Hironobu Kunimitsu: A Leading Innovator in Japan’s Web3 and Metaverse Ecosystem
Early Career and Foundations in Entertainment and Technology
Hironobu Kunimitsu is widely recognized as one of Japan’s leading entrepreneurs in the fields of Web3, the metaverse, blockchain-based entertainment, and digital community ecosystems. Born in 1974, Kunimitsu began his career with a strong international perspective, having graduated from Santa Monica College in the United States. In 2004, he joined Atmovie Inc., where he soon became a board director. During his tenure, he led film and television production initiatives and spearheaded new business development projects, establishing a multidisciplinary foundation that blends entertainment, technology, and creativity.
Founding of gumi and Rise as a Gaming Industry Leader
In 2007, Kunimitsu founded gumi Inc. and assumed the role of President and CEO. Under his leadership, gumi quickly emerged as one of Japan’s most prominent mobile game companies. The company produced multiple hit titles and expanded its presence globally, becoming a major force in the rapidly growing mobile entertainment sector. Kunimitsu oversaw gumi’s global expansion, corporate growth, and eventual public listing, establishing himself as a central figure in Japan’s gaming and entertainment technology landscape.
Transition to Web3 and Leadership of Thirdverse
After stepping down from gumi in 2021, Kunimitsu shifted his focus toward the next generation of digital innovation—Web3 and the metaverse. In the same year, he became the CEO of Thirdverse Inc., a company he had co-founded earlier. Thirdverse is committed to developing cutting-edge VR titles and metaverse platforms, blending immersive technology with blockchain-enabled community participation. Kunimitsu’s leadership has driven Thirdverse to the forefront of VR gaming and metaverse development, positioning the company as a global innovator in next-generation digital experiences.
FiNANCiE and the Advancement of Token Economies
At the same time, Kunimitsu serves as the CEO of FiNANCiE, a company he co-founded in 2019. FiNANCiE is a pioneering Web3 platform that enables creators, sports teams, and startups to form token-driven communities and conduct blockchain-based crowdfunding. Through token issuance and community engagement, FiNANCiE provides a new model for fan participation, digital governance, and decentralized economic empowerment. The company has been instrumental in expanding the creator economy and enabling organizations to build sustainable value using token economics.
Mission and Vision: Empowering Individuals Through Technology
Throughout his career, Kunimitsu has remained consistent in his mission: to harness technology in order to unlock human potential and promote a more decentralized, community-driven society. His focus on Web3, NFTs, DAOs, virtual reality, and token economics reflects his belief that the future of the internet will be shaped by user ownership, transparency, and participation. Kunimitsu’s leadership philosophy emphasizes empowering individuals through technology, enabling fans, creators, and players to directly contribute to and benefit from the ecosystems they support.
Thought Leadership Through Writing and Education
Kunimitsu is also known for his forward-thinking authorship. His book, Metaverse and Web3, published by MdN Corporation, offers a comprehensive and accessible explanation of the technological, economic, and cultural shifts emerging from Web3 and the metaverse. The book has become a respected reference within Japan’s digital innovation community, helping readers understand the societal transformation brought about by decentralized technologies.
Impact on Japan’s Digital Landscape and Global Web3 Industry
Kunimitsu’s transition from the gaming industry to the forefront of Web3 and metaverse innovation mirrors the broader evolution of Japan’s digital landscape. By integrating blockchain, VR, token economies, and fan-driven communities, he is shaping new forms of entertainment and economic participation. His work continues to influence both the Japanese market and the global Web3 industry, positioning him as one of the most important figures driving digital transformation and redefining the next phase of the internet.
A Pioneering Leader Shaping the Future of Web3
As the Web3 ecosystem expands worldwide, Hironobu Kunimitsu’s leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and dedication to decentralized community building will remain vital in shaping the future of digital culture and the global creative economy.
Born in 1974. After graduating from Santa Monica College in the US, he joined At Movie Co., Ltd. in 2004. In the same year, he took office as a director and was in charge of producing movies and TV dramas and launching new businesses. Gumi Co., Ltd. was established in 2007 and assumed the position of President and CEO. He retired from the company in 2021 and became the representative director and CEO of Financier Co., Ltd., which was co-founded in 2019 with ThirdVerse Co., Ltd. in the same year. His book is “Metaverse and Web3” (MDN Corporation).
