Virtual Idols Merging AI and Web3: The MIRAI Project Exploring a New Type of Digital Human Ecosystem

The MIRAI project has recently attracted widespread attention for its integration of three popular fields: virtual idols, AI, and Web3. The project raised approximately $12.9 million in just one week, setting a fundraising record for Web3 projects in Japan. On May 16, MIRAI was launched on a trading platform, further enhancing the project's visibility. To expand its community influence, the MIRAI team has also interacted with several popular communities.

MIRAI is launched by Aww Inc. in collaboration with an AI platform, positioned as a Web3 attempt for virtual personas, proposing the concept of "on-chain" CGI virtual characters. The project integrates Aww Inc.'s expertise in CGI modeling and character design with blockchain infrastructure and AI technology, aiming to create virtual characters with autonomy and intelligent agency capabilities.

Aww Inc. was established in 2019 and is headquartered in Tokyo. It is the first company in Asia to focus on "virtual human" technology. The company is committed to combining 3DCG, artificial intelligence, and real-time streaming to create highly realistic digital characters for brand marketing, content creation, and metaverse applications. Aww Inc. has diversified its income through global licensing and brand collaborations, with one of its representative works being the virtual model imma.

imma, known for her unique pink short hair and intricate CG modeling, has become a leading "virtual influencer" in the fashion and business sectors. She has served as a digital ambassador for top global brands multiple times and participated in significant cultural events. In terms of technology development, Aww Inc. has established a strategic partnership with a semiconductor giant to enhance real-time emotional interaction and voice lip-syncing for virtual characters.

The MIRAI project aims to create the first "virtual idol + Web3 autonomous co-creation" ecosystem. Aww Inc. provides core support with its years of IP operation and community management experience in the Web2 world, while its partners inject the "intelligent agent + decentralized" power into the project through underlying technology and on-chain infrastructure.

MIR envisions an AI-driven virtual character that is linked to a blockchain identity system. This model enables the virtual character to make autonomous decisions, interact with the community, and gain incentives through a token economy. The project allows the community to act as co-creators and co-governors of the character, jointly determining the storyline development and IP derivative direction.

However, the MIRAI project also faces some challenges. In terms of token economics, there is a risk of highly centralized governance. On the community operation level, while decentralized co-creation can stimulate vitality, it also brings management difficulties. Furthermore, how to maintain continuous innovation and value of virtual roles is also an important issue.

Overall, MIRAI is pioneering in the integration of AI virtual idols and blockchain, injecting new ideas into Web3 content creation and the IP economy. However, whether it can truly realize the above vision still depends on the reasonable design of the token economy, the improvement of community governance mechanisms, and the ability to continuously innovate and maintain the value of virtual characters. Only under the premise of the maturity of both technology and mechanisms can MIRAI truly become a model of the "virtual human + decentralized economy" model.