Animoca Brands Unlocks Revolutionary Future for Japanese Anime IP Onchain

The world of Web3 is rapidly expanding. Furthermore, it continues to merge with mainstream industries. A groundbreaking development recently emerged from Tokyo. Animoca Brands, a leader in Web3, has partnered with Antler’s Ibex Japan. Together, they launched a dedicated Web3 fund. This initiative aims to bring valuable Japanese anime IP and manga intellectual property (IP) onchain. This move signifies a major step. It promises to unlock new digital opportunities for beloved cultural assets. Therefore, it captures the attention of crypto enthusiasts and anime fans alike.

Animoca Brands Pioneers Web3 Entertainment

Animoca Brands consistently pushes the boundaries of digital ownership. This prominent Web3 company actively invests in blockchain gaming and metaverse projects. Its latest collaboration with Antler’s corporate innovation arm, Ibex Japan, marks a significant strategic move. The partnership focuses on establishing a specialized Web3 entertainment investment fund. This fund’s core mission is clear: to transition Japan’s iconic anime and manga IP onto the blockchain. Consequently, it aims to create new avenues for fan engagement and monetization.

The announcement took place at the WebX conference in Tokyo. This event served as an ideal platform for such a revelation. Animoca Brands shared the news in a post on X. Key figures outlined the project. These included Animoca’s co-founder and chairman, Yat Siu, senior adviser Keyvan Peymani, and Ibex Japan partner Sandeep Casi. Their presentation highlighted the immense potential. This partnership effectively combines Animoca’s Web3 expertise with Antler’s venture capital prowess.

Unlocking Japanese Anime IP’s Global Potential

Japan possesses a treasure trove of intellectual property. However, much of it remains underutilized. Sandeep Casi, Ibex Japan partner, emphasized this point. He noted, “90% to 99% of Japan’s IP is lying dormant on the shelves and has great value.” This vast untapped resource represents a significant opportunity. The new fund seeks to revitalize these dormant assets. It will leverage Web3 technologies to achieve this.

Antler brings considerable global reach to this venture. Its network spans 22 cities. It manages $1.2 billion in assets. Furthermore, it boasts a network of 250,000 entrepreneurs. This extensive reach positions the initiative for international success. Yat Siu confirmed Animoca’s existing presence in Japan through ABKK, its Japanese subsidiary. He stated, “This partnership is about expanding Japanese anime IP globally.” This effort extends beyond just gaming. It also targets diverse sectors. These include fintech, healthcare, and medtech applications. Casi and Peymani will serve as co-general partners of the fund. They plan to license underutilized Japanese IP. They will also back the creation of new Web3 products and services. Initial targets will be announced in the coming months. This expansion promises a truly global impact for Japanese culture.

The Power of Onchain IP and Tokenization

Bringing IP onchain fundamentally changes ownership and interaction. It transforms traditional assets into digital tokens. This process, known as tokenization, assigns verifiable digital ownership. For anime and manga IP, this means:

• New Revenue Streams: Creators and rights holders can generate income from digital collectibles.
• Enhanced Fan Engagement: Fans gain direct ownership of unique digital assets.
• Global Accessibility: IP becomes tradable and accessible on a worldwide scale.
• Transparency and Verifiability: Blockchain ensures clear provenance and ownership records.

Yat Siu believes the timing for this initiative is optimal. He cites the resurgence of NFTs and stronger digital asset markets. Data from NFT Price Floor supports this view. The overall NFT market capitalization peaked at $9.3 billion on August 13. This marked a 40% increase from July’s $6.6 billion. This growth demonstrates renewed investor confidence. It highlights the potential for digitally native assets. The fund will capitalize on these market dynamics. It aims to establish a robust ecosystem for onchain IP.

Broader Trends in Web3 and Digital Asset Tokenization

The movement towards tokenization extends beyond entertainment. Across the globe, various industries explore its benefits. Consider the actions of crypto exchange Kraken. Meanwhile, in the US, Kraken held discussions with the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s Crypto Task Force. These talks focused on its plans for a tokenized trading system. A memorandum filed on Monday revealed these meetings. SEC staff met with representatives from Kraken’s parent company, its securities arm, and lawyers from WilmerHale. Discussions covered regulation, legal requirements, and the potential benefits of tokenization. This demonstrates growing interest from traditional finance.

Kraken launched its tokenized stock service earlier this year. On May 22, it allowed non-US investors to trade US equities around the clock. Robinhood introduced a similar service in Europe on June 30. Kraken further expanded its offering this week. It now supports tokenized stock on the Tron blockchain. These developments underscore a broader trend. Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization is gaining significant traction. It aims to bridge traditional finance with blockchain technology. Furthermore, partnerships like SBI Group and Chainlink bring crypto tech to Asia’s finance scene. These initiatives collectively reshape the future of digital assets.

The Future of Web3 Entertainment and Beyond

The partnership between Animoca Brands and Antler represents a pivotal moment. It signifies the convergence of traditional media and cutting-edge blockchain technology. By bringing Japanese anime IP onchain, they are not just creating digital collectibles. They are forging new paradigms for ownership, engagement, and value creation. This initiative will likely inspire other IP holders globally. Ultimately, it solidifies Web3’s role in the future of Web3 entertainment. The digital asset landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Consequently, we anticipate more innovative applications of blockchain technology across various sectors.