Tokenized idol groups? Startale launches first Entertainment Tokenized Assets in Japan

Startale Group becomes the first firm to introduce Entertainment Tokenized Assets to Japan’s web3 ecosystem, which would allow for tokenized creative rights for Twin Planet IP.

According to a press release sent to crypto.news, Startale’s initiative will be the first of its kind launched in Japan. The initiative is part of the firm’s collaboration with Twin Planet, a major Japanese entertainment firm and talent agency, the network will tokenize the firm’s IP through the blockchain.

Founded in 2006, Twin Planet is headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo. The talent and marketing agency has a special branch for idols called LIVE PLANET which has debuted groups called Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders, Takane no Nadeshiko and Karen na Ivory. It is also an agency that hosts the solo careers of many former members of HKT48, AKB48 and other major groups.

Entertainment Tokenized Assets or ETA can be used to tokenize entertainment rights and related cashflows, bringing them on-chain. Moreover, it will also allow for more transparency between publishers and creators with regards to copyright ownership.

Instead of selling IP outright, creators can split it into fractional share. Entertainment rights and their earnings will be stored on-chain and connected directly to wallets, apps and markets. Retail investors and institutions will also get to take part in shared ownership, as long as they follow the set rules and protections laid out.

Not only that, even fans can take part in the new creative economy that is based in blockchain. With tokenized ownership, fans will be able to buy an authentic piece of the property that they admire while also contributing to the creator’s cashflow through the blockchain.

“Fans move past simply consuming entertainment to owning a piece of the experience, gaining recognition, and sharing in their favorite creator’s journey with fair rules and protections,” wrote the company in its statement.

According to the release, the initiative for tokenized entertainment will be rolled out in phases and designed in accordance with Japanese market requirements. Startale grants IP holders, labels, agencies, and investors a bridge to delve into tokenized markets with global distribution rails.

CEO of Twin Planet, Kenji Yashima, said that the partnership is aimed at giving more power to the fans in a way that was previously impossible. ETA brings about a new era for creatives to share their work with the world.

“With Startale’s technical strength and ability to operationalize at scale, we will unlock the potential of creators and IP more broadly and deeply. Together with our fans, we will deliver new experiences that cultivate lasting value,” said Yashima.

Startale’s ETA and Japan’s creative IP

Japan is known globally as an entertainment powerhouse that has shaped pop culture. Through beloved pieces of media such as anime, J-Pop, live shows, and character brands, Japanese media has garnered large fanbases all over the world.

As far as web3 goes, anime has only gone as far as NFTs and digital tokens built around famous animation IPs like Seven Deadly Sins and Ghost in the Shell.

This time Startale aims to bring IP further into the realm of IP through tokenized assets. ETAs are built upon real activity and real value, with systems designed for long-term fan and creator participation. From music to film to manga, ETA marks the beginning of a new way that publishers can distribute ownership rights.

CEO of Startale Group says that Japan was the ideal pick due to its influence in shaping global entertainment. Its partnership with Twin Planet is expected to combine their industry expertise with blockchain infrastructure.

“Entertainment Tokenized Assets are not just a new product—they are a foundation for how fans, creators, and capital can collaborate in the digital age,” said Watanabe.