The Shibuya Creative Tech Committee nurtures innovative technologies across the Shibuya area, connecting its diverse cultural assets through digital advancements.
Today, the Committee and EDCON (Community Ethereum Development Conference) have announced a strategic partnership to create a subcommittee that will enhance EDCON 2024, which will be supported by the Shibuya City Office and is free to attend.
This collaboration will unlock new opportunities in the global art and tech community by combining expertise and fostering creativity through innovative programming.
A key feature of the collaboration will be the scavenger hunt across Shibuya City in July, designed to let participants uncover the city’s blend of culture, entertainment, and technology. The scavenger hunt will guide attendees through Shibuya’s iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and tech hubs, engaging them with clues, challenges, and interactive experiences at each stop.
Participants will have the opportunity to collect unique digital tokens and exclusive prizes while deepening their understanding of Shibuya’s rich artistic and technological heritage. This immersive experience will weave seamlessly into the broader EDCON 2024 agenda, offering a playful and educational way to explore the city.
EDCON 2024 will emphasize Ethereum’s foundational principles of decentralization and community collaboration. The conference, scheduled for July 24-30, will feature a variety of events at the United Nations University and Yoyogi National Gymnasium:
Community Events (July 24th-28th): Diverse activities to engage and connect attendees, building relationships among tech enthusiasts.
Super Demo Day (July 27th): A platform for emerging startups to present their ideas to investors, developers, and key industry players.
Ethereum Quorum & Workshops (July 28th): In-depth discussions and interactive sessions on blockchain technology and decentralization.
Main Event (July 29th-30th): Thought-provoking talks and exhibitions at Yoyogi National Gymnasium, marking the first time this iconic Olympic venue will host a tech conference.
The conference will also include a founders’ reunion to celebrate Ethereum’s 10-year anniversary, offering unparalleled networking opportunities with pioneers who have shaped the blockchain landscape. 8ships, the experience partner advising Shibuya Startup Support, will bring their expertise to the subcommittee, ensuring the event provides accessible web3 education for all attendees.
“We hope Shibuya can be the hub for blockchain.”
Yoshiro Tasaka, the Director of Global Strategy Division from the Shibuya City Office expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, stating: “Blockchain technologies can contribute to finding alternative ways to govern cities and neighborhoods. EDCON allows us to create an internal and international community to develop blockchains in Shibuya. We hope Shibuya can be the hub for blockchain.”
We recently sat down with Yoshiro on the eve of the Shibuya Tech and EDCON partnership announcement to learn more about his background and get his perspective on hosting EDCON 2024 this summer and the evolving blockchain culture in Japan.
Please find the full interview below —
Thank you for speaking with us, Yoshiro-san.
First, let’s talk about your role with the Shibuya City Office. You’re the Director of Global Strategy as well as Shibuya Startup Support. Can you provide us with a bit of background on your overall objectives and focus?
Our ultimate goal is to make Shibuya a global startup hub. In order to do so, we are focusing mainly on 3 things; internationalization of our startup community, being the best test-bed city, and creating a better environment with corporations.
What would you say are some of the most common misconceptions about Shibuya and how are you working to reshape them?
Shibuya is known as the place to go out but live. Yet, actually we have residential areas so we have the same social issues as the other cities.
Shibuya has always been a pop culture and social hub in Tokyo, but is truly evolving into a global technology hub that is becoming more start-up and entrepreneur friendly. Can you explain how this came to be and what sort of programs and initiatives the city has undertaken to support this positioning and growth?
Internationalization: we have a startup visa program which enables us to bring entrepreneurs from overseas. We provides not only the visa but smooth landing supports which includes searching housing, opening an bank account and etc.,
Test-bed program: we are providing the proof of concepts opportunity throughout the city. Over 2,500 Shibuya residents registered tester program. So our testers can try startups’ product.
What do you feel the attitudes toward cryptocurrency are in Japan, but also more specifically within the Shibuya City Government and local business community?
Japan has the oldest population in the world. Many local governments are facing a crisis of survival. Population decline causes a significant decrease in tax revenue. Crypto currency or DAO concepts might give us alternative ways to generate income.
What excites you most about hosting and partnering with EDCON this year and what are you hoping the conference and events help achieve for Shibuya?
Blockchain technologies can contribute to finding alternative ways to govern cities and neighborhoods. EDCON allows us to create an internal and international community to develop blockhains in Shibuya. We hope Shibuya can be the hub for blockchain.