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Hello! The summer of ST Japan, which was launched in May, was full of various events! We were working on cool things non-stop every week and spending time with the crew. Let’s look back on ST Japan’s summer! Here’s a quick overview of the current situation.🚀
💰 Community GDP is at $18,730
🏙️ Organized 15 IRL & Online Events
😲 with 2K+ attendees
🌃 Solana Radar Hackathon Announcement
🛠 Member Deployment
📈 3,342 Discord members
📈 3,748 Twitter followers
👥 67 Superteam JP Members
First, in June, ST Japan exhibited a booth at NFT ART TOKYO 2024, demonstrating the presence of the Solana ecosystem. This event, held on June 28 in Shibuya, is Japan’s largest festival celebrating the fusion of NFTs and art.
ST Japan exhibited a booth at the event. This booth introduced visitors to Solana’s features such as high-speed transactions and low gas fees, as well as the latest technological innovations that can accommodate diverse use cases of NFTs, such as cNFTs and blinks. Additionally, Scanner, a representative project of Japan’s Solana community, displayed a machine that allows purchasing NFTs with fiat currency, making it a booth full of ingenuity.
Next is July. We held the second “Learning Web3 from Scratch” study session in collaboration with the Student Web3 Union. It was a free study session that attracted many students interested in web3.
The Student Web3 Union is working on the spread of web3 technology and human resource development centered on these study sessions under the mission of “The talent who learned here will dominate the world.” This regularly held study session series is expected to contribute to the development of Japan’s web3 ecosystem.
In this study session, we introduced the features of Solana and the initiatives of “Superteam Japan,” an organization that promotes the growth of its ecosystem.
We also conducted a workshop to create wallets and try out DeFi.
From setting up “Backpack” to purchasing and swapping NFTs using SOL tokens distributed to each participant, it was a first-time experience for almost all participants, and we were able to conduct content with valuable learning.
Also, on July 2, we held a Twitter space titled “Behind the Scenes of Sanctum – Round-table Discussion with Japan’s Three Major SOL Validators.” This space attracted a lot of attention as one of the important initiatives to understand Validators and LST and to attract new layers to Defi in Japan’s Solana ecosystem.
Three representatives of Japan’s leading Solana validators were invited to the round-table discussion：
Additionally, FP Lee, the Founder of Sanctum, participated as a special guest.
The main purpose of the round-table discussion was to broadcast from experts active on the front lines about the current challenges in Solana validator operation and future prospects. Participants were able to obtain detailed information about the technical aspects and operational challenges of Solana validators, as well as the current state of the validator industry in Japan.
Along with holding the space, ST Japan simultaneously conducted a LST giveaway campaign, which served as a good opportunity for many people interested in Solana to participate in the event.
At “IVS2024 KYOTO / IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO” held at Kyoto Pulse Plaza from July 4 to 6, we held session presentations and side events, further increasing Solana’s presence in Japan’s Web3 community and serving as a bridge between global Solana projects and Japanese Degens and Web3 entrepreneurs.
This video is filled with wonderful memories of Kyoto, so please watch it!
https://x.com/SuperteamJapan/status/1819162655556620695
IVS Crypto 2024 Kyoto was Japan’s largest crypto conference held within IVS, bringing together Web3 entrepreneurs, investors, and developers from around the world. ST Japan members appeared in various sessions/panel discussions held during the event, discussing the latest trends and future prospects of the Solana ecosystem.
Also, on July 5, Zeus Network, Fidelion, Stacks, and Superteam Japan jointly held a closed side event. This event was held at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Nanzenji, Kyoto, providing participants with a good opportunity to interact as members of the Solana community in a relaxed atmosphere.
Furthermore, we held a side event themed on Memes in collaboration with Backpack. This was also a closed party, and all participants were given original happi coats as a limited gift, with all participants wearing happi during the event.
Key figures from the Solana ecosystem gathered at this event, actively interacting with Japanese Solana Degens during the networking time.
ST Japan has opened its official website to discover unknown talent in Japan to boost the Solana ecosystem and to further educate about Solana.
What you can do on the official website:
Please check it out 👇
https://superteamjp.fun
And finally, in August, “Super Tokyo,” the largest Solana event in Japan orchestrated by ST Japan, was held for 10 days. Many related events were held by Members and Contributors even before Super Tokyo started, so let me introduce those as well.
First, ahead of Super Tokyo, Member yuki held a mini hackathon for developers with less than one year of Solana development experience. This event aimed to increase the number of people starting Solana development. Participants needed to register with Superteam Earn, and the top 5 teams were selected at the presentation and results announcement held after the development period. Prize money ranging from 800 USDC for 1st place to 10 USDC for 9th place was prepared, contributing to the development of Japan’s Solana ecosystem and the nurturing of new developers.
Let me introduce the TOP 3 winning projects of the mini hackathon.
1st Place: SolTel
A phone that only connects when sol is put into a specific address
2nd Place: HARIGAMI
Access control by NFT gate
3rd Place: Solana Meme Swap Action
Actions to immediately purchase currently hot meme coins on X! Using the API, you can view and purchase information on Solana meme coins with high price increase rates in the last 24 hours.
The projects from 4th place onward were also truly excellent, and the judges were greatly troubled.
Also, with the same purpose of developer training, a Solana camp was held as an intensive event for developers to learn Solana development. This camp provided an opportunity for participants interested in Solana development to acquire skills from basics to practical in a short period.
The Super Tokyo nationwide tour was a series of Solana events held in five cities – Hokkaido, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okinawa – from July 27 to August 4 as a prelude to SuperTokyo. This tour aimed to raise awareness of the Solana ecosystem and deepen understanding of Web3 technology throughout Japan.
At events in each city, ST Japan members and guests gave presentations, providing opportunities for Solana study sessions, hands-on experiences, and networking. Participation was free, and a wide range of people from Web3 beginners to engineers participated.
A notable point is that at the events held in each location on August 4, exchanges were conducted by connecting other city venues held simultaneously in Japan online. This allowed participants to interact with participants from other cities and enjoy networking on a national scale.
And on August 18, a large-scale one-day event was held in the center of Shibuya as the main conference. This conference was positioned as an important event forming the core of Solana Super Tokyo, with a total of over 1000 participants.
Let’s take a look at the detailed content and features of the conference!
More participants gathered than expected, proving Japan’s high interest in Solana. The 18th floor of Dragon Gate, which was the venue, was filled with excitement.
Solana Foundation members, founders of famous projects, Superteam Japan members, and other Solana experts from Japan and abroad took the stage. Their lectures gave participants deep insights and generated many questions and discussions.
The debate format adopted in many sessions received high praise from participants. In particular, the format where the pros and cons switched sides provided an opportunity to view topics from multiple angles and deepened participants’ understanding. Everyone was engrossed in the sessions.
From the opening lunch to breaks between sessions and the after-party, interactions between participants were constant. There were many happy reports that many new collaborations and project ideas were born here!
Thus, SuperTokyo’s main conference concluded as a wonderful culmination of Japan’s Solana community.
Oh, and of course, the Swag distributed at the venue was really Cool. You got some too, right?
Thank you everyone who helped us and everyone who came to the event!
With the excitement of the main conference still fresh, SuperTokyo entered the second half.
“Startup Village,” held in Tokyo for a week from August 19 to 25, was an event where talented individuals who will shape the future of the Solana ecosystem aiming for awards in global hackathons gathered, and it was a success far beyond expectations.
The main attractions at Startup Village were 10 innovative startups selected from across Japan and around the world. The venue was filled with cutting-edge ideas that maximize the potential of Solana. Visitors were witnessing potential next-generation unicorn companies in the making.
The pitch competition, which was the climax of the event, was a whirlwind of excitement. The audience was captivated by the passionate presentations of the startups.
Let’s take a look at the participants 🚀.
Ayame
KOIKOI is a Web3 social betting platform developed by Ayame. Users can host betting sessions and monetize directly. Users can enjoy betting on various themes, with cheap, fast, and transparent betting possible using Solana.
Boooost
Boooost is a token-based crowdfunding platform that solves the problems of existing crowdfunding and allows fundraising with just an idea. It features mechanisms not found in existing crowdfunding, such as a system where necessary funds are paid in stages according to the status of collected funds, and collaboration with KOLs.
Crypto Learning Club
The AI-Driven SaaS PF developed by CLC is a software development platform utilizing AI, featuring flexible micropayments using Solana’s blockchain for high speed and low cost. It aims to shorten development cycles, reduce costs, and maintain quality, providing template-based automatic code generation.
dotHAX
Their proposed Thanklet is a “Thank to Earn” system for the hospitality industry. It gives value to everyday “thank yous” and visualizes and evaluates hospitality using soulbound wallets and Thanks tokens. It provides a mechanism to recognize service providers’ contributions while protecting privacy, which can also be used for career development.
Scannner
The Autonomous IP Ecosystem is a platform where IP holders and creators can easily develop and release games without specialized knowledge. It utilizes Web3 technology to provide an environment where fans can easily participate. It features the realization of IP media mix and the creation of new revenue sources.
shdwShop
shdwshop is a Web3 platform where creators can sell content directly. The fee is low at around 3%, and content is managed using shdwDrive. It supports creators’ monetization through SNS promotion and referral systems. It supports Web3 payments and provides a sales environment with higher freedom than conventional platforms.
SOuL
SOuL is a fluid token system that generates multi-layered revenue based on Real-World Ecosystems (RWEs). Users can stake assets like SOL in renewable spaces called Sanctuaries and receive revenue from actual RWE products and services, not airdrops. It features complete decentralization and joint ownership, promoting environmental protection and sustainable development.
Team Mint (Kyuzan)
Hash Monsters is a Web3 game where monsters are created and raised based on transactions on the Solana blockchain. It’s highly accessible as no prior NFT purchase is required. It generates monsters based on transaction hashes and adopts a game system that incorporates PoW-like elements.
Windfall
Windfall is a gaming platform with the concept of “No Risk High Return”. By realizing a reward system that utilizes DeFi operating profits, it provides users with the opportunity to earn high rewards while playing games without the risk of losing funds.
solpipe
Solpipe is a protocol that automatically bids for and distributes transaction processing bandwidth of Solana Validators. It automates the traditionally complex individual negotiations with a 30-minute setup, operable on a 24-hour basis. This aims to vitalize the Validator market and streamline the transaction process.
Support for participants continues even after the event. Many projects continue to grow by leveraging the networks built here, greatly contributing to the expansion of the Solana ecosystem.
Startup Village 2024 became a turning point that propelled Japan’s Solana ecosystem beyond just an event. The innovations and partnerships born here will have ripple effects throughout the blockchain industry.
There’s no need to be disappointed if you couldn’t participate in this event. ST Japan has indicated its intention to continue such events in the future. Why not visit the next time it’s held? You’re sure to witness moments that shape the future of Solana.
While SuperTokyo was over, there was one last big event left in Japan’s Crypto Summer.
Web X 2024, held from August 28 to 29, was truly the center where the future of cryptocurrencies and Web3 gathered. And of course, ST Japan also exhibited a booth at this event.
At ST Japan’s booth, there were heated discussions about the current state of Solana, and ST Japan members talked with visitors who stopped by the booth about Solana’s technological advantages and the future of Web3 in Japan. Furthermore, specific projects such as “Backpack wallet” and “Epics DAO,” which strives to solve social issues, were also introduced at the booth. Their initiative “Validators DAO” was interesting. We look forward to further updates.
With Cool Swag also well-prepared, Web X closed amidst great excitement.
Members and contributors of ST Japan are actively contributing not only to Japanese but also to overseas Solana projects. Let me introduce an example here.
sushie, a Superteam Japan Member, has been appointed as the community lead for Jito! Wonderful! 🌟
Although Jito has a geeky image, sushie’s flexible approach seems to bring a new wind!
Expectations for ecosystem expansion in Japan are rising.
Yuki, a Superteam Japan Member, has joined Metaplex Japan as a technical support member! Wonderful! 🌟
Yuki, who has technical knowledge of various chains, will greatly contribute to responding to technical questions from the community regarding Metaplex and technical improvements.
Thank you for reading this far. I hope you’ve gotten a sense of how hot the Solana Summer was in Japan.
ST Japan’s activities will continue to expand in the future.
Next is the time for Japan’s Solana community to come together as one and take on the challenge of the Radar Hackathon.
We hope you’ll continue to follow our journey. Please follow and keep track of us.
https://x.com/SuperteamJapan
Once again, we sincerely thank all Superteam Japan members, Contributors, and Community members who have supported Superteam Japan.
