Astar Network has announced a strategic investment from Animoca Brands, a move aimed at accelerating the development of web3 entertainment content with a focus on Japan and the broader Asian market. Known for its role as a gateway for blockchain projects entering Japan, Astar is expanding its capabilities to support onchain development, intellectual property (IP) integration, and digital experiences that appeal to a global audience.

Astar Network Receives Investment from Animoca

Animoca Brands x Astar

Animoca Brands, a major investor in the web3 space with a portfolio of over 540 companies, is focused on enabling digital property rights and supporting the creation of an open metaverse. The company’s investment in Astar Network reflects its intent to foster scalable entertainment solutions and support regional IP in reaching a wider global web3 audience.

As part of the collaboration, the companies will integrate key tools, including Anime ID, which is powered by Animoca’s Moca Network and its partner San FranTokyo. This integration will operate on Soneium, Astar's Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain, and is positioned as a core identity and reputation feature within the ecosystem.

Astar Network Receives Investment from Animoca

Focus on IP and Entertainment Content

The partnership will prioritize the deployment of Japanese and Asian IP, with a particular emphasis on entertainment narratives that can gain traction globally. Astar Network has already taken steps in this direction through initiatives like the Anime Art Fest on Soneium.

Developed in partnership with San FranTokyo and Animoca Brands, the campaign is intended to engage creators and users by showcasing digital art and IP through a web3-native platform. These efforts underscore Astar’s broader mission to onboard users to web3 by making the experience engaging and accessible through culturally relevant content.

Sota Watanabe, founder of Astar Network, highlighted that support from Animoca Brands validates the direction Astar is taking in the blockchain space. He noted that the investment will help generate long-term value in both the Astar and Soneium ecosystems by combining Astar’s developer community with Animoca’s network and strategic experience.

Astar Network Receives Investment from Animoca

Strengthening the Soneium Ecosystem

Soneium, developed by Sony Network Communications’ Sony Block Solutions Labs, serves as a foundational layer for Astar Network’s infrastructure. The Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain is designed to support scalable and efficient onchain activity, enabling a range of decentralized applications (DApps) focused on entertainment, gaming, and creative content.

The Astar (ASTR) token plays a central role in this ecosystem, serving as the primary asset for liquidity, rewards, and participation in DApps across Astar and Soneium. With the latest investment, Astar plans to enhance its capabilities to attract developers and users by supporting innovation and incentivizing engagement.

Sony’s Soneium Blockchain Partners with Animoca Brands

Industry Perspectives and Future Plans

The investment from Animoca Brands marks a significant step in Astar Network’s efforts to promote web3 adoption through entertainment and IP development. By aligning with one of the most active investors in the blockchain space, Astar is positioned to further integrate web3 technologies into mainstream markets, starting with Japan and expanding across Asia and beyond.