Astar, a well-known smart contract platform on Polkadot, unveiled its "Astar 2.0 Vision" initiative in early July 2023, aimed at fostering the widespread adoption of Web3 technology. The platform seeks to empower users in managing online and offline data, privacy, and local communities.

To bolster its ecosystem and attract more participants, Astar 2.0 has upgraded developer tools and token economics, focusing on its native token, ASTR. This includes reducing the inflation rate, implementing more fee burning mechanisms, and increasing base rewards for stakers and dApps.

Astar acts as a hub for chains supporting EVM and WASM smart contracts, promoting interoperability through its Cross Virtual Machine (XVM). Its Layer 2 network, Astar zkEVM, aims to bridge Ethereum and Polkadot ecosystems, enhancing its position in the multichain landscape.

Astar facilitates efficient deployment of blockchain services for dApp development by integrating security and scalability enhancements on its Layer 2 platform. Leveraging Polygon's expertise in zero-knowledge technology, Astar zkEVM was constructed using Polygon's CDK, with its distinctive connection to Polygon's Aggregation Layer (AggLayer).

The expansion of Astar Network into Japan was announced on April 14, following collaborative alliances with multiple Web3 enterprises and major corporations such as Sony, Toyota, and UOB Venture Management. Additionally, the city of Shibuya has partnered with Astar, and founder Sota Watanabe is collaborating with the Japanese government to promote Web3 adoption.

Sota, also a director of the Japan Blockchain Association, prioritizes Astar's growth through partnerships and innovation. Astar zkEVM, in collaboration with Japan Airlines and Hakuhodo, is developing a platform for Japanese Real World Assets NFTs, alongside ventures like Kokyo. YAOKE Entertainment, spearheaded by Yasushi Akimoto, will introduce an idol economy powered by Astar zkEVM tokens.

The integration of Astar zkEVM with Polygon's AggLayer has garnered significant interest from investors and developers. With government and traditional corporations embracing Web3, Astar is poised to introduce millions of Japanese citizens to Web3 technology.