> Blockchain Open Lecture Course 2026
Understanding blockchain through its mechanisms and design principles.
A structured online lecture course offered by the University of Tokyo.
> About the Blockchain Open Lecture Course
The Blockchain Open Lecture Course is a free program designed for individuals who wish to systematically study blockchain technology. It provides an opportunity to learn from foundational concepts to more advanced topics within a structured curriculum.
While information about blockchain is widely available through news, social media, and online resources, following individual cases or trends alone does not necessarily lead to a clear understanding of the underlying technologies or design principles.
This course therefore focuses on the fundamental ideas behind blockchain systems, including trustless design principles, distributed consensus, cryptographic foundations, protocol architecture, and economic design. Using concrete examples such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and decentralized systems like DeFi, participants examine how these elements come together in the design of blockchain-based systems.
Since its launch in 2024, the course has attracted a large number of participants. The learning community now includes more than 4,000 members, primarily connected through a Discord server. During the lecture period in particular, participants exchange questions and ideas, creating an environment that supports continued learning.
Beginning in 2026, the course will be offered fully online. Based on operational experience from previous years and feedback from participants, the program structure has been refined to provide a more efficient and practical learning experience.
The course is designed to allow participants to study at their own pace. Learning is centered on lecture videos, while periodic exams and review assignments provide milestones to help participants track their understanding.
Although the content is rigorous, the program is structured to support sustained learning over time.
> Course Structure
The Blockchain Open Lecture Course is designed to help participants understand the overall structure of blockchain technology in a clear and accessible way. The curriculum is organized so that learners can progress from foundational topics to more advanced themes.
The Term 1 / Term 2 structure, established in the 2025 program, will continue in 2026. This structure allows participants with different levels of experience—from beginners to those already familiar with blockchain—to engage with the course according to their goals and background.
The lectures are primarily based on archived recordings from previous years, supplemented with updated explanations and revisions where necessary. In addition, newly recorded lectures are incorporated when needed to reflect emerging technologies and evolving social needs.
For 2026, the curriculum has also been refined with a stronger emphasis on technical topics, reorganizing the material to support deeper and more practical understanding.
> Curriculum
Term 1: Foundations
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Designed to be accessible even without a technical background in science or engineering
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Introduction to the core architecture of blockchain systems and decentralized design principles
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Structured to allow beginners to follow the material without difficulty
Term 1 provides a careful introduction to the fundamental concepts and mechanisms of blockchain systems, building the foundation necessary for further study.
Term 2: Advanced Topics
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Builds upon the material covered in Term 1
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Focuses on advanced applications of cryptographic technologies in blockchain systems
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Introduces relatively recent developments in the field
Term 2 explores deeper technical backgrounds and design principles, helping participants understand more advanced blockchain technologies.
Programming Track
The course also provides an environment for learning the fundamental skills required for smart contract development.
Topics include:Introductory sessions on setting up development environments
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Basic Linux command-line usage and development tools
- Self-directed programming practice supported by generative AI tools
The learning structure is designed so that even participants without prior programming experience can engage with the material. Participants are also encouraged to exchange information and support each other through the Discord community.
> Learning Style and Participation
The course is designed to allow flexible participation depending on each participant’s goals and experience level.
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Participants may choose to take Term 1 only
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Participants may also continue with Term 2 and the programming track
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Individual learning plans can be adapted to personal interests and objectives
It is not necessary to complete every part of the program. Participants may engage with selected parts of the curriculum according to their interests or goals, and it is also possible to begin by attending only part of the course.
> Evaluation and Completion
To help participants assess their understanding of the course material, the following evaluations are planned:
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Term 1 midterm examination
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Final examination
Participants who take the examinations will receive a Soulbound Token (SBT) as a certificate of completion for the 2026 course. Different SBTs will be issued depending on overall performance.
> Group Work
In addition to lectures, the course includes group work designed to deepen practical understanding.
Topics may include:
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Token design
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Decentralized system design
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Exploration of potential use cases
Through collaborative discussion and analysis, participants will examine how trustless systems can be designed and how such systems interact with real-world institutional and social constraints.
> Learning Community
The course operates a Discord community for participants.
Currently, more than 4,000 members are registered in the community, which is used for activities such as:
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Asking and answering questions
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Sharing information and resources
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Peer learning and support
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Announcements of related events
The community also continues to function as a space for learning and exchange even after the lecture period has ended, allowing participants to stay connected with others interested in blockchain technology.
> Application
Application for the 2026 Blockchain Open Lecture Course is available through the Japanese version of this website.
Please refer to the Japanese page for application procedures and registration details.
Note: Participants who have already joined the Discord server from previous years do not need to apply again. If you were unable to join the Discord server for any reason, please submit the application form again through the Japanese website.
> Notes
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The course is open to students of the University of Tokyo; however, no academic credit will be awarded for participation.
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Participation in the course is free of charge, but active engagement and a strong commitment to learning are expected.
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Please note that inquiries by telephone are not accepted.
For questions, please contact us through the inquiry form on the website.