Insights into Web3 Development and the Japanese Market
Welcome to Builder’s Vibe, where we hit all the right notes with Web3 builders from around the world!
In this series, we aim to provide an inside look at the experience of working in the exciting and rapidly-evolving field of Web3 development. We are going to delve into the rhythm of builders’ work, exploring the highs and lows of developing dApps and uncovering the potential for blockchain technology to revolutionize industries.
In this intro track, we’ll meet Pokotaro, a Japanese Web3 engineer who shared his invaluable insights and experience with us at ETH Tokyo 2023.
On that note, let’s get started!
From Bitcoin to Web3: Journey as a Blockchain Engineer
Background and Interest in Web3
Since my college days, I’ve been fascinated by P2P technology. However, at the time, I didn’t have the technical skills to fully comprehend its mechanisms. It was during this period that I became intrigued by blockchain technology and began researching it.
In 2016, I discovered Bitcoin and was blown away by how blockchain works. So I decided to pursue a career as a Web3 developer. Back then, the term “Web3” did not even exist, but my goal regardless was to become a blockchain engineer. The experience and knowledge I’ve gained so far have been my strengths in pursuing this career path.
The emergence of blockchain as a new layer in the Web has introduced significant differences from traditional web development. With blockchain, user authentication can now be achieved using a wallet. Furthermore, as blockchain takes on the role of a database, it has become possible to develop a more straightforward system architecture.
On the other hand, dealing with digital assets requires a more secure and thoughtful smart contract design, which increases the complexity of development.
I’m currently actively researching and learning about Layer2. In the future, I plan to utilize Layer3 and Layer4, which go beyond Layer2, to launch innovative services.
Challenges Encountered in Web3 Development
I recently worked on a project involving NFTs that were stolen due to hacking. Fortunately though, we were able to recover all the assets.
I’ve learned that even with an audit of smart contracts, there is still a risk of hacking. Therefore, it’s crucial to develop a robust system that cannot be hacked. And, in the case you get hacked anyway, it’s essential to plan ahead so the development team is prepared to properly investigate and respond.
The Future of Japan’s Web3 Market
About RuckPlus
Currently, I am working with RuckPlus Inc., a company engaged in the Web3 and IT talent business. On the Web3 side, we are focused on mentoring engineers and conducting in-house training and workshops on Web3 development. In addition to nurturing Web3 builders, we are also planning for business expansion in the Layer2 domain. On the IT talent side, we are exploring Web3 development projects in Japan and introducing engineers to these opportunities.
Web3 Market Development in Japan
Web3 brings significant benefits to society through its decentralized system that does not rely on centralized bodies. This helps prevent the monopolization of power and data and increases the transparency and trustworthiness of information. I personally believe that Web2 and Web3 will coexist, with areas that should not have been centralized gradually transitioning to Web3.
As a result, we can expect a more equitable and efficient society to become a reality. Furthermore, the emergence of new technologies and initiatives will lead to the general advancement of technology and contribute to the evolution of human civilization. This situation can promote innovation and create new business opportunities, contributing to the overall development of society.
I believe that the Web3 market in Japan can experience significant growth once laws are applied to Web3. Currently, strict regulations make it difficult to develop in Japan, leading some companies and engineers to establish bases in Singapore and Dubai. However, there has been an increase in major Japanese gaming companies focusing on the GameFi sector. Although there are legal challenges, we expect the situation to improve as laws move in a positive direction, leading to better conditions in the future.
Reflections on Experience at ETH Tokyo and Plans for the Future
Participating in ETH Tokyo has been an invaluable experience, allowing me to engage directly with key players in overseas Web3 projects and connect with foreign Web3 engineers. I believe that this experience can serve as a catalyst for the growth of Japan’s Web3 community, inspiring participants to attend future ETH Global events held overseas.
To further support engineers interested in the Web3 field, I intend to compile my experiences from ETH Tokyo into a comprehensive report and share it through various channels, such as blog articles and social media. I also plan to provide technical support and assistance with any questions or concerns engineers may have. Moreover, I aim to promote interaction among participants by organizing and managing events such as hackathons and study sessions, which will contribute to the development of Japan’s Web3 ecosystem.
Tips for other Builders
Staying Up-to-Date with Web3 Development
As someone passionate about Web3 development, I believe it is crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest information and trends in the industry. That’s why I actively engage in sharing information with others who are also interested in the field. I regularly hold Web3 development study sessions where we exchange knowledge and insights. I also follow Web3 developers on social media platforms such as Twitter and YouTube to keep up with the latest updates.
Moreover, I check the latest NFTs on OpenSea and review the content of smart contracts when newly listed coins are released on CoinGecko. These are some of the ways I stay informed and continue to learn about the latest developments in Web3.
For Web3 Engineers in Japan
With the emergence of new technologies in the Web3 domain, it is essential to continuously learn and acquire new skills every day. Thanks to development support tools such as ChatGPT, the learning environment has become more accessible than ever before. It’s therefore crucial to work hard daily and enhance your skills.
Rather than studying for extended periods during your days off, it is important to consistently spend even just an hour each day to build up your knowledge gradually. By doing so, you will eventually gain tremendous strength and be able to pursue a career in Web3 development.
Currently, only a small portion of engineers in Japan are actively involved in the Web3 field. I aspire to become a Web3 engineer who can make an impact on engineers throughout Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Furthermore, I aim to be a Web3 engineer and CEO who can bring about change across the globe, transcending borders.
And that’s all for today folks! We hope this has given you valuable insights into the world of Web3 development in Japan. As always, All That Node welcomes your feedback and suggestions for future topics or interviewees. Stay tuned for our next track, where we’ll be speaking with another fascinating Web3 builder from a different corner of the globe.
Thank you again to Pokotaro for sharing his time and expertise with us!
About All That Node
All That Node, powered by DSRV, is a multi-chain node and data provider service that has supported numerous developers and companies since 2021. With DSRV’s expertise in Web3 infrastructure, developers can focus on their projects without the hassle of Dev/NodeOps, uptime, scaling, and other concerns. All That Node handles nearly 1 billion requests per month on over 25 networks worldwide.
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Interviewed & Written by
Hyunjie Yu, Brand Marketer, DSRV Brand Marketing Team (Twitter @CathyYu220314)
Edited by
Domitille Colin, Brand Communications Manager (Twitter @domitille_marie)
Designed by
Heeyoung Moon, Brand Designer, DSRV Brand Marketing Team
