The Future is Here: The Perfect Integration of Virtual Idols and Web3

The combination of three hot fields: virtual idols, AI, and Web3 has created the buzz around the MIRAI project. This project raised approximately $12.9 million in just one week, setting a fundraising record for Web3 projects in Japan. Subsequently, MIRAI was launched on a well-known trading platform, further increasing its exposure. To expand its community influence, the MIRAI team has also actively interacted with several popular cryptocurrency communities.

The MIRAI project is jointly launched by Aww Inc. and a certain blockchain AI platform, positioned as a Web3 attempt at virtual personas, proposing the innovative concept of "on-chain" CGI virtual characters. This project integrates Aww Inc.'s expertise in CGI modeling and character design with blockchain infrastructure and AI technology, aiming to create virtual characters with autonomy and intelligent agency.

Aww Inc. was established in 2019 and is headquartered in Tokyo. It is the first company in Asia focused on "virtual human" technology. They are dedicated to combining 3DCG, artificial intelligence, and real-time streaming to create highly realistic digital characters for brand marketing, content creation, and metaverse applications. The company has diversified its revenue through global licensing and brand collaborations.

The most representative is the virtual model imma, which made its debut in 2018. By the end of 2024, imma has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on social media. With its unique pink short hair and delicate CG modeling, imma has become a leading "virtual influencer" in the fashion and business sectors, serving as a digital ambassador for top global brands multiple times. In the fields of sports and culture, imma has also participated widely, including performances at the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics and hosting the opening ceremony of the Osaka Kansai Expo.

In terms of technological research and development, Aww Inc. has established a strategic partnership with a semiconductor giant to integrate AI audio-driven technology and GPU acceleration capabilities, enhancing the real-time emotional interaction and voice lip-sync of virtual characters.

Aww Inc. began paying attention to the potential impact of blockchain technology on virtual beings and their intellectual property as early as three years ago. Today, the launch of the MIRAI project is the realization of this vision, aiming to create the first "virtual idol + Web3 autonomous co-creation" ecosystem.

The MIRAI project integrates Aww Inc.'s advantages in IP operation and community operation in the Web2 world, as well as the underlying technology and on-chain infrastructure of blockchain platforms. The project roadmap includes the launch of Agent Studio V2, the realization of Agent Livestreaming, and the上线 of a complete DAO governance platform.

MIRAI envisions an AI-driven virtual character that is linked to a blockchain identity system. This model enables the virtual character to make autonomous decisions, interact with the community, and receive incentives through a token economy. The project allows community participation in the co-creation and co-governance of the character, breaking away from the traditional one-way creation method of virtual IP.

However, this innovative model also faces numerous challenges. In terms of token economics, there is a risk of highly concentrated governance power. At the level of community operation, decentralized co-creation may lead to issues such as varying content quality and copyright disputes. Furthermore, maintaining the ongoing appeal of virtual characters is also a significant challenge.

Overall, the MIRAI project has pioneering significance in the integration of AI virtual idols and blockchain, injecting new ideas into Web3 content creation and the IP economy. However, whether it can truly achieve its expected goals still requires time to verify. The success of the project will depend on the reasonable design of the token economy, the improvement of community governance mechanisms, and the ability to continuously innovate and maintain the value of virtual characters.