Sony and Animoca Brands Unite to Revolutionize Anime Engagement in Web3
In a landmark collaboration between Sony and Animoca Brands, the Soneium blockchain will now support a decentralized identity system designed specifically for anime and manga enthusiasts. Announced on March 27, the partnership aims to bridge traditional anime culture with the rapidly growing Web3 ecosystem by offering a more seamless and engaging way for fans to connect with digital assets, creators, and experiences.
At the heart of this integration is the launch of Anime ID, a decentralized identifier (DID) and reputation layer that will provide anime fans with a unified identity that can be used across multiple decentralized applications (DApps) on the Soneium blockchain. This system promises to simplify the often-complex Web3 experience, making it more accessible and familiar for anime and manga lovers who are exploring the space.
Moca Network's Integration with Soneium Blockchain
The partnership will leverage Moca Network's robust digital identity infrastructure to enhance the user experience. Through Moca Network’s Account, Identity, and Reputation Software Development Kit (AIR SDK), users will be able to create unique identities and credentials tied to their Anime ID. This identity layer will not only allow fans to interact with DApps but will also support the growth of the anime-focused Web3 ecosystem.
San FranTokyo, the organization leading the Anime ID initiative, is committed to integrating traditional anime and manga culture with the world of decentralized technologies. David Taing, head of San FranTokyo, emphasized that Anime ID aims to make blockchain engagement feel more “natural” for anime fans. He said: “Navigating Web3 can be overwhelming due to the need for multiple wallets, platforms, and accounts. Anime ID simplifies this by offering fans a single identity across all aspects of their fandom."
Boosting Anime Engagement with Web3 Experiences
The collaboration between Sony, Animoca Brands, and San FranTokyo isn't just about creating digital identities — it also paves the way for anime-themed campaigns and experiences within the Web3 space. One of the first initiatives set to launch is the Anime Art Festival on the Soneium blockchain. This event will showcase anime intellectual properties (IPs), creators, and Web3 projects, with a special spotlight on the globally acclaimed Solo Leveling series, in collaboration with the Otherworld team.
Kenneth Shek, Project Lead at Moca Network, emphasized the growing importance of anime in global entertainment culture and sees this collaboration as the first step toward expanding entertainment-related applications in the Web3 space. "Anime is a core part of modern-day entertainment culture," he said. "This partnership is just the beginning, and we foresee many other applications enriching the user-owned identity and data landscape."
Soneium Blockchain: Sony’s Vision for Fan Communities
The Soneium blockchain was designed by Sony Block Solutions Labs (Sony BSL) to foster creator-centered communities on a decentralized platform. Its public testnet launched in August 2024, and the mainnet went live on January 14, 2025. The blockchain aims to create an ecosystem where creators and fans can connect through the unique values enabled by blockchain technology, such as transparency and ownership.
Despite some early controversy regarding its decision to blacklist certain memecoins, the platform is gaining traction with a growing user base, particularly among anime and Web3 enthusiasts.
The Ghibli-Inspired Memecoin Surge
The growing connection between anime and Web3 isn’t limited to digital identities. March 25, 2025, saw the launch of OpenAI's image generation update, which flooded social media with anime artwork in the style of Studio Ghibli. The rapid popularity of this new trend led to the creation of Ghibli-inspired memecoins, with one reaching a market cap of $20 million. In the wake of this success, at least 20 other Ghibli-related memecoins have emerged on the market.
This surge in anime-inspired crypto assets reflects the deepening intersection of anime culture and Web3 technologies, as fans and creators continue to explore innovative ways to connect with digital assets and communities.
Challenges and Opportunities in Web3 for Anime Fans
While the partnership between Soneium and Animoca Brands brings fresh opportunities for anime fans, the growing influence of anime and crypto may not always align with traditional perceptions. Anime and crypto were both ranked among the least attractive hobbies for men by women in a 2024 survey, suggesting that cultural perceptions may still play a role in the mainstream adoption of these technologies.
However, as Sony and Animoca Brands continue to push the envelope in Web3, the potential for creating vibrant and meaningful anime-inspired communities on decentralized platforms seems poised to transform the digital entertainment landscape.
What’s Next for Web3 and Anime?
This groundbreaking partnership is just the start. Anime ID and the integration of Moca Network’s AIR SDK into the Soneium blockchain will continue to evolve, attracting more users and creators to the space. With future campaigns, including cultural events and anime-inspired Web3 projects, the collaboration between Sony, Animoca Brands, and San FranTokyo may soon set the standard for how decentralized identities and entertainment intersect.
For fans, this means a new era of anime on Web3, one where identities are decentralized, experiences are immersive, and the boundaries of anime fandom are constantly being redefined.
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