> Two Distinct Approaches to Learning
The educational programs offered by the Endowed Chair for Blockchain Innovation consist of two independent tracks: the Open Lecture Course and the Applied Practice Program.
These programs are not hierarchical and do not require sequential participation. Each is designed with a different objective and learning style in mind.
Participants may choose to join either program—or both—depending on their interests, experience, and learning goals.
> Blockchain Open Lecture Course
A Foundational Program for Systematic Learning of Blockchain Technology
The Blockchain Open Lecture Course is designed to help participants develop a systematic understanding of blockchain technology. The program emphasizes building a strong conceptual foundation and is structured so that beginners can gradually develop their knowledge.
The course covers a broad range of topics, including the core principles of trustless and decentralized systems, the mechanisms behind Bitcoin and Ethereum, design examples of decentralized applications (DApps), and emerging applications such as zero-knowledge proofs (ZK). Through lecture-based learning, participants explore how these elements fit together within the broader architecture of blockchain technology.
Rather than focusing on isolated topics, the program aims to help participants understand blockchain technology as an integrated system. In doing so, it provides a foundation for continued learning and more advanced engagement in the field.
The course is intended for a wide range of participants—from those beginning their journey in blockchain to those who wish to revisit and organize their foundational knowledge.
Learn more and apply for the Blockchain Open Lecture Course →
> Blockchain Applied Practice Program
A Practice- and Creation-Oriented Program Integrating Multiple Disciplines
The Blockchain Applied Practice Program will be newly launched in 2026. Rather than focusing solely on learning blockchain technology itself, the program explores its applications and potential to create new forms of value by engaging with diverse real-world domains such as finance, cryptography, contemporary art, product design, and mobility.
Within each field, participants examine how blockchain technologies may interact with existing systems while taking into account institutional frameworks, cultural contexts, industrial structures, and technical constraints. Through this process, the program cultivates a practical perspective that goes beyond simply applying technology.
Instead of passively learning established knowledge or case studies, participants are encouraged to define their own research questions through literature review, discussion, and presentations. The program therefore adopts an output-oriented learning style, designed as an environment where participants can develop their ability to think creatively and formulate new ideas.
By moving back and forth between technology and society, theory and practice, and specialization and creativity, the program aims to cultivate the ability to frame meaningful questions and generate new value.
Learn more and apply for the Blockchain Applied Practice Program →
> Message from the Endowed Chair for Blockchain Innovation, the University of Tokyo
Blockchain technology continues to evolve as a foundational technology influencing a wide range of fields, including finance, industry, and culture. In response to the changing social and industrial landscape surrounding blockchain, the Endowed Chair for Blockchain Innovation has developed a variety of educational initiatives, including entrepreneurial support programs and open lecture courses. Through these activities, we have continuously explored not only the technical aspects of blockchain but also its relationship with society and the ways it can be implemented in practice.
Through systematic foundational education and interdisciplinary specialized programs, we aim to create an environment where participants can move between theory and practice, formulate their own questions, and generate new value.
Looking ahead, we will continue to deepen collaboration with industry and academia while contributing to the development of the blockchain field in Japan.
> Messages from 3rd Term Sponsors (Japanese, in no particular order)
Casley Deep Innovasions Co., Ltd. / Representative Director: Kazumasa Sunagawa
In the Applied Practice Program, we will address various issues such as ecosystems and legal regulations in addition to technology, and learn "how to realize Web3-like social implementation?" The major attractions are the acquisition of practical knowledge and the opportunity to learn and grow together with like-minded peers. We look forward to meeting you.
Sparkle AI Inc. (Fabrica Holdings Group Co., Ltd.)
In a society with a declining population, efficiency is paramount, but so is the design of reliability. I believe there is great significance in cultivating talent that can support the technologies that create trust in the AI era, through both foundational and practical training.
Good Luck Three Co., Ltd. / Representative Director: Kazuhisa Inoue
Having been involved in this field since the launch of this sponsored course, our company is currently promoting the combination of point-earning activities and Web3.0, with a particular focus on Solana. We hope that this course will cultivate the next generation of talent and serve as a foundation for the development of Japan's ecosystem.
Startale Group / Sota Watanabe
I learned about blockchain through this project and started my own business. The crypto industry is currently developing rapidly, mainly in the United States. I hope that by gaining systematic knowledge and domain expertise, various projects of global value will be created.
> Messages from Supporting Companies — Blockchain Applied Practice Program (Japanese, in no particular order)
Kudasai Co., Ltd. / Director Yohei Wakita
We at Kudasai are dedicated to developing blockchain talent. In this transformative technological field, it is crucial to cultivate globally competent individuals from Japan. We hope to contribute, however modestly, to this course, which balances foundational knowledge with practical application.
> Messages from Participating Platforms (Japanese, in no particular order)
Avalanche / Ava Labs, Head of Japan Michi Hirata
We deeply appreciate this program's advanced educational system that integrates theory and practice. Avalanche sincerely hopes that this multifaceted learning environment will produce world-leading next-generation blockchain talent and contribute to the robust development of Japan's Web3 ecosystem.
Aptos Japan / Aptos Foundation Japan CM Takeshi
This initiative to cultivate the next generation of blockchain talent is an excellent opportunity to systematically learn from the basics to implementation. Aptos will strongly support such initiatives as they accelerate the growth of this field in Japan and increase opportunities for global expansion.
Ethereum Foundation / Academic Secretariat (Team Lead) Shyam Sridhar, Ecosystem Development (Asia Liaison) Adrian Li
The Ethereum Foundation values public goods. This program offers a wide range of learning opportunities accessible to everyone. We are pleased to collaborate with the University of Tokyo to create an environment where learning can be conducted in Japanese.
XRPL Japan, General Incorporated Association / Representative Director: Mai Furukawa
This educational architecture represents the University of Tokyo's attempt to elevate Web3 education in Japan to the next level, fostering both interdisciplinary conceptual and implementation skills simultaneously. We hope that this will produce internationally competitive talent within the global network, including XRPL.
Superteam Japan / CMO Kazuto Doka (Kamao)
From startups to new ventures within established companies, we expect that the practical learning provided in this course will lead to the creation of numerous diverse blockchain projects. As a community that comprehensively supports founders and engineers striving to create businesses within the Solana ecosystem, we will wholeheartedly support and encourage all forms of bold endeavors.
ZK Tokyo / Takumi Tsuda
Training cryptography engineers, who form the foundation of blockchain technology, is extremely important, and we hope that this will lead to the creation of new ideas and businesses. We will further develop the educational programs that ZK Tokyo has been running and strive to satisfy all participants.
NERO Chain / CBO Mari Morizono
Through this program, we hope to cultivate the next generation of Web3 talent, possessing both conceptual and implementation skills across disciplines. NERO Chain will contribute to the creation of innovation originating in Japan through practical ecosystem support.
Midnight Foundation Japan / Country Manager Taro Kimura
We are honored to collaborate with universities to deepen ZK technology and explore its applications in real-world situations. Privacy is the foundation of the next generation, and we are confident that this program will bridge research and implementation and accelerate its widespread adoption.