# Soneium’s Vision of Bridging Web2 and Web3

Soneium is a blockchain project created through the collaboration of Sony, a traditional Japanese gaming giant, and Astar Network, a blockchain network in Japan. With the resurgence of Japan’s blockchain market in 2023, there is growing anticipation surrounding the synergies between major Japanese gaming companies and blockchain technology. At the KBW 2024 event held at Walkerhill, Block Media interviewed Sota Watanabe, Co-Founder of Astar Network and Soneium, to discuss the core vision of Soneium, its strategy of blurring the lines between Web3 and the real world, and the project’s key plans.

### Q: Can you briefly introduce Soneium and Astar Network?

A: I am Sota Watanabe, the founder of Astar Network. I started Astar in 2019 and, based on that foundation, partnered with Sony Group to establish Sony Blockchain Solutions Labs. This lab operates Sony’s blockchain brand based on Ethereum Layer 2 solutions. We are planning to join the OP Stack-based super chain and have successfully launched the testnet. Additionally, we announced the transition plan from Astar DK EVM to Soneium, called Astar Evolution.

### Q: What inspired the creation of the Soneium project and what is its vision?

A: Our vision is to break down boundaries and realize an open internet. Currently, there are multiple boundaries between Web2 and Web3, cryptocurrencies and the real world, decentralization, and regulation. Soneium focuses on breaking these boundaries, developed through the collaboration between Sony, an expert in Web2, and Astar, an expert in Web3.

Less than 3 percent of people worldwide use blockchain. Reflecting on the early days of the internet, people used it without knowing its technical backend. Likewise, I want to create a world where people use Web3 naturally without needing to know about it. This is a crucial step toward mainstream adoption. Sony, with its significant influence in gaming, movies, music, and finance, seeks to integrate Web3 technology into everyday life.

### Q: Can you elaborate on your goal of creating a Web3 environment for creators and fan communities?

A: In the current music and movie industries, royalty distribution is very opaque. Most people do not know how royalties are distributed; only the operating companies do. However, if IP can be registered on-chain and royalties transparently and automatically distributed through smart contracts, this issue can be resolved.

We aim to build a completely transparent royalty distribution system. Our goal is to solve real-world problems using Web3 technology, not starting from the technology itself. We believe that if we can solve actual problems in the music and gaming industries by incorporating Web3 technology, we will be one step closer to mass adoption.

### Q: What differentiates the Soneium blockchain and makes it unique?

A: Soneium has two unique aspects. First is the large-scale user base beyond Web3. Since Sony has hundreds of millions of users, we can easily reach them. Second is the distribution channel. Many blockchain projects focus on fast transaction completion or low fees. However, we first secure the distribution channel and then integrate Web3 technology into existing pipelines. This historical approach is the right method.

### Q: What role does the Astar token play in the Soneium ecosystem?

A: The Astar token will play a crucial role in the Soneium ecosystem. We plan to select 30 projects through the Soneium Spark incubation program to create native use cases within Soneium. Moreover, in collaboration with Chainlink, we provide a safe bridging solution from Astar Layer 1 to Soneium, gradually controlling token demand and supply, thereby strengthening the Astar token economy.

### Q: What are Soneium’s long-term vision and future development plans?

A: The Soneium project started about a year and a half ago, and we have already determined our strategy. In the short term, we aim to onboard Web3 users through Ethereum Layer 2. In the long term, we have innovative plans to execute in the next year and 2025. While specific details cannot be disclosed at this time, our focus is on onboarding Web3 users.

### Q: What significance does the South Korean market hold for Soneium and Astar?

A: I really like South Korean people and consider them like brothers and sisters. Japan and South Korea share many cultural aspects, and we recognize the strong support from Korean backers. Our goal is to commercialize Web3 technology so that everyone can use it, similar to Samsung in Korea. We aim to promote the positive aspects of Asia globally.

### Q: Can you deliver a message in Japanese?

A: (In Japanese) We strive to ensure Web3 technology positively impacts society. We are committed to developing Web3 into a technology that anyone can use in daily life, beyond just a money game.