Hinza Asif
Founder & Representative Director
AI & WEB3 ALLIANCE JAPAN
Leading the alliance's mission to connect Asia's Web3 and AI ecosystem with Japan.
LinkedInConnecting Asia's AI & Web3 Ecosystem to Japan—and Taking Japan's Innovations to Asia.
Asia Web3 & AI Alliance Japan (AWAJ) is a General Incorporated Association bridging Asian and Japanese markets, creating real opportunities for growth, innovation, and global success.
7+
Government Partnerships
with formal MOUs
25+
University Partners
across Japan, USA and UAE
80
Corporate Members
(80 社)
282
Individual Members
(個人会員 282 名)
50+
Top Experts & Mentors
5
Startup Programs
Running
Delivered through public–private partnerships and strategic industry collaboration
Gateway to Asia-Pacific
Connect to 4B+ consumers
Strong Network of Investors
Access to global capital
Trusted by Institutions
Supported by government, corporations & universities
End-to-End Growth Support
From idea to IPO and beyond
Global Impact
Real opportunities, real outcomes
Our Unique Value
We Support Every Step of Your Growth Journey
Startups don't just need funding. They need the right connections, resources, and ecosystem to grow and succeed globally.
Ideate
Validate your idea and market
Build & Validate
Refine your model with mentors and experts
Fund
Access investors and secure capital
Scale
Grow your business in Japan and APAC
Expand
Enter new markets and build partnerships
IPO & Beyond
Achieve long-term value and global impact
Our Core Programs
Japan • Singapore • USA • UAE
Web3 Salon- Initiate by JETRO
Launched in 2025 with support from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Web3 Salon VC Connect is a startup-investor platform that connects founders with venture capital firms, accelerators, corporate partners, and global innovation networks to support startup growth, investment, and international expansion.
Learn more
Tokyo, Japan
Japan Financial Infrastructure Innovation Program
Accelerating Web3 startups with expert mentorship, corporate partnerships, Demo Day, awards, and funding opportunities.
Learn more
Global
108 Innovation Capital
Hands-on venture building from idea validation to MVP, sales materials, incorporation, and fundraising launch—your venture journey starts here.
Learn moreEcosystem in Motion
Upcoming Events
Stay connected through high-impact events, investor forums, and exclusive gatherings.
View All Events
OCT03
Join the Japan Hub | Web3 Salon Community Event!
Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
VC Networking, Pitch Session & Exhibition in Singapore.
Learn More
FEB24
Japan Financial Infrastructure Innovation Program Successfully Concluded During Japan Fintech Week 2026
Tokyo Headquarters
The Japan Financial Infrastructure Innovation Program (JFIIP), organized by AWAJ, Web3 Salon, and Ripple, successfully concluded during Japan Fintech Week 2026, bringing together leading startups, financial institutions, regulators, and global industry leaders to explore the future of digital finance, blockchain infrastructure, and institutional innovation.
Learn More
APR16
Web3 Salon VC Connect – USA
New York, USA
VC Networking, Pitch Session & Exhibition in New York.
Learn MoreLatest News & Insights
Stay updated with the latest ecosystem, policy, and investment news.
View All NewsNo news published yet.
What We Offer Startups
Mentoring
One-on-one mentorship from 500+ experts and top-tier VCs.
Connections
Warm introductions to investors and business partners including Fortune 500.
Office Space
Temporary co-working space, HR support, and legal advice.
Global Events
Showcase your project at global events across key markets.
Accelerator
Structured programs to accelerate growth and scale globally.
Funding Access
Connect with leading investors and unlock funding opportunities.
Supported by Leading Institutions
Strategic Ecosystem Partners
View all members
Three Pathways. One Ecosystem.
01
Membership
Connect with founders, investors, corporations, and ecosystem leaders through exclusive access and events.
Ideal for:
FoundersInvestorsProfessionals
02
Accelerator Program
Join our accelerator to validate, fund, and scale your startup with expert-led programs and global exposure.
Ideal for:
Early-Stage StartupsGrowth Startups
03
Ecosystem Partnership
Partner with AWAJ to engage with startups, co-innovate, and strengthen your presence in Japan and Asia-Pacific.
Ideal for:
CorporationsInstitutionsCities
Our People
Meet the Team
Sandy Carter
Chief Operating Officer
Unstoppable Domains
Chief Business Officer | Adweek AI Trailblazer Power 100 | Chief AI Officer | ex-AWS, ex-IBM | Forbes Contributor | LinkedIn Top Voice
LinkedIn
Leo Mizuhara
Founder & CEO
Hashnote
Founder and CEO of Hashnote and serves on the Advisory Board, bringing extensive expertise in digital assets, institutional finance, and blockchain innovation.
LinkedIn
David Palmer
Chief Product Officer
PairPoint
Chief Product Officer at PairPoint and Blockchain Lead at Vodafone Business, driving the development of enterprise blockchain solutions, digital identity infrastructure, and global Web3 innovation initiatives.
LinkedInFeatured In
AWAJ in the Media
ArticleBLOOMBERG
Japan moves to regulate crypto like stocks in market growth push
Japan's commitment to regulatory clarity and strong enforcement continues to strengthen confidence in the digital asset sector. According to Hinza Asif, President of Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, clear rules and consistent oversight help create a trusted environment for investors, institutions, and legitimate market participants, reinforcing Japan's position as one of the world's most respected crypto markets.
Read more
VideoCoin Bureau
Asia Web3 Alliance proposes US-Japan collaboration on tokenization
The Asia Web3 Alliance Japan has submitted a proposal to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Crypto Task Force, advocating for a strategic collaboration on tokenization and Web3 regulation. The proposal sent to the SEC calls for a joint effort between the SEC, Japan’s Financial Services Agency, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Bank of Japan to establish regulatory clarity and foster interoperability between the two markets.
Watch
Press ReleasePR Times
Asia Web3 Alliance Japan collaborates with Tokyo Innovation Base, operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, to strengthen the Web3 startup ecosystem.
Asia Web3 Alliance Japan (AWAJ) is pleased to announce its official participation as a partner of Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB), a major startup support hub operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. This partnership will accelerate Web3 innovation and startup development in Japan and represent an important step towards establishing TIB as a global hub.
Read more
Join the AWAJ Ecosystem Today
Be part of Japan's leading platform that connects startups, investors, corporations, and governments for limitless growth.