Data Economy Coin Inc. ("DEC") is pleased to announce that it has initiated preparations and entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Zaif Inc., operator of the crypto asset exchange "Zaif," regarding the new listing and trading of "DEC (Data Economy Coin)" scheduled to be issued by DEC.
DEC is a crypto asset designed to realize a "Data Economy" that converts consumer purchase data held by companies into new economic value and returns that value to data providers and business participants.
DEC has not previously been listed on any crypto asset exchange in Japan or overseas, and this initiative marks the start of concrete preparations aiming for DEC's very first exchange listing.
Going forward, we will proceed with the necessary reviews, confirmations, and statutory procedures in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and self-regulatory rules. At the same time, we will expand collaborations with enterprises holding and utilizing data to accelerate the societal implementation of the "Data Economy" envisioned by DEC.
Transforming Enterprise Data into New Economic Value
With the progress of digital transformation in business activities, companies accumulate massive volumes of purchase data daily. However, much of this data remains siloed within individual enterprises, and frameworks for effectively utilizing data across companies while appropriately compensating data providers have yet to be fully developed.
To address this challenge, DEC builds a data infrastructure utilizing purchase data provided by participating corporate members for statistical and analytical purposes. We aim to foster a "Data Economy" where data-providing enterprises, data-utilizing enterprises, and innovators creating new services can share economic value.
Furthermore, we seek to offer data providers new value-creation and return opportunities, while providing data-utilizing enterprises with analytical intelligence for decision-making such as product development and marketing strategy. DEC is positioned as a common medium of value exchange supporting this economic sphere.
The Data Economy Centered on DEC
In the Data Economy being constructed by DEC, data supplied by member companies will be aggregated and analyzed, establishing an environment where participating companies can utilize this value for new services and businesses. Moving forward, we also plan to build the "DEC System" using AI to analyze consumer trends, unmet needs, and emerging market opportunities (White Space), thereby assisting manufacturers with product development and advertising agencies with marketing strategies.
- Rewards for data contribution
- Compensation for data utilization
- Payment of DEC membership fees
- Settlement of various services provided by DEC
- Compensation for business operations generated between member enterprises
DEC's goal is not merely to issue and circulate crypto assets. By positioning DEC at the center of a cycle where providing data creates value, which is appropriately returned to stimulate further data and services, we aim to pioneer a new market utilizing enterprise data that has historically been under-monetized.
Issuance on Japan Open Chain
DEC is scheduled to be issued on "Japan Open Chain," an Ethereum-compatible public blockchain.
DEC has designed the systems, data infrastructure, and DEC-powered economic model to realize the Data Economy. In doing so, DEC resonated with the philosophy and operational structure of "Japan Open Chain," jointly operated by prominent Japanese enterprises, and decided to issue DEC on Japan Open Chain.
Moving forward, alongside building the system and data foundation, we will broaden partnerships with enterprises utilizing DEC, data providers, and service developers. In particular, we will establish "Data Partnerships" with companies holding purchase, usage, and behavioral data to expand both the volume and variety of accessible data.
By commencing preparations for listing on Zaif, DEC advances from the phase of conceptual and system design into a new stage of active societal deployment and liquidity infrastructure development.
Initiatives for New Listing with Zaif
DEC has commenced preparations with Zaif toward its first-ever crypto asset exchange listing.
Zaif has a long-standing track record of providing crypto asset exchange services in Japan and handling a diverse range of crypto assets. Additionally, Zaif has been handling "JOC," the native token of Japan Open Chain, since February 2026.
Against this backdrop, DEC and Zaif will proceed with necessary examinations, confirmations, and procedures for the new listing of DEC.
DEC aims not for a speculative trading ecosystem, but for a mechanism where DEC is practically utilized within real business activities and data transactions, driving the growth of the Data Economy.
Furthermore, DEC does not plan to raise funds through crypto asset sales at the time of listing via an IEO (Initial Exchange Offering). DEC's fundamental policy is to expand the practical application of DEC in real enterprise activities, including rewards for data contribution, consideration for data usage, and settlements for membership and services.
The purpose of the exchange listing is also not speculative trading, but to provide a secure distribution environment allowing users to access DEC as the number of enterprises and services adopting DEC grows.
We consider this collaboration with Zaif an essential milestone toward the societal adoption and expansion of DEC's ecosystem.
Future Outlook
In parallel with preparations for the Zaif listing, DEC will continue to expand participating enterprises, forge alliances with data providers, and develop new use cases and services utilizing data. DEC is actively seeking partnerships with data providers and business partners who share our vision and wish to jointly advance the Data Economy.
By integrating exchange liquidity, corporate demand, and value creation through data contribution across diverse industries, we strive to establish a sustainable Data Economy where DEC is continuously used in real business operations.
Comments
Comment from Zaif Inc.
We see tremendous potential in DEC's vision where "data creates value, and that value is returned to providers." Having handled "JOC," the native token of Japan Open Chain, we look forward to embarking on this challenge with DEC on the same chain. We will prudently examine how to proceed while assessing practical applications in compliance with relevant laws and self-regulatory rules.
Naoki Ishihara, President & CEO, Zaif Inc.
Comment from Data Economy Coin Inc.
We consider the start of preparations for DEC's listing on Zaif to be an important step toward the societal implementation of DEC. Our goal is to confer new economic value to enterprise data and appropriately reward data providers and participants. With this initiative as a catalyst, we will expand partnerships with data providers, users, and service innovators to accelerate the real-world deployment of the DEC economic sphere.
Akinori Kaneko, Representative Director, Data Economy Coin Inc.
[Important Notes]
- This release announces the commencement of preparations for a new listing on Zaif and does not guarantee that listing or trading will commence. Listing availability and timing are subject to Zaif's internal standards, screening criteria, relevant laws and self-regulatory rules, and guidance from supervisory authorities. A listing may not occur depending on the outcome of the screening process or other circumstances.
- This release is not intended to solicit or recommend the purchase, sale, or other transactions of crypto assets.
Company Overview
Data Economy Coin Inc.
- Location: 4F Ichigaya Higashi Bldg., 2-1-3 Ichigayatamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Representatives: Chairman & Representative Director: Akinori Kaneko / President & Representative Director: Norimasa Ujiie
- Business: Data Economy business, planning/development/operation of DEC-powered services, etc.
- Website: https://www.dec.co.jp/
Zaif Inc.
- Location: 5-11-9 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Representative: President & Representative Director: Naoki Ishihara
- Business: Crypto asset exchange service
- Registration: Kinki Local Finance Bureau Director No. 00001
- Association: Japan Virtual and Crypto assets Exchange Association (JVCEA)
- Website: https://zaif.jp/
Contact Information
Data Economy Coin Inc.
Contact: Masaki Haneda
E-mail: haneda@dec.co.jp