*This article is a reprint of a tie-up article edited and produced by Mynavi News.

 

"Making the exchange of new values easier." Under this philosophy, Coincheck continues to challenge the next generation of finance with such products as crypto assets, NFTs, and Web3. What kind of passionate individuals are succeeding on the front lines, giving shape to the unknown in a realm with no set answers? We spoke with Risa Morita and Youngsoo Kim, who are tackling the crypto asset business daily, about the reality of their work, the company culture, and their future career aspirations at Coincheck.

 

In this article, Coincheck, Inc. is referred to as Coincheck.

 

Risa Morita

Applied AI Group
Crypto Asset Business Division
Coincheck, Inc.
 

 

Youngsoo Kim

Crypto Research & Project Management Group
Accounting & Listing Department
Crypto Asset Business Division
Coincheck, Inc.
 

 

Proving Ownership Without a Central Authority: A Review of Crypto Assets, NFTs, and Web3 Basics

 

―― Would you briefly explain what crypto assets, NFTs, and Web3 are for those who may not be very familiar with them?

 

Risa: When explaining crypto assets, the custom of stone money on Yap Island in the Federated States of Micronesia is often cited. In the past, huge stones were used as money there. Because the stones were large and heavy, ownership transfer was established by the community agreeing that the owner has changed, without physically moving the stone. What we can learn from this custom of stone money is that value and ownership can be transferred without physical movement, and that trust is established through records and consensus. Crypto assets are the technology that made this possible globally using a decentralized ledger. Similarly, NFTs can prove token ownership on the blockchain without relying on a central administrator. Web3 is the system that seeks to apply this mechanism to various forms of value exchange. It is also a mechanism that reduces intermediary costs and can return more value to the creators.

 

Constantly Seeking Approachable and Exciting Crypto Assets

 

―― Please tell us about your current job responsibilities and what you are focusing on.

 

Risa: Actually, I just transferred to the newly established Applied AI Group in July, and honestly, my first thought was, "Why me?" This is because I'm the only non-engineer in the group and I also have time constraints as I have a three-year-old daughter. I saw this as a significant handicap. However, the manager who proposed the transfer seemed to have valued my ability to involve people and achieve goals, and there was also an expectation that working within limited hours would accelerate AI promotion to generate new business and improve productivity. Currently, I am working on a project called "Proof of Voice," which uses AI tools to turn the values and thoughts of our employees into articles. It's not about a childcare vs. work conflict; it’s about delegating tasks that AI can handle to work more efficiently. I am personally testing this new work style.

 

Youngsoo: I am in the Exchange Business Division, responsible for listing new crypto assets. My main role is to consistently lead the process from candidate selection, internal review, and communication with the Japan Crypto-Asset and Cryptocurrency Exchange Association (JVCEA), to post-listing monitoring. I focus on promoting the listing of crypto assets with a balance of legal, business, and user perspectives. I believe that reconciling reliability, transparency, and speed is key to this job.

 

―― Coincheck advocates the philosophy, "Making the exchange of new values easier." Do you feel that in your daily work?

 

Youngsoo: When selecting new crypto assets to handle, we always consider whether they are assets that many people would find worth trading. In the crypto industry, we tend to focus too deeply on the technical aspects and characteristics of a crypto asset, but for the general user, "having heard of it" or "it seems interesting" is often more important than specialist knowledge. That's why we constantly focus on the user's perspective, asking: "What is an approachable and exciting crypto asset?"

 

The Difficulty and Excitement of Working in a World Without Set Answers

 

―― Having been involved in launching various projects, are there any particularly memorable experiences or things you have cherished?

 

Risa: The launch of the NFT Marketplace Coincheck NFT and the launch of the staking service Coincheck Staking (a service that distributes rewards obtained by participating in the blockchain operation of eligible crypto assets to Coincheck users holding those assets) are particularly memorable. I always try to keep shining the light forward in the darkness. In a situation that changes daily, I feel that one of the critical roles of a project manager is to continuously show direction. Real-time information sharing and flexible response are also crucial; I always prioritize communication to ensure the team is moving in the same direction, even in a regulated environment.

 

―― How do you feel about the appeal and difficulty of working in uncharted territory like Web3, NFTs, and crypto assets, where the "right answer" is still unclear?

 

Risa: The greatest appeal is the feeling that we are creating something that has never existed before. Every day is full of challenges; technology, regulation, and market understanding — none of them are easy. Even so, I want to make the world of crypto assets, which is often perceived as difficult, more accessible and simpler. At Coincheck, you can start buying and selling crypto assets with as little as 500 yen. I believe designing an experience that allows people to feel the value is what is required of us.

 

Youngsoo: Working in a world without set answers is difficult, but I feel the excitement every day. What was particularly memorable was when we listed an unprecedented type of crypto asset. The interpretation of systems and rules was not established, and opinions were divided among different internal stakeholders. I needed to propose a path forward and carve it out myself. I was constantly categorizing what is clear and what is in the gray zone and moving forward step by step. I felt a great sense of accomplishment when the process became firmly established as an internal mechanism.

 

―― What value do you hope to deliver to users and society through these initiatives?

 

Risa: Our goal is to create a society where people reclaim their financial agency and have the option to manage their assets themselves. In the current financial system, asset values are affected by central bank policies and inflation, but crypto assets offer a new alternative – the ability to manage your assets by your own will and exchange value globally without relying on intermediaries. I believe this is not merely technological progress but a major revolution in reclaiming financial sovereignty for the people. As a result, it will lead to a more competitive and transparent financial environment, reduce intermediary costs and improve resource allocation efficiency. I feel this is a very promising direction for the healthy development of the entire economy.

 

Youngsoo: I want to create an environment where everyone can confidently take a step into the new world of finance. While there are high hopes for crypto assets and Web3, many people still feel they are somehow difficult or a bit suspicious. That's why our role is to prepare trustworthy processes and mechanisms to ensure everyone can use them with peace of mind. I believe that beyond this lies a future where what was once vaguely uneasy becomes a naturally usable option.

 

Towards a Future Where AI Handles Efficient Tasks and Humans Handle Creative Tasks

 

―― Ms. Morita, we heard you are also managing childcare and a side job. How do you feel about the work style at Coincheck?

 

Risa: If I can say this without fear of misunderstanding, Coincheck does not offer special considerations for women or employees raising children. Taking paid leave or temporary absences during work is easy for anyone, both men and women, so I have never felt like I am treated differently because I am a woman or because I am a mother. What I appreciate is that the work style of achieving results efficiently within a limited time is strategically evaluated and recognized.

 

Risa: A culture that respects individuality and uniqueness is also deeply rooted, and slightly unconventional ideas and approaches are welcomed. Perhaps due to the founder's personality, there is an atmosphere where, in a good sense, "weird people" are naturally accepted (laughs). This is why I feel the environment is set up for people with various backgrounds, such as those with childcare responsibilities or side jobs, to work freely and authentically.

 

―― Mr. Kim, what do you think about Coincheck's multicultural workplace environment?

 

Youngsoo: We have people with truly diverse backgrounds, but it's very easy to voice opinions. There is an atmosphere where we can speak frankly, regardless of title or age. Because new areas like crypto assets and Web3 are a challenge for many people, I believe a culture of mutual support, not demanding perfection, is deeply rooted. In such a rapidly changing industry, I feel this trust and flexibility are a huge source of support.

 

―― Finally, please tell us about the challenges and careers you envision for the future.

 

Risa: This is a very exciting time for AI, so I want to focus on creating an organization that fully integrates AI internally. A future where AI handles efficient tasks, allowing humans to concentrate on more creative and human-centric work – I want to build that future. I also do coaching as a side job, and since that positively influences my main job, I hope to build a career that is not confined by conventional boundaries, with multiple professional paths in play.

 

Youngsoo: Leveraging my experience, I want to build a career where I can design the value of products and services from a broader perspective. While I am still exploring the steps and form, I feel that my ideas and work style could generate new value that Coincheck currently lacks. I want to take on challenges that only I can do, without being constrained by existing frameworks.

 

At Coincheck, in the uncharted territories of crypto assets and Web3, we continue to seek a more accessible and exciting form of value exchange using expertise and diversity as our strengths. Precisely because we live in an era without clear answers, our flexible attitude and proactive spirit of inquiry will pave the way for our future.