Web3 Virtual Idol MIRAI: Innovative Attempt or Hot Topic Hype?

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 fundraising record for Japanese Web3 projects. Subsequently, MIRAI was launched on a trading platform on May 16, further enhancing its visibility. In addition, the MIRAI team has actively interacted with several popular communities to expand its influence.

MIRAI is jointly launched by Aww Inc. and a certain AI platform, positioned as a Web3 attempt of a virtual persona, aiming to "on-chain" CGI virtual characters. 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 capabilities.

Aww Inc. was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Tokyo. It is the first company in Asia to focus on "virtual humans" technology. The company is dedicated to integrating 3DCG, artificial intelligence, and real-time streaming to provide highly realistic digital characters for brand marketing, content creation, and metaverse applications. Aww Inc. has diversified its revenue through global licensing and brand collaborations, with the most representative being the virtual model imma.

imma has become a leading "virtual influencer" in the fashion and business sectors, serving as a digital ambassador for top global brands multiple times. She also participated in the closing ceremony of the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics and hosted the opening ceremony of the Osaka Kansai Expo this April. In terms of technology development, Aww Inc. has established a strategic partnership with a semiconductor giant to enhance the real-time emotional interaction and voice lip-sync capabilities of virtual characters.

The MIRAI project aims to create the first "virtual idol + Web3 autonomous co-creation" ecosystem. Aww Inc. provides core IP support, while its partners offer underlying technology and on-chain infrastructure. The project roadmap includes the launch of Agent Studio V2, the realization of Agent Livestreaming, and the launch of a complete DAO governance platform.

The innovation of MIRAI lies in binding AI-driven virtual character roles with a blockchain identity system, enabling autonomous decision-making, community interaction, and token incentives. The project allows community participation in the co-creation and co-governance of roles, breaking the traditional one-way creation method of virtual IP. However, this model also faces numerous challenges, such as the risk of governance power concentration due to high token centralization, difficulties in controlling the quality of community co-created content, and issues related to maintaining IP consistency.

Overall, MIRAI is pioneering 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 continuous improvement and innovation in aspects such as tokenomics design, community governance mechanisms, and the maintenance of virtual character value.