The government of Palau has taken a major step towards integrating blockchain technology into its economy with the launch of Palau Invest, a digital savings bond platform. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Japan, offers citizens a unique opportunity to invest in national infrastructure projects and boost economic growth. Palau Launches Blockchain-Based Savings Bonds The…
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New data shows that 134 countries, representing 98% of global GDP, are now exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), with 66 nations advancing to pilot or development stages. Every G20 nation is engaged in CBDC efforts, with notable leaders such as China and the European nations pushing forward. The U.S. remains lagging behind Europe and…
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Japanese early-stage investment company Metaplanet purchased an additional $2 million worth of Bitcoin today, reaffirming the firm’s trust in the leading digital asset. ‘Japanese MicroStrategy’ Bolsters Its Bitcoin Reserves In an announcement on September 10, 2024, Metaplanet said it had increased its cryptocurrency holdings by 38.464 BTC, bought for approximately 300 million yen ($2 million).…
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Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse discussed Japan’s potential in blockchain technology with Japanese lawmaker Taira Masaaki during XRP Community Day. Garlinghouse praised Japan’s commitment to advancing crypto, highlighting the country’s “clear frameworks and constructive policy” that encourage innovation while ensuring consumer protection. Taira, a Web3 and AI advocate in Japan’s House of Representatives, noted that the…
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Japanese culture captivates millions around the world, but the creators behind its art often remain inaccessible. With 8Ships, Terry Tomonaga is changing that. 8Ships Is Connecting Japan’s Artists, Artisans, and Craftmen to a Global Audience 8Ships’ mission is to connect people all over the world with Japan’s unusually hard-to-reach artists, craftsmen, and artisans. While Japanese…
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According to a report from Asahi Shimbun, one of Japan’s oldest national newspapers, a subsidiary of Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) has taken an innovative step into the world of bitcoin mining. Agile Energy X, the subsidiary in question, has cleverly placed its bitcoin mining units right next to solar farms in the Tochigi and…
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The largest Japanese banks—MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho—plan to use a stablecoin-based system to facilitate cross-border payments in the future. The initiative, Project Pax, replaces correspondent banks with blockchain technology, linking it to SWIFT to allow users to initiate payments conventionally using regular banking rails. Japanese Banks Aim to Ditch Intermediaries for Blockchain-Based Stablecoin System Traditional…
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Metaplanet and SBI VC Trade have formed a strategic partnership to enhance bitcoin trading, storage, and management. This alliance aligns with Metaplanet’s “bitcoin first, bitcoin only” strategy, emphasizing BTC’s scarcity and decentralized nature. The partnership provides Metaplanet access to SBI VC Trade’s tax-efficient corporate custody services and the ability to use bitcoin as collateral, supporting…
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IVC is a Web3 venture capital fund backed by leading Japanese gaming studios. They focus on Web3 gaming, digital entertainment, AI, DeFi, and infrastructure, and have invested in over 200 projects. They also host Japan’s largest Web3 conference, IVS Crypto, which attracts over 12,000 attendees annually. Ann Chien serves as a Partner at IVC. She…
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Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon expects the Federal Reserve to delay any emergency rate cuts until at least September despite weak job data, believing the U.S. economy will avoid a recession. Speaking on “The David Rubenstein Show,” Solomon indicated that while investors had anticipated potential rate cuts before the September meeting due to global market…
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