The Japanese DAO Ecosystem is Thriving: Community Power Promotes Social Change

Recently, I had the opportunity to personally experience the thriving DAO ecosystem in Tokyo. During a visit to a co-working space aimed at crypto professionals, I deeply felt the unique charm of Japan's DAO ecosystem.

This office space is located near Shibuya Station, in a quiet yet convenient environment. Although the facilities are simple, the prices are affordable, making it very suitable for startup teams and amateur DAO enthusiasts. The weekly events on Mondays often feature guests from different DAOs, reflecting the close connection between this space and the DAO ecosystem.

It is worth mentioning that the operation model of this space has distinct DAO characteristics. Members can enter and exit the office through NFTs, can spontaneously organize activities, and participate in some decision-making votes. This community element injects new vitality into traditional office leasing.

Most local DAOs in Japan give the impression of "social activists," who generally focus on social impact. Many DAOs are dedicated to promoting international exchange and advancing progress and transformation from rural areas to industries and then to the national level.

Shanggu Zhi DAO is a typical case. This project, originating from a remote village in Japan, has attracted global attention by issuing digital villager NFTs, aiming to rebuild the countryside. Despite facing challenges, they continue to adjust their strategies and explore the potential of DAO in regional revitalization.

In the industry sector, Japanese DAOs take a relatively moderate approach to promote change. For example, some DAOs are dedicated to enhancing the status of the logistics industry by developing consulting services; others focus on improving the social status of professionals in the beauty industry.

More notably, RulemakerDAO aims to influence national policy-making. This DAO has played an important role in promoting digital nomad visa policies, engaging in direct dialogue and discussions with government officials multiple times.

The Japanese government also holds an open attitude towards Web3. The ruling party has released a Web3 white paper, which involves legislation and tax reforms related to DAO.

Although the Japanese DAO ecosystem is still in its infancy, it has already sown the seeds of change across various sectors. These explorations not only reshape collaboration and governance models but also reveal the importance of community in the future development of society. With the integration of innovative ideas and traditional culture, Japanese DAOs are expected to become an important force for social progress.