Virtual Idol MIRAI: A New Attempt in the Web3 Field

The MIRAI project has recently attracted widespread attention, as it integrates three popular fields: virtual idols, AI, and Web3. The project raised approximately $12.9 million in just one week, setting a new fundraising record for Japanese Web3 projects. Subsequently, MIRAI also launched in the incubation section of a certain trading platform, further enhancing its visibility. The project team is also actively interacting with multiple popular token communities to expand its influence.

MIRAI is a project launched in collaboration between Aww Inc. and a certain blockchain ecological AI platform, aimed at exploring the possibility of introducing virtual personalities into the Web3 space. The project combines Aww Inc.'s expertise in CG modeling and character design with blockchain infrastructure and AI technology, with the goal of creating a virtual character with autonomy and intelligent agency.

Aww Inc. was established in 2019 and is headquartered in Tokyo. It is the first company in Asia to focus on "virtual human" technology. They are committed 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 achieved diversified revenue through global licensing and brand collaborations.

Aww Inc.'s most famous work is the virtual model imma. By the end of 2024, imma has hundreds of thousands of followers on social media. She has become a top "virtual influencer" in the fashion and business fields due to her unique pink short hair and exquisite CG modeling, representing internationally renowned brands multiple times. imma also participated in the performance at the closing ceremony of the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics and will serve as the host at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo.

On the technical side, Aww Inc. has established a strategic partnership with a well-known semiconductor company to integrate AI audio-driven technology with GPU acceleration capabilities, aiming to enhance real-time emotional interaction and voice lip-syncing for virtual characters.

The name of the MIRAI project is derived from the meaning of "future" in Japanese, reflecting Aww Inc.'s vision of entering the Web3 space. The project plans to launch multiple core tools and services over the next few quarters, including a next-generation issuance platform, content creation tools, live interaction systems, and multi-chain deployment support.

The innovation of MIRAI lies in combining AI-driven virtual characters with a blockchain identity system. This enables virtual characters 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 management of characters, breaking the traditional one-way creation model of virtual IP.

However, the MIRAI project also faces some challenges. There is a high concentration issue in token distribution, which may affect the degree of decentralization in governance. In addition, while the decentralized co-creation model can stimulate community vitality, it also brings challenges in managing content quality and maintaining IP consistency.

Overall, MIRAI has pioneering significance in the integration of AI virtual idols and blockchain, providing new ideas for Web3 content creation and the IP economy. However, whether it can truly achieve its expected goals still requires in-depth exploration and improvement in aspects such as token economic design, community governance mechanisms, and continuous innovation of virtual characters.