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TL, DR: Ticketing for Bitcoin Tokyo 2024 is open (Lightning accepted) - early bird tickets only available until July 4th!
Japan, the land of the rising sun, an economic powerhouse with products found in almost every household worldwide.
A cultural trailblazer with a global impact, offering everything from sushi to the Nintendo, Sony and various world-leading gaming studios which found their way into every young male’s home in the 1990’s.
Japan boasts a world-leading high-speed rail network and diverse natural scenery, from the tropical paradise of Okinawa…
…to the frozen north of Hokkaido, Asia’s skiing haven. Hokkaido is also home to some of Japan’s most revered agricultural products, from world-class dairy and potatoes…
…to high-priced specialty fruits like the famous Yubari Melon.
And of course Tokyo, Japan’s capital and the world’s largest metropolitan area, which in the roaring 80s was the global center of economic activity.
In economic and monetary terms, Japan also made some globally impactful history in recent decades:
From the spectacular implosion of the economic, real estate, and stock market bubble, leading to decades of experimentation with low interest rates and ballooning debt levels…
…to the 2024 implosion of Japan’s currency, one of the largest worldwide, which lost over 30% of its value versus the US Dollar in mere months.
But Japan also made headlines in the Bitcoin world:
The pseudonym “Satoshi Nakamoto” is of Japanese origin, and the world’s largest Bitcoin exchange, Mt. Gox was based and operated out of Shibuya in Tokyo. Mt. Gox handled over 90% of global Bitcoin trading volume, playing a crucial role in the early Bitcoin ecosystem.
Further large exchange hacks by regulated exchanges such as Coincheck and DMM, both resulting in losses of hundreds of millions worth of BTC, soured the climate. Regulations in Japan were often perceived as detrimental to the growth of domestic entrepreneur-driven innovation in the sector.
With the domestic currency in deep trouble, the question resurges:
Is it time for Bitcoin in Japan?
We shall find out at Bitcoin Tokyo 2024, on the 21st and 22nd of September this year.
The temperatures will be warm and pleasant, and the prices for overseas visitors are as affordable as they haven’t been in a long time. What better time to arrange for a visit?
You can be certain to meet some of the usual faces from Saigon as well. If you want to take part in the party, book your tickets in advance to secure your spot for Japan’s first true Bitcoin conference, organized by the OG crews around Diamondhands and Fulgur Ventures.
If you would like to support the work of the Bitcoin Saigon Community - you can donate some of your Sats to us via our Donation page!
Inaugural Satoshi Flea Market Saigon - 28th of July 2024