots and state-backed sandboxes, Web3 is no longer a niche developer project but a high-stakes arena for sovereign participation.
Japan is also building unique advantages, especially in the field of blockchain IP. Its large creator economy, from anime, games to comics, can achieve global expansion while maintaining the ownership of creations.
Regional Cooperation in Asia and the Future of Web3
Q: How important is collaboration between Asian markets like Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong in building a globally competitive Web3 ecosystem? Are you seeing any notable trends or partnerships emerging in these regions? Also, please tell us about any notable trends or partnerships you're seeing in these regions.
answer:
No single jurisdiction can build a globally competitive Web3 ecosystem in isolation, so collaboration is crucial. Each market offers advantages: Singapore and Hong Kong offer regulatory sandboxes and capital markets, South Korea and Taiwan boast strong consumer adoption and digital culture, and Japan boasts expertise in the creator economy and intellectual property. We are also seeing increasing cross-border collaboration, particularly in the areas of stablecoins and blockchain payments, reflecting a growing emphasis on building a more interconnected and resilient regional ecosystem.
The Future of Web3 Security
Q: Given the rapid development of artificial intelligence, security technology, and quantum computing, how do you view the changes and developments in blockchain security technology in the next three to five years?
A: Blockchain security will no longer be solely focused on protecting user assets. As institutional adoption continues to grow, it will need to evolve to maintain trust across a wider range of institutions, even sovereigns. With advancements in artificial intelligence, privacy technologies, and quantum computing, blockchain security needs to keep pace and prepare for future risks.
Personal mission and future prospects
Q: What kind of legacy and impact do you hope to preserve for Web3?
A: My goal is to promote the healthy development of Japan's Web3 industry and create an environment where companies can invest with confidence.
This article , "Interview with WebX founder Makoto Aok: He shares his connection with Taiwan and his outlook on blockchain in Asia," originally appeared on ABMedia ABMedia .
