The Web3 Attempt of Virtual Idol MIRAI: Innovation or Gimmick?

At the intersection of the currently popular virtual idols, AI, and Web3 fields, the MIRAI project has emerged. This project, jointly launched by Aww Inc. and the Solana eco-AI platform Holoworld, raised approximately $12.9 million in a short period, setting a fundraising record for Japanese Web3 projects. MIRAI has also entered the Alpha testing area of a certain trading platform, further increasing the project's visibility. To expand its influence, the project team is actively interacting with multiple popular communities.

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

Aww Inc. was established in 2019, headquartered in Tokyo, and focuses on "virtual human" technology. The company achieves diversified revenue through global licensing and brand collaborations. Its representative work is the virtual model imma, who has a large social media following and has collaborated with several internationally renowned brands, as well as participated in significant events such as the Tokyo Paralympic Games closing ceremony and the Osaka Kansai Expo opening ceremony.

On the technical front, 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 for virtual characters.

The MIRAI project aims to create the first "virtual idol + Web3 autonomous co-creation" ecosystem. Aww Inc. provides IP operation and community operation support, while Holoworld is responsible for the underlying technology and on-chain infrastructure. The project roadmap includes launching Agent Studio V2, implementing Agent Livestreaming, and launching a complete DAO governance platform.

MIR envisions an AI-driven virtual character that is linked 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 community can participate in governance, use the character's image for secondary creation, and share profits.

However, MIRAI also faces many challenges. The high concentration of token allocation may lead to an excessive concentration of governance power. While the decentralized co-creation model can stimulate vitality, it also brings challenges such as content quality and copyright management. In addition, maintaining the continued appeal of virtual characters is also a major test.

Overall, MIRAI is innovative 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 its vision still depends on the reasonable design of the token economy, the improvement of community governance mechanisms, and the ability of virtual characters to continuously innovate and maintain value.