Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Advocates Web3 and AI for Social Solutions at WebX2025

During his keynote speech at the WebX2025 conference on August 25, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized the transformative power of Web3 and AI technologies in tackling social issues and fostering industrial development. He encouraged participants to engage in discussions about the future of Web3 and forge new partnerships to advance digital innovation.

Ishiba also referenced the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), held in Yokohama last week, where the TICAD 9 Yokohama Declaration was adopted. The declaration outlines initiatives for human resource development and stable mineral resource supply, emphasizing Africa's growing importance as it is projected to account for a quarter of the global population in the future. Ishiba stressed the need for Japanese companies to strengthen collaborations with African startups, paving the way for mutual growth and innovation.

Domestically, Ishiba highlighted the rapid expansion of Japan's startup ecosystem, which has grown from 16,000 startups in 2021 to 25,000 in 2025. This growth is attributed to the government's "Five-Year Startup Development Plan" introduced in 2022. Many of these startups are now active globally, showcasing Japan's increasing role in the international tech landscape. Ishiba reiterated that these startups are vital for addressing societal challenges and driving economic growth.

Describing the 2020s as a "once-in-a-century era of industrial revolution," Ishiba likened the impact of Web3 and AI to historical innovations like the steam engine. He expressed optimism that these technologies could lead to groundbreaking solutions for Japan's demographic challenges, including its declining population. Regulatory reforms and increased investment in digital industries were identified as key strategies to support this vision.

Concluding his speech, Ishiba expressed his hope that Japan's advancements in Web3 would not only address local challenges but also contribute to global progress. His remarks reflect Japan's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies for sustainable development and fostering international collaboration.

WebX is a global conference dedicated to Web3 technologies, organized by CoinPost, a leading blockchain media company in Japan. The event serves as a critical platform for international collaboration in the Web3 space, addressing challenges such as regulatory barriers and talent shortages that hinder the growth of Japan's blockchain industry. WebX aims to leverage Japan's strengths in intellectual property-driven industries like anime, manga, and gaming to accelerate digital transformation and global expansion. This year's conference, the third edition, has drawn participants from around the world to discuss strategies for scaling Web3 businesses and fostering innovation.