Virtual idols combine AI and Web3, the MIRAI project attracts follow

The MIRAI project has recently attracted widespread attention in the industry, 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 increasing the project's visibility. To expand its community influence, the project team has also actively interacted with several popular communities.

MIRAI is jointly launched by Aww Inc. and 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 virtual characters 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. The company is dedicated to combining 3DCG, artificial intelligence, and real-time streaming to provide highly realistic digital characters for brand marketing, content creation, and metaverse applications. Aww Inc. has achieved diversified revenue through global licensing and brand collaborations.

Among them, the most representative is the virtual model imma, which debuted in 2018. By the end of 2024, imma has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on social media platforms. With its unique image design, imma has become a leading "virtual influencer" in the fashion and business sectors, serving as a digital ambassador for top global brands multiple times. In the fields of sports and culture, imma has also participated widely, including performing at the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics and hosting the opening ceremony of the Osaka Kansai Expo.

In terms of technological research and development, Aww Inc. has established a strategic partnership with a semiconductor giant, committed to enhancing real-time emotional interaction and voice lip-sync technology for virtual characters.

The MIRAI project aims to create the first "virtual idol + Web3 autonomous co-creation" ecosystem. Aww Inc. leverages its years of accumulated IP operation and community operation advantages in the Web2 world to provide core support for the project. Project partners inject "agent + decentralization" power into MIRAI through their underlying technology and on-chain infrastructure.

According to the project roadmap, MIRAI will gradually launch multiple core features in the coming quarters, including tools that support one-click generation of high-quality multimodal content, a live broadcasting system that enables real-time audience interaction and voting functions, and a complete DAO governance platform.

MIR has envisioned an AI-driven virtual character linked to a blockchain identity system. This model enables the virtual character to make autonomous decisions, interact with the community, and receive incentives through a token economy. The project allows the community to act as co-creators and co-governors of the character, collectively 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 of highly centralized governance. At the community operation level, decentralized co-creation may lead to management challenges such as uneven content quality and copyright disputes. Moreover, how to maintain continuous innovation and value of virtual characters is also a key issue that the project needs to address.

Overall, MIRAI has pioneering significance in the combination of AI virtual idols and blockchain, injecting new ideas into Web3 content creation and the IP economy. However, whether it can truly realize the above vision still depends on the reasonable design of the token economy, the improvement of community governance mechanisms, and the ability to sustain innovation and value maintenance of virtual characters.