Virtual Idol MIRAI: A New Attempt in the Web3 World

At the intersection of the three hot fields of Web3, AI, and virtual idols, the MIRAI project has emerged. This highly anticipated project raised approximately $12.9 million in just one week, setting a fundraising record for Japanese Web3 projects. Subsequently, MIRAI launched its Alpha version on a trading platform, further increasing its exposure. To expand its community influence, the MIRAI team has actively interacted with multiple popular communities.

MIRAI is a project launched by Aww Inc. in collaboration with an AI platform, positioned as a Web3 attempt at a virtual persona, proposing the innovative concept of "on-chain" CGI virtual characters. The project integrates Aww Inc.'s expertise in CG modeling and character design with blockchain infrastructure and AI technology, aiming to create a virtual character with autonomy and intelligent agency.

Aww Inc. was established in 2019 and is headquartered in Tokyo. It is Asia's first company focused on "virtual human" technology. They are dedicated to combining 3DCG, artificial intelligence, and real-time streaming to create highly realistic digital characters that can be used 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, highly favored by top global brands, and has served multiple times as a digital ambassador for well-known fashion brands. In the fields of sports and culture, imma has also participated widely, such as performing at the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in 2021, and serving as the host for the opening ceremony of the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo.

In terms of technological research and development, Aww Inc. has established a strategic partnership with a semiconductor giant to integrate AI audio-driven technology with GPU acceleration capabilities, enhancing real-time emotional interaction and voice lip-syncing of virtual characters.

The MIRAI project aims to create the first "virtual idol + Web3 autonomous co-creation" ecosystem. Aww Inc. provides core support with its years of IP operation and community operation advantages in the Web2 world, while partners inject the "agent + decentralized" driving force into the project through their underlying technologies and on-chain infrastructure.

MIR envisions a virtual character driven by AI, which is bound to a blockchain identity system. This model enables the virtual character to make autonomous decisions, interact with the community, and gain incentives through a token economy. The project allows the community to act as co-creators and co-governors of the character, jointly deciding on the storyline development and IP derivative direction.

However, the MIRAI project also faces some challenges. In terms of token economics, there is a risk that governance power may become highly centralized. On the community operation level, while decentralized co-creation can stimulate vitality, it also brings management difficulties. Furthermore, how to maintain the consistency and recognition of the core IP, as well as how to continue innovating to maintain popularity, are issues the project needs to address.

Overall, MIRAI is pioneering in the integration of AI virtual idols and blockchain, injecting new ideas into Web3 content creation and IP economy. However, whether it can truly realize the above vision still depends on the rational design of the token economy, the improvement of community governance mechanisms, and the ability to continuously innovate and maintain the value of virtual characters.