Hitachi is not a pioneer in the Japanese blockchain space, but it is catching up with a comprehensive Web3 development package.
Hitachi has launched a new Web3 development solution, aiming to support companies with comprehensive services through its Hitachi Solutions subsidiary.
The company offers “one-stop support” for needs ranging from staff training to full-scale Web3 platform commercialization.
Hitachi Solutions‘ offerings include introductory classroom training on “What is Web3?” followed by business consultations, use case development, infrastructure setup, and ongoing maintenance, as announced on October 29 on its website.
Familiar Services in a New Web3 Package
The service suite includes recognizable elements like cloud computing and platform-as-a-service, specifically utilizing Hyperledger Besu and the ConsenSys GoQuorum transaction signer in partnership with the U.K.’s Web3 Labs.
Hitachi Solutions promises flexibility, offering to assist organizations at any stage of Web3 adoption: “From those who are new to Web3 and blockchain to those who want to verify for commercialization, we provide programs that meet your needs.”
Many features of the current offering were previously available. Since March, Hitachi has offered “Enterprise Blockchain Support” and provides REST APIs (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interfaces) for smart contract management through its blockchain services.
Struggling to Scale in Japan’s Web3 Market
Hitachi has been engaged in blockchain since 2016, having contributed to Hyperledger and currently being part of the Linux Foundation Decentralized Trust.
While it partnered with ConsenSys as early as 2020 and co-developed a biometric crypto wallet with the Concordium Foundation in December 2023, Hitachi’s profile in the Web3 space remains modest compared to competitors.
In contrast, Sony increased its visibility in the Web3 arena in August by launching its proprietary Soneium blockchain with Startale Labs, supported by partners like Optimism, Circle, Alchemy, The Graph, and Chainlink.
Additionally, Japan’s blockchain ecosystem includes established domestic players. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group launched its stablecoin platform, Progmat, in 2022.
Soramitsu, co-developer of Hyperledger Iroha, has supported various central bank digital currency and stablecoin projects across Asia and the South Pacific.
