In recent years, Japan has been quietly reshaping its technological future by embracing Web3 and blockchain innovation. After decades of missing major digital revolutions, the nation is now making a strategic push to lead in the next wave of internet evolution. At the heart of this transformation stands Astar Network, Japan’s largest public blockchain, and its visionary founder, Sota Watanabe.
PANews recently sat down with Sota during his visit to China, where he shared insights into Astar’s journey, its groundbreaking partnership with Sony, and the highly anticipated rollout of “Sony Chain” — a new Layer 2 blockchain poised to bring millions into the Web3 ecosystem.
From Global Exploration to Web3 Leadership
Sota Watanabe’s path to blockchain entrepreneurship was shaped by firsthand global experiences. Long before Astar Network (originally Plasm Network) launched its mainnet in 2022, Sota was already traveling across continents — from Asia to Latin America — witnessing social inequalities and the transformative power of technology.
👉 Discover how one entrepreneur’s global journey is fueling a Web3 revolution in Asia.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building products,” Sota reflected. “It’s about solving real human problems. I once worked with NGOs, helping small communities, but I realized that blockchain could scale that impact — giving people ownership, access, and agency in ways traditional systems can’t.”
His early travels instilled a deep belief: technology should serve people, not the other way around. This philosophy became the foundation of Astar Network — a scalable, multi-chain smart contract platform built for developers and end-users alike.
Today, Sota is not only leading a top-tier blockchain project but also advising Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on its 2025 Web3 public digital infrastructure pilot program — a testament to his growing influence in shaping national tech policy.
Strategic Alliances: How Astar Won Over Giants
What sets Astar apart in a crowded blockchain landscape? The answer lies in its strategic partnerships with some of the world’s most influential corporations.
Since its mainnet launch, Astar has secured backing and collaborations from:
- NTT Docomo, Japan’s largest telecom provider
- Toyota, supporting Astar’s hackathons
- Samsung Next, investing in ecosystem growth
- UOB (United Overseas Bank), expanding financial integration
- Deloitte Tohmatsu, building enterprise NFT solutions on Astar zkEVM
- Polygon, where Astar became the first adopter of AggLayer for cross-chain interoperability
But the most significant alliance is with Sony.
In 2023, Sony Network Communications partnered with Astar’s parent company, Startale Labs, launching a Web3 incubation program. That same year, Sony invested $3.5 million in Startale and co-founded a joint venture: Sony Network Communications Labs Pte. Ltd. This entity is now widely believed to be the driving force behind “Sony Chain” — a dedicated Layer 2 blockchain designed to onboard mainstream users through entertainment.
Why “Sony Chain” Could Be a Game-Changer
With public chains like Ethereum, Solana, and Base dominating headlines, launching a new blockchain might seem risky. But Sota sees opportunity where others see saturation.
“Sony isn’t just an electronics company — it’s an entertainment empire,” Sota emphasized. “They own Spider-Man. They produced Demon Slayer. Their music, film, and gaming divisions generate billions annually. That’s the real leverage.”
Core keywords naturally integrated: Web3 adoption, blockchain entertainment, Sony Chain, Astar Network, Layer 2 blockchain, IP monetization, user experience, Japan Web3
The upcoming “Sony Chain” aims to do what few blockchains have managed: onboard users without them knowing they’re using blockchain.
Drawing a parallel, Sota said:
“People use the internet every day in cafes, but they don’t know TCP/IP or HTTP. That’s the experience we want — seamless, invisible infrastructure powered by blockchain.”
Rather than focusing solely on NFT mints or token trading, “Sony Chain” will prioritize:
- IP integration: Bringing Sony’s vast library of games, music, and anime onto the chain
- Revenue sharing models: Enabling creators and fans to benefit directly from digital content
- Frictionless UX: Hiding technical complexity behind familiar apps and interfaces
While details remain under wraps, Sota confirmed that a major update will be unveiled in August 2025, alongside a rebranding of Astar Network itself.
👉 See how major brands are quietly building the future of digital ownership.
Building a Global Vision from Japanese Roots
Despite its deep ties to Japan, Astar isn’t aiming to be just a local success.
“We’re proud of our roots,” Sota said. “Japan supports us, but we need to prove ourselves globally. Our goal is to enter the top five or ten blockchain ecosystems — not just in Asia, but worldwide.”
To that end, Sota’s recent trip to China focused on forging partnerships with leading tech firms. The vision? Expand across Asia and eventually break into the U.S. market.
But global ambition doesn’t mean abandoning local relevance. In fact, Sota believes local success fuels global credibility — especially in regulated markets like Japan.
“Regulators need proof,” he explained. “They want to see real use cases — not speculation. When governments see Web3 improving lives, policies will follow.”
Accelerating Mass Adoption Through Trusted Brands
One of Web3’s biggest hurdles remains mass adoption. Despite years of innovation, less than 3% of the global population actively uses blockchain technology.
Sota argues that new startups alone can’t bridge this gap — it requires established brands with existing user bases.
“Microsoft grew because IBM trusted it. OpenAI rose because Microsoft backed it. Web3 needs the same kind of bridge — and companies like Sony are that bridge.”
By leveraging Sony’s global reach in gaming (PlayStation), music (Sony Music), and film (Sony Pictures), “Sony Chain” could introduce blockchain to hundreds of millions who’ve never touched a wallet or understood gas fees.
This strategy aligns with a broader shift in Web3: from technology-first to user-first design.
“We don’t talk about consensus mechanisms or rollups,” Sota said. “We talk about better experiences — faster transactions, true ownership of digital items, fairer revenue splits for creators.”
FAQ: Your Questions About Astar and Sony Chain Answered
Q: What is “Sony Chain”?
A: While not officially confirmed by Sony, industry insiders believe “Sony Chain” refers to a Layer 2 blockchain being developed in collaboration with Astar Network. It aims to integrate Sony’s entertainment IP into Web3 with a focus on user-friendly experiences.
Q: Is Sony launching its own cryptocurrency?
A: There is no public information suggesting Sony will issue a native token. The focus appears to be on infrastructure and IP utilization rather than speculative assets.
Q: How is Astar different from other Layer 2 solutions?
A: Astar emphasizes enterprise adoption, regulatory compliance, and real-world use cases — particularly in entertainment and public services — setting it apart from purely DeFi-focused competitors.
Q: When will “Sony Chain” launch?
A: No official launch date has been announced. However, Sota Watanabe hinted at a major update coming in August 2025.
Q: Can developers build on Astar zkEVM now?
A: Yes. Astar zkEVM is live and supports Ethereum-compatible dApps. Projects like Deloitte Japan and Yoake (founded by Akimoto Yasushi) are already building on it.
Q: Does Astar only focus on Japan?
A: While rooted in Japan, Astar is expanding globally — with active developer communities in Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.
The Road Ahead: Experience Over Hype
As the Web3 industry matures, the narrative is shifting — from speculative gains to sustainable value creation. Astar Network, backed by giants like Sony and Samsung, is positioning itself at the forefront of this transition.
The key lesson from Sota Watanabe’s journey?
Real innovation starts with people — not code.
By focusing on user experience, strategic partnerships, and cultural relevance, Astar isn’t just chasing trends — it’s helping define the next era of the internet.
👉 Find out how Web3 is moving beyond crypto into real-world impact.
With major updates on the horizon and a clear roadmap for mass adoption, one thing is certain: Japan’s Web3 awakening has only just begun.