The Community Ethereum Development Conference (EDCON) will be held in Tokyo from July 24-30, 2024, marking the first time the event, which began in 2017, will take place in Japan. The conference will be headlined by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and Japanese football star Keisuke Honda, as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Ethereum blockchain.
EDCON 2024 will commence at the United Nations University before moving to the Yoyogi National Gymnasium. The event will feature a founder panel with Vitalik Buterin and Joe Lubin, another co-founder of Ethereum, who will discuss the past decade of blockchain innovations and the future of the technology.
Japan has recently updated its legislation, particularly the Limited Partnership Act for Investment, to support the growth of Web3 startups in the country. These changes allow venture capitalists to include cryptocurrency assets in their portfolios, encouraging local innovation and reducing reliance on foreign investments.
Japan’s commitment to blockchain technology is further demonstrated by its regulatory progress, significant corporate Web3 investments, and international partnerships.
The conference is part of a month-long series of blockchain events taking place in Japan throughout July, referred to as Japan’s Crypto Summer. EDCON 2024 will serve as the flagship event of this month, highlighting Japan’s efforts to foster the development of blockchain technology in collaboration with the Shibuya City Office.
In addition to the technology-focused aspects, EDCON 2024 will showcase Japanese culture, with appearances by cultural icons such as Keisuke Honda, Ambush, and Ghost in the Shell. The event will also feature global icons like RAC and TripleS, and will host the first-ever Nouns IRL activation, a significant milestone for the community.
To help onboard new users and promote community growth in the blockchain ecosystem, EDCON 2024 is offering free admission to attendees.
The conference will include workshops aimed at assisting Japanese web2 companies, such as Toyota, Tokyu, Seibu, SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation), and Aioi (Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance), in adopting web3 technology.
EDCON 2024 in Tokyo presents a unique blend of cultural richness, innovative discussions, and community engagement, making it a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of blockchain. Free tickets can be claimed at EDCON website and attendees are encouraged to keep an eye out for EDCON scavenger hunt signs across iconic locations in Shibuya.
Conclusion
EDCON 2024 in Tokyo represents a significant milestone for both the Ethereum community and Japan’s burgeoning blockchain ecosystem. As the first EDCON held in Japan, the event symbolizes the country’s growing importance in the global Web3 landscape. With its blend of technological innovation, cultural showcase, and community engagement, EDCON 2024 is poised to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of blockchain technology. The conference’s timing, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Ethereum, adds historical weight to the proceedings and offers an opportunity for reflection on the past decade of blockchain development.
The event’s focus on fostering collaboration between established Web2 companies and the Web3 sector, coupled with Japan’s recent legislative changes to support blockchain startups, signals a broader shift towards mainstream adoption of blockchain technology. By offering free admission and incorporating cultural elements, EDCON 2024 is taking significant steps to make blockchain technology more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. As part of Japan’s Crypto Summer, the conference is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of blockchain innovation and adoption, not just in Japan but on a global scale.