Cardano SPO #121: AIRX Stake Pool [AIRX]
Written interviews with Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) on the Cardano blockchain.
Today’s guest on the Cardano SPO column is a new stake pool operated by Taichi Yokoyama who shares his experience as a new SPO and how Cardano is perceived in Japan: AIRX Stake Pool [AIRX].
The previous guest was one of the largest stake pools in the German speaking region, based in Munich.
This column is where I invite Stake Pool Operators (SPO) to share their stories and vision as a way to connect with and learn about the Cardano Community.
Hi, thanks for your time. Tell us something about yourself/your team, where are you based and what are your backgrounds?
Hello, I am Taichi Yokoyama from Japan. In 2021, I was captivated by Cardano’s philosophy after watching Charles Hoskinson’s speech on YouTube. I vividly remember my growing excitement about the potential of Cardano’s blockchain technology to create a better world.
AIRX Stake Pool aims to promote decentralization and bridge the gap between the Japanese and global Cardano communities. We are committed to contributing to the growth and development of the Cardano ecosystem through stake pool operation, information dissemination, and community events.
We are excited to contribute to the growth of the Cardano community from Japan.
What’s the path that led you to Cardano and to become a Stake Pool Operator (SPO)?
My journey with Cardano began in 2021 when I discovered a YouTube video of Charles Hoskinson talking about the philosophy and vision of the project. I was deeply inspired by the potential of Cardano’s blockchain technology to create positive change and solve real world problems. This revelation inspired me to learn more about the ecosystem and find ways to contribute to its growth.
As I got deeper into the Cardano community, I realized that running a stake pool was an excellent way to support the decentralization of the network while also participating in the development of the ecosystem. However, when I first tried to start a stake pool on my own, I faced many challenges and thus decided to ask for help from my wife.
Fortunately, my wife took care of the technical aspects of setting up and maintaining the pool. Thanks to her quick understanding, our stake pool was successfully launched.
Combining my passion for Cardano philosophy and community involvement with my wife’s technical expertise, together we established the AIRX Stake Pool. Our goal is to contribute to the ecosystem by facilitating decentralization, encouraging community growth, and building bridges between the Japanese and global Cardano communities.
Through the AIRX Stake Pool, we aim to provide reliable staking services, actively participate in community events, and spread awareness of Cardano’s potential in Japan. We are excited to be a part of this transformational journey and look forward to contributing to the success of the network while growing with the vibrant Cardano community.
As a new stake pool, how’s your experience? What can you share about your strategies to attract delegators?
As a new stake pool, our experience has been both exciting and challenging. We’ve encountered a steep learning curve in navigating the technical aspects of running a pool and ensuring its smooth operation. However, the support and guidance from the Cardano community have been invaluable in overcoming these hurdles.
One of our key strategies to attract delegators is to actively engage with the community and build trust through transparency and reliability. We maintain open communication channels, providing regular updates on our pool’s performance and sharing our goals and aspirations for contributing to the Cardano ecosystem.
To set ourselves apart, we focus on offering low fees and high pledge, demonstrating our commitment to the network’s health and long-term success. By providing competitive rewards to our delegators, we aim to create a mutually beneficial relationship that encourages loyalty and growth.
Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on education and awareness. We actively participate in community events, both online and offline, to share our knowledge and experiences with others. By creating content in Japanese, we strive to make information about Cardano and staking more accessible to the local community, fostering greater understanding and adoption.
As a husband-and-wife team, we bring a unique perspective to our stake pool operations. Our combined skills and shared passion for Cardano’s mission allow us to deliver a personal touch and build stronger connections with our delegators.
Looking forward, we plan to continue refining our strategies, adapt to the ever-evolving landscape, and explore innovative ways to provide value to our delegators and the broader Cardano community. We remain committed to our goal of promoting decentralization, driving community growth, and serving as a bridge between the Japanese and global Cardano communities.
How is Cardano perceived in Japan? Please share your thoughts about the Japanese Cardano community.
In Japan, Cardano is gaining recognition as a promising blockchain platform with a strong focus on academic research, sustainability, and social impact. The project’s scientific approach and commitment to creating a more equitable and decentralized future resonate well with the Japanese audience, who value innovation, reliability, and long-term vision.
The Japanese Cardano community, although relatively small compared to other cryptocurrency communities, is highly passionate and dedicated. Community members actively engage in discussions, share knowledge, and support one another in their journey to understand and contribute to the Cardano ecosystem. The community’s enthusiasm is evident in the growing number of local meetups, online forums, and social media groups dedicated to Cardano.
However, the overall crypto space in Japan is still in its early stages of mainstream adoption. The regulatory landscape has been cautious, with strict guidelines and requirements for cryptocurrency exchanges and projects. This approach has helped to establish a level of trust and credibility in the market, but it has also slowed down the pace of innovation and growth compared to other countries.
Despite these challenges, the Japanese crypto community remains optimistic about the future of blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize various industries. As more people become educated about the benefits of cryptocurrencies and the underlying technology, we expect to see greater acceptance and participation from both individuals and institutions.
At AIRX Stake Pool, we are committed to contributing to the growth and development of the Japanese Cardano community. By providing reliable staking services, actively engaging in community events, and creating educational content in Japanese, we aim to make Cardano more accessible and understandable to the local audience. We believe that by fostering a strong and supportive community, we can help drive the adoption of Cardano and blockchain technology in Japan.
Great contribution. Any final thoughts? Where can people stay in touch?
We believe that Cardano’s success depends on the strength and diversity of its community and we are proud to be part of this ecosystem. By promoting a welcoming and supportive environment, we aim to engage more people and contribute to the decentralization and resiliency of the network.
If you are interested in connecting with [AIRX], follow us on X:
We share updates, insights and educational content and welcome the opportunity to engage with our representatives and the broader Cardano community.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the AIRX Stake Pool. We look forward to connecting with you and working together to build a stronger, more decentralized future for Cardano.
Disclaimer: The opinions and views of the people interviewed are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Cardano Foundation or IOG. Moreover, this content is for educational purposes, it doesn’t constitute financial advice.
