The dawn of Decentralized Science (DeSci) in Japan: Values and principles

The current scientific system faces systemic challenges. Decentralized Science (DeSci) has emerged as a technological extension of the Open Science (OS) movement, aiming to improve transparency, accessibility, and equity in research through blockchain and Web3 technologies. While DeSci has gained traction in Western countries, little is known about its adoption in non-Western contexts. Here, we surveyed 37 researchers and technologists active in Japan’s emerging decentralized‑science (DeSci) during spring 2024 to assess how far the movement has progressed and what impedes its progress. Roughly 60% of respondents had already worked on blockchain projects and more than 80% owned crypto assets, yet almost 90% had discovered DeSci only in the past two years. Respondents largely embraced DeSci’s five core ideals: shared governance, transparent funding, open access, shared ownership, and equitable incentives. Meanwhile, four obstacles to growth were highlighted: low public awareness, difficulty sustaining engagement, limited talent diversity, and regulatory uncertainty. Taken together, the findings suggest that Japan’s DeSci community should also invest not only in further technical changes, but also in training, in broadening its talent base, and in setting clear guidelines. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the DeSci landscape in Japan and offers recommendations for its future development.