NEWSROOM
Tokyo Diaries: Where it all began
That’s a wrap on the IO Asia Tour 2025, and what better way to close this chapter than in the place where it all began.
Cardano was born from an idea in Japan. An idea that technology, guided by purpose, could build a better world. Nearly a decade later, returning to Tokyo for the Tech for Impact event felt like coming full circle.
Our work at Input | Output has never been just about technology. It’s about building better systems, stronger communities, and technology with intention. It's innovation in motion.
Tech for Impact
At the heart of Tokyo’s Tech for Impact summit, one theme resonated through every conversation: technology is only as powerful as the purpose behind it.
In his keynote, Charles Hoskinson, CEO and Founder of Input | Output (IO), reflected on the journey and the responsibility we hold moving forward.
And in a special panel discussion bringing together IO’s governance and RealFi teams with the Midnight Foundation, the blueprint for architecting a world with dignity built into our systems was explored. Because in order to design a truly a private and inclusive financial world, users need to have autonomy and choice over what they share and access to systems long reserved for the few.
Blockchain isn’t about building currencies; it’s about transforming the laws of social governance into laws of physics - designing systems that make fairness immutable.
The final show
As the tour drew to a close, Project Catalyst hosted a final gathering to bring together the community for a celebration of collaboration, culture, and creativity.
Guests were invited to immerse themselves in Nihon-buyo performances, experience the tranquility of a traditional tea room, and connect with fellow Web3 innovators. Amid the essence of Japanese heritage, it reminded us that true innovation is rooted in human connection.
Reflections from the road
Four countries, five cities. This tour illuminated the fact that technology can never replace human connection; it exists to amplify it.
And as we look ahead, we carry these lessons forward: Decentralized governance builds resilience. Financial inclusion expands opportunity. Innovation with purpose creates impact.
This isn’t the end of the journey, it’s the foundation for what comes next.