

From Maze to Movement: How RYO Brings Real-World Payments to Web3 | S5 E43
Crypto isn’t supposed to feel like homework. We sit down with Lani Dizon, co-founder and president of Zenza Capital and the RYO Digital Project, to unpack how RYO turns Web3 from hype into habit—usable money, real payments, and tools your family can actually trust. From the origin of RYO as Japan’s historic symbol of trust to its rebirth as a modern digital currency, we trace a clear through-line: make crypto simple, human, and useful.
We dig into RYOPAY’s pilot with Grain X Global, where grain shipments settle near-instantly once delivery is confirmed, cutting weeks of bank delays and lowering fees for farmers and buyers. That same settlement layer can power real estate, auto, and global trade—anywhere speed and auditability matter. Then we shift to Life Wallet, a non-custodial app on iOS designed to feel familiar: hold your keys, chat, send assets, connect to social, and soon shop through the global mall or cash in/out via Japan’s first FSA-licensed crypto ATM network. Android is on the way, and RYOPAY will integrate for stable, predictable checkout.
We also introduce RYO-CHAN, an AI companion inspired by a real schnauzer, built to guide users through safer Web3 interactions—flagging smart contract risks, offering portfolio tips, and bringing education and rewards into one friendly experience. Beyond products, Lani shares a candid look at building under Japan’s toughest compliance standards and the Japan Revival campaign—a manga-led movement celebrating trust, quality, and ownership as Web3’s north star.
If you’re ready for crypto that works in the real world—payments you can rely on, tools that reduce risk, and an ecosystem grounded in integrity—this conversation is your roadmap. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a simpler path into Web3, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show.
This episode was recorded through a Descript call on October 10, 2025. Read the blog article and show notes here: https://webdrie.net/from-maze-to-movement-how-ryo-brings-real-world-payments-to-web3/
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