Interview: WebX Founder Makoto Aok Shares His Connection with Taiwan and Insights on the Asian Blockchain Landscape

As Web3 increasingly becomes the core of global innovation, Asia is playing a key role, showcasing unique and diverse aspects across various markets in terms of regulatory strategies, technological development, and the promotion of the creator economy. Chain News interviewed one of the important driving forces behind the Asian Web3 ecosystem, Makoto Aok(, the founder of WebX. He not only plays a crucial role in the development of the cryptocurrency industry in Japan but also connects regional cooperation dynamics through his international perspective and experience studying in Taiwan. This interview delves into his personal background and ties to Taiwan, exploring the evolution of his vision for WebX, observations on the Asian market, trends in Japanese regulation, and insights into future Blockchain security and regional cooperation.

Sei Moku and his connection to Taiwan

Q: First, could you briefly introduce your educational background and career? We are very interested to know how you became connected with Taiwan, and what role your connection with Taiwan plays in your current work.

Answer:

In terms of educational background, I graduated from National Chengchi University in Taiwan with a bachelor's degree. I did not pursue a degree in Japan, but wanted to understand the business landscape in Asia better, so I chose Taiwan, as it is located in the center of Asia and is also relatively close to Japan. During my time in Taiwan, I deeply felt the importance of democracy. I believe that Japan's high voter turnout and civic political participation have a strong similarity to the concepts of Blockchain decentralization and participation.

The vision behind WebX

Question: WebX has rapidly become an important event in the Asian Web3 space. What was the initial vision when WebX was founded? How has this vision evolved over the years? WebX has quickly developed into a significant Web3 event in Asia. Could you discuss the vision when WebX was established? Additionally, how has this vision evolved over the years?

Answer:

When I first joined Coinpost in 2022, I noticed a key issue: many overseas cryptocurrency projects were interested in establishing a presence in Japan, but they found it challenging due to language barriers and Japan's unique market environment. This was an opportunity for me, so my team and I founded WebX to provide a platform and bridge for international projects entering Japan.

Now, we see that the interest and participation not only from creators and innovators in Web3 but also from regulatory bodies and institutions have significantly increased. WebX is no longer just an amusement park; it has become a collaborative middle ground where bottom-up and top-down forces drive meaningful discussions, pushing the ecosystem towards greater maturity and legitimacy.

The Web3 landscape in Asia

Q: How does the Web3 ecosystem in Japan and the entire Asia region compare to the West? What unique advantages or challenges does Asia have? What characteristics does the Asian Web3 ecosystem, including Japan, have compared to Europe and the United States? Please also share your views on the unique advantages and challenges in Asia.

Answer:

Each region treats Web3 differently based on its unique market demands, regulatory stance, and user behavior.

In Asia alone, the landscape of Web3 is extremely diverse. In terms of regulation, we have seen a range of scenarios from frameworks that are favorable to innovation to outright bans on encryption. People's views on Blockchain technology and encryption also vary; regulators may take a more open stance on Blockchain technology while being more cautious about encryption. However, we are beginning to see a positive shift in sentiment, as traditionally cautious jurisdictions are also showing greater openness to the adoption of encryption.

The uniqueness of Asia lies in its large number of tech-savvy users who lack sufficient financial services, especially in Southeast Asia, where over 70% of users do not have bank accounts. Blockchain fills this gap by opening up financial tools that they have traditionally been unable to access. As more and more users connect to the blockchain, the importance of proper transparency, accountability, and protection of customer assets becomes increasingly prominent.

The prospects of cryptocurrency regulation in Japan

Question: Japan has taken a relatively forward-looking approach to regulating digital assets. How do you view the development of the regulatory environment? What should the global industry learn from the Japanese model?

Answer:

With a strong protective barrier and strict framework now firmly established, we see Japan's regulatory environment continuously evolving and adopting a more advanced approach. Recent reforms such as tax cuts mark a shift in cryptocurrency policy.

In the next phase, we hope to shift from pure defense to innovative growth, maintaining competitiveness through policies that are more conducive to innovation while protecting cryptocurrency users. Like other regions in the cryptocurrency space, Japan has set a model for balancing security and innovation.

The results of WebX 2025

Q: The WebX 2025 event has concluded. Please share any particularly memorable themes, technological innovations, or trends worth noting from this year's conference.

Answer:

One of the biggest gains is that the cryptocurrency industry has significantly matured due to increased market confidence, higher institutional participation, and improved regulatory transparency. In Asia, this transformation is particularly evident. From crypto treasury assets to stablecoin pilot projects, and to state-supported sandboxes, Web3 is no longer a niche developer project but a high-risk field involving sovereign countries.

Japan is also creating unique advantages, especially in the Blockchain IP field. Its massive creator economy, from anime, games to comics, can achieve global expansion while maintaining complete ownership of the creations.

The future of regional cooperation in Asia and Web3

Q: How important is cooperation between Asian markets such as Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong in building a globally competitive Web3 ecosystem? Have you observed any notable trends or partnerships emerging in these regions? Additionally, please share any significant trends or partnerships you have seen in these areas.

Answer:

No single jurisdiction can independently establish a globally competitive Web3 ecosystem, making cooperation essential. Each market has its own advantages: Singapore and Hong Kong have regulatory sandboxes and capital markets, South Korea and Taiwan boast strong consumer adoption rates and digital culture, while Japan possesses expertise in the creator economy and intellectual property rights. We are also witnessing an increasing number of cross-border collaborations, especially in the areas of stablecoins and Blockchain payments, reflecting a growing focus among countries on building more interconnected and resilient regional ecosystems.

The secure future of Web3

Question: In light of the rapid development of artificial intelligence, security technology, and quantum computing, how do you view the changes and developments in blockchain security technology over the next three to five years?

Answer: Blockchain security will no longer focus solely on protecting user assets. As institutional adoption continues to rise, it needs to evolve constantly to maintain trust at a larger scale, including institutions and even sovereign levels. 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 Outlook

Q: What kind of legacy and impact do you hope to preserve for Web3?

Answer: My expectation is to promote the healthy development of Japan's Web3 industry and create an environment where businesses can invest with confidence.

This article features an interview with WebX founder Makoto Aok, sharing his connections with Taiwan and his outlook on the Asian Blockchain, originally published in Chain News ABMedia.