KDDI Corporation (hereafter “KDDI”), one of Japan’s largest and most established telecommunications companies, has been among the early movers in blockchain-based businesses, operating services such as “αU wallet” and “αU market.”
In addition to end-user services like NFT marketplaces and digital wallets, KDDI has also expanded into the validator business, a crucial part of blockchain infrastructure, steadily broadening its Web3 footprint.

As KDDI continues to advance these initiatives, Pacific Meta has been partnering closely across multiple dimensions—including facilitating overseas collaborations in the NFT marketplace, supporting KDDI’s participation as a validator, and assisting with event speaking opportunities.

In this interview, we spoke with three leaders driving KDDI’s Web3 business about the outcomes of our collaboration and their outlook for the future:

• Michihiko Kasai, Group Leader, Group 3, Business Co-Creation Department, Open innovation Division
• Naoki Sekiguchi, Core Staff, Group 3, Business Co-Creation Department, Open innovation Division
• Masakazu Hata, Core Staff, Group 3, Business Co-Creation Department, Open innovation Division
  
  The interview was conducted in July 2025. Department affiliations are as of that time.

Expanding KDDI’s Web3 Initiatives Centered on “αU”

— To begin, could you share the journey of KDDI’s Web3 business so far?

Kasai

We originally operated an investment fund for startups and, for over 10 years, have invested in and co-created new businesses with them. Around 2010, more startups began raising capital using tokens, and we started exploring the crypto space in response to this trend.

At the same time, we launched services in the metaverse field, where we witnessed new economic ecosystems emerge—through VTubers’ content and virtual tipping. Seeing how DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) and tokens were applied, we recognized the strong affinity between token technology and creator-centric communities. This realization became a key driver behind our move into Web3.

With these two developments converging, we identified the importance of wallets for managing blockchain assets. That’s why we first launched “αU wallet.” As a straightforward and accessible use case, we then rolled out “αU market,” which focuses on NFTs. At the time, NFTs were booming, and we believed they could serve as an intuitive entry point for the general public.

▲ Michihiko Kasai: Group Leader, Group 3, Business Co-Creation Department, Open innovation Division, KDDI Corporation

— How did the collaboration with Pacific Meta begin as you advanced your Web3 business?

Kasai

Our encounter with Pacific Meta was purely by chance. While I was using a shared office space in Shanghai, I happened to meet Kousei, who was also based in Shanghai at the time. Later on, as we began to seriously explore KDDI’s Web3 business, we had the opportunity to reconnect and consult with him, which eventually led to our collaboration.

Back then, there were still very few leading Web3 projects in Japan, so we needed a partner with strong international networks. Against this backdrop, Pacific Meta’s expertise and global connections felt extremely reassuring.

“Someday with STEPN” — A Long-Awaited Collaboration Becomes Reality

— When advancing your Web3 projects at that time, what challenges were you facing?

Kasai

In driving our Web3 business, one of the most crucial decisions was determining which projects and services to onboard onto platforms like “αU market.” Many of the most innovative and globally recognized projects originated overseas, and it was often difficult for us to build direct connections with them on our own. Additionally, because many Web3 organizations are decentralized, access through traditional networks posed a challenge.

Hata

Within our team, we had often said, “It would be amazing if we could someday collaborate with STEPN,” a leading global project in the industry. However, since we had no direct connection, it never materialized. This time, with Pacific Meta stepping in as a bridge, that long-held wish finally became reality. It was a truly significant achievement for us.

While we had opportunities to speak with overseas projects in the past, the language barrier often got in the way. Negotiations in English would take extra time and sometimes end up being postponed.

By having Pacific Meta involved, communication became faster and much smoother. 

The collaboration with STEPN wasn’t just about “making an introduction”—it was only possible because Pacific Meta acted as a true bridge, enabling seamless communication throughout the process.

▲ In the “STEPN × INFOBAR by au Design project,” NFT sneakers were released featuring the design motif of INFOBAR, a mobile phone that gained popularity in the 2000s for its unique style. A total of 200 limited-edition NFT sneakers in four variations were sold exclusively on “αU market.”

Kasai

There were times when we struggled to fully convey KDDI’s strengths to overseas partners, and conversely, we couldn’t always grasp the needs of international projects. Pacific Meta filled that crucial “last mile” for us. By understanding the strengths of both sides and helping to align them, they made concrete collaborations possible.

I also feel that many of the new use cases and trends in Web3 tend to emerge overseas. Global expansion is a key priority for our company, and it aligns well with the direction of our division.

Moving forward, we want to operate with both wheels turning: actively communicating outward to international audiences while also “importing” new developments from abroad to deliver fresh experiences to Japanese customers.

From Building Global Connections to Validator Participation — The Full Scope of Support

— In the course of this business development, could you tell us specifically what kinds of support you’ve received from Pacific Meta?

Kasai, Sekiguchi, and Hata

The support we’ve received can be broadly divided into three categories.

First is support related to “αU market.” Pacific Meta worked with us on strategy development and product lineup planning for the NFT marketplace. What stood out most was how they successfully brought in leading overseas projects. The representative example is the “STEPN × INFOBAR” collaboration. By combining KDDI’s intellectual property —the INFOBAR design—with STEPN’s sneaker visuals, we released limited NFTs that sold out completely.

Second is support for KDDI’s validator business. Validators play a critical role in blockchain by monitoring and approving transactions in return for crypto rewards. Pacific Meta provided us with evaluations of potential projects to participate in, along with proposals for overseas opportunities based on their business viability, economic conditions, and future prospects.

What was particularly memorable was that, in reverse, Pacific Meta actually asked KDDI to handle validator operations for them. By leveraging KDDI’s strengths in infrastructure and security, we supported part of their validator operations. This went beyond a simple client–vendor relationship—it became a mutually beneficial collaboration where value flowed in both directions.

▲ Naoki Sekiguchi: Core Staff, Group 3, Business Co-Creation Department, Open innovation Division, KDDI Corporation

The third area of support we’ve received is in events. So far, we’ve partnered with Pacific Meta on two occasions: the second-anniversary event of “αU market” and a Web3 study session focused on regional revitalization, NFTs, and stablecoins.

At the second-anniversary event, Mr. Kanayama from Pacific Meta moderated a panel discussion featuring several blockchain game projects. He provided strong support in areas that our own team couldn’t fully cover due to the broad scope of the event. His presence energized the venue so much that it felt like he was part of the KDDI staff.

At the study session, Pacific Meta’s network enabled us to bring together a diverse range of companies, leading to valuable new connections. It proved to be an extremely meaningful opportunity.

▲ Masakazu Hata: Core Staff, Group 3, Business Co-Creation Department, Open innovation Division, KDDI Corporation

The Greatest Outcome: Achievements for the Future, and Confidence

— What would you say is the greatest outcome you’ve gained from Pacific Meta’s support?

Kasai

What stood out most was that our relationship wasn’t just about requests and responses—it was about engaging in discussions and exploring the business together. As a result, the breadth of our ideas and the range of what we could accomplish expanded significantly. When initiatives are considered only within the company, our perspective inevitably narrows. Through our collaboration with Pacific Meta, we encountered overseas projects and new opportunities that we hadn’t accessed before. The fact that we were able to realize international collaborations, and more importantly, gain confidence and a real sense that “we can do this too,” was the biggest outcome.

Hata

For me, the most significant achievement was the collaboration with STEPN. Planning and selling NFTs that sold out all 200 units was a milestone in itself, but pairing it with one of KDDI’s flagship intellectual properties, INFOBAR, amplified the impact within the industry. It drew attention from many different people and opened new conversations. Behind the scenes, I was also impressed by how Mr. Kanayama from Pacific Meta worked tirelessly on outreach and business development—doing the kind of groundwork that typical consultants wouldn’t usually take on. I truly appreciated that level of commitment.

Sekiguchi

In my area, the biggest impact was Pacific Meta’s support for our validator business. For example, through our collaboration, we were able to join the project Bifrost as a validator. Selecting trustworthy projects from the many overseas options isn’t easy, but thanks to Pacific Meta’s introduction, we could join a highly reliable project under favorable business conditions. This has also expanded into collaborations beyond node operations, leading to new business opportunities. Additionally, because Pacific Meta themselves faced challenges in node operation, we were able to support them with our infrastructure—making it a truly meaningful initiative for both sides.

Matsumoto (Pacific Meta)

There are two critical requirements for validators: maintaining a constant internet connection, and ensuring absolute stability—even power outages are unacceptable. Thanks to KDDI’s robust data centers and infrastructure, we can operate nodes with complete confidence, which directly contributes to blockchain security.

Currently, we are participating in Bifrost as validators together with KDDI. Recently, the project’s CEO personally commented that “Pacific Meta and KDDI are highly trustworthy validators.” Such recognition is only possible because of KDDI’s strong infrastructure and reliability.

— What impressions have you had while working with the Pacific Meta team?

▲ Pacific Meta Project Members

Kasai
My first impression was that they are “a very close-knit team.” Each member has such a unique background that you can’t forget once you hear it, and their diversity translates into wide-ranging business development. The atmosphere is bright and positive, and based on my experience with startup investments, they’re a team you naturally want to root for.

Sekiguchi
They communicate actively, and you can tell they also enjoy activities outside of work together. That carries over into how they explore new areas, often sharing future-oriented ideas like, “This isn’t concrete yet, but here’s something we’re thinking about.” Their proactive stance is exciting, and I feel we can continue expanding new challenges together.

Hata
I see them as more than just a contractor—they’re a partner we can talk to openly. They’re approachable, yet when it comes to work, they take things seriously and always strive to deliver results.

— Looking ahead, what do you expect from Pacific Meta?

Kasai
Since no established success model exists yet in Web3, I believe there are countless possibilities. Unique developments are emerging globally, but there’s a limit to how much we can gather information on our own. If we can work with Pacific Meta to explore new areas and consider how to localize them for Japan, it could contribute to the growth of the entire industry.

Sekiguchi
What I look forward to is deepening collaborations with overseas projects even further. Going forward, I think it would be fascinating to engage not only at the level of operations but also in shaping their visions and strategies together.

Hata
I also want to expand collaborations with overseas projects. In addition, I’d like us to take on the challenge of bringing projects we co-create with Pacific Meta in Japan back out to the global stage. Given Pacific Meta’s strength in international networks, I believe we can broaden initiatives in NFTs and validators even further. The possibilities are endless, and I’d love for us to continue challenging them together over the long term.

The Future of KDDI’s Web3 Business

— Finally, could you share your vision for KDDI’s Web3 business going forward?

Kasai
So far, we’ve focused on use cases that are easy to understand, even for those unfamiliar with blockchain—such as wallets and NFTs. We’ll continue collaborating with companies and creators to deliver these services to as many customers as possible.

Looking ahead, we also want to take on the challenge of creating new forms of finance using crypto assets and tokens. One of the fascinating aspects of Web3 is the potential to build financial models that have never existed before. By learning from overseas precedents while tailoring them to Japan’s legal framework and cultural context, we hope to develop systems that everyday people can use with confidence. Our goal is to make Web3 services more accessible and familiar, and to achieve that, we intend to keep pushing forward with new challenges.

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