Domains, DeFi, and Dinner in Tokyo: A Founder’s Recap of Japan Blockchain Week 2025
By Michael Ho (CBO & Co-Founder, D3)
Japan Blockchain Week has always been one of the most important gatherings in Asia, and this year was no exception. Over the last week I have been running all over Tokyo attending panels, summits, and private dinners, carrying the flag for DomainFi and Doma.
Blockchain Nexus
Blockchain Nexus was an incredible kickoff to Japan Blockchain Week, bringing together global foundations, validators, and Japan’s leading companies and investors under one roof.
I joined the RWA × DeFi panel, where we explored domains, real-world assets, and decentralized identity (DIDs), the three pillars I believe will define how Doma and Web3 matures in the next decade.
Quotes From the Panel:
“Domains are the original digital real estate. The difference is, unlike physical real estate, they’re frictionless, portable, and ready to be financialized on-chain.”
“The future of digital identity is seamless and liquid. Your domain will be your name, your payment handle, your access key, and your most valuable equity, all in one.”
Solana SuperTokyo
That same day, Solana lit up Shibuya with its SuperTokyo event, drawing a full house of builders, investors, and end-users. During the event, I had the opportunity to reconnect with some friends from Superteam and the Solana Foundation. The overall crowd and vibe definitely showcased Solana’s global expansion momentum in Asia.
Blockchain Leaders Summit (BLS)
On August 27, I attended the Blockchain Leaders Summit hosted by B Dash Ventures and Hashed, where sessions covered infrastructure, regulation, and the fast-moving trends driving real-world assets and DeFi forward.
For me, the highlight was the one-on-one conversations, whether it was Hub71 on Abu Dhabi’s RWA strategy, Aptos exploring DomainFi + TLD integrations, or Backpack's incredible enthusiasm.
The Founder Table
Saving the best for last the real highlight of the week was The Founder Table, an invite-only dinner we co-hosted with Nonagon. We hosted the dinner at Shunsai in Shibuya Excel Hotel, an elegant kaiseki restaurant. The evening brought together a handpicked group of founders, investors, and visionaries in a private, elegant setting.
It was a night of real conversations and great food. I had the chance to spotlight DomainFi’s roadmap, strengthen D3’s presence in Japan’s Web3 ecosystem, and forge relationships that will carry forward.
Plus, we also had an absolutely sick view of the iconic Shibuya crossing!
All in all, it was an incredible night. The energy in the room made it clear: collaboration across borders is what will define the next chapter of this industry.
In Closing
What an amazing week this was! Sure, I spent half of the time running across Tokyo jumping from one event to another, but you know what? It was worth it. I made some amazing connections, reconnected with some old friends, and pushed the DomainFi mission forward.
And the food? Unreal. Just look at these soba noodles from one of the oldest restaurants in the world.
Doma-rigato Gozaimasu!
Onwards to Korea Blockchain Week and Token2049 later this month - hope to see you at one of our events!
