Miyaguchi Aya: Strategist implementing decentralization behind the scenes of the Ethereum ecosystem

As a leader of the Ethereum Foundation, Aya Miyaguchi is not just an administrator but a person who actively embodies her vision as an educator in the blockchain industry. Her trajectory from a classroom in Japan to the heart of cryptocurrency and ultimately to supporting the fundamental structure of Ethereum is not merely a career shift but a demonstration of her commitment to a decentralized society.

From Education to Industry: Aya Miyaguchi’s Different Path

Aya Miyaguchi was once a passionate teacher in a Japanese high school, dedicated to fostering students’ independence and critical thinking. She was known as a “passionate teacher” because she practiced creative teaching methods that encouraged students not only to learn from textbooks but also to think, learn, and grow independently as “complete human beings.”

Later, Aya Miyaguchi made the decision to leave the education field and moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in business administration. While delving into sustainable business and microfinance—particularly supporting the economic independence of women in developing countries—she encountered Bitcoin in 2011. Although it took time for her, who was not an engineer, to understand the concept of blockchain, once she recognized its social potential, her vision expanded rapidly.

Kraken Era: Aya Miyaguchi’s Role in Building Japan’s Cryptocurrency Regulations

In 2013, her career took a turning point when she met Jesse Powell, founder of the long-established cryptocurrency exchange Kraken. Initially responsible for Kraken’s Japan operations and later promoted to Managing Director of Kraken Japan, she was involved not only in expanding the business but also deeply engaged in building regulatory frameworks for the industry.

When Mt. Gox collapsed in 2014, shaking trust in Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in Japan, Aya Miyaguchi took proactive action. She contacted government agencies herself, offering her experience and insights, and as a co-founder of the Digital Asset Transfer Organization (DATA) and Japan Digital Asset Management Organization (JADA), she led the launch of Japan’s cryptocurrency regulatory framework in 2017. Without her strategic intervention, the development trajectory of the industry in Japan would have been significantly different.

Invitation to the Ethereum Foundation: Aya Miyaguchi’s Practice of Community Philosophy

In February 2018, Aya Miyaguchi was invited by Vitalik Buterin to become the Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation. The two had first met in 2013, when Vitalik was 19 and active in Bitcoin Magazine.

The Ethereum Foundation’s expectation of Aya Miyaguchi was not for technical development but for coordinating the entire ecosystem. At that time, Ethereum’s open-source model led to a rapid increase in contributors from the community, making internal and external workflows increasingly complex. Aya Miyaguchi engaged in careful dialogue with various individuals, organizations, companies, and stakeholders belonging to the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance (EEA). As she later stated, “Our role is more like a coordinator than a manager. The goal is not to monopolize work but to promote the overall development of Ethereum,” and she was involved in project funding management and community coordination within the foundation.

The Vision of ‘The Infinite Garden’: Aya Miyaguchi’s View of Ethereum’s Essence

Once a “gardener” at an academic institution, Aya Miyaguchi is adept at comparing Ethereum to an “infinite garden.” This metaphor originates from James P. Carse’s book Finite and Infinite Games. In a “finite game,” the goal is to win; in an “infinite game,” the essence is to keep playing and progressing.

Aya Miyaguchi believes Ethereum’s mission is not to pursue short-term profits but to spread and develop the principles of decentralization over the long term. She also perceives the Ethereum community as more like a national park than a well-maintained garden. It is full of diversity and energy, and sometimes includes radical opinions and innovative ideas, which can also serve as sources of new creativity.

By viewing decentralization not merely as a technical challenge but as a change in mindset, Aya Miyaguchi points out that many people are still unaware of how issues like privacy risks, data monopolies, and abuse of power—brought about by centralization—are permeating all aspects of society. She believes that through the decentralized philosophy advocated by Ethereum, fundamental societal restructuring and transformative relationships between individuals and technology are possible.

Discussions on Transparency: Evaluating and Addressing Aya Miyaguchi’s Leadership

In early 2025, discussions within the community centered around the transparency of the Ethereum Foundation’s decision-making process. Some critics called for a leadership change, while others strongly supported Aya Miyaguchi’s leadership.

Core researcher Danny Ryan called for an end to “violent criticism” against Aya Miyaguchi and expressed respect and trust for her. “There are many reasons why Ethereum has prospered over the years, but the role Aya has played is crucial. My success has always been without her support and guidance,” Ryan tweeted. Co-founder Vitalik Buterin also defended Aya Miyaguchi against accusations, criticizing attacks on her as “pure malice.”

Subsequently, community voting overwhelmingly supported Danny Ryan as the next leader with 99.98% approval. Joseph Lubin, CEO and co-founder of ConsenSys, also proposed that having Danny Ryan and Jerome De Tichey, President of ETH France, lead Ethereum together would enhance its technical direction and vitality.

However, it is clear that Aya Miyaguchi recognizes the importance of transparency and community participation. When asked about the hiring process, she stated that ideally, “decisions should be entrusted to the community,” and an open approach is desirable. She also acknowledges that internal foundation operations require personnel with global experience and long-term expertise in the cryptocurrency field. “The process isn’t public, but I think ultimately letting the community decide is a good approach,” she said, showing her willingness to balance process and outcome.

In Conclusion: Aya Miyaguchi’s Legacy and the Path Toward a Decentralized Society

Aya Miyaguchi’s life, which began in a Japanese classroom, has left a profound mark on the Ethereum ecosystem through over ten years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry. Her perspectives, cultivated both in education and industry, offer insights not only into technology but also into societal transformation.

While receiving both criticism and praise, her unwavering commitment to decentralization, her dialogue with the community, and her vision of the ‘Infinite Garden’ form the foundation for Ethereum’s pursuit of a truly decentralized society. Her career exemplifies a modern lesson: how individual passion and a broad vision can shape the entire industry’s direction.