Shiba Inu ecosystem saw two major developments. Lead developer Shytoshi Kusama updated his bio to indicate his full focus on an AI app/website, revealing a completed beta site and a final bug sweep. Simultaneously, SHIB became available for trading on Mercari, Japan's second-largest second-hand goods app, via a partnership between Coincheck and MELCOIN that supports 12 tokens.
Kusama's Bio Update: AI Project Nears Public Test
In his revised bio, Kusama states: "Full focus: AI app/site. R.OS final touches. Beta website completed. Final bug sweep." This aligns with his earlier remarks about building a standalone AI initiative. Back in February, he introduced an AI-driven platform aimed at helping couples analyze relationship patterns and assess long-term compatibility. The references to "R.OS final touches" and "beta website completed" suggest the project is entering its final testing phase before beta launch. However, specific details about the full scope remain unconfirmed. His location field still reads "Backlog, Marketing, Positioning," indicating ongoing strategic involvement.
SHIB Goes Live on Mercari: Access to 23 Million Monthly Users
According to community member Kuro, SHIB can now be bought and sold on Mercari, which serves 23 million active users each month in Japan. The listing is part of a collaboration between Coincheck and MELCOIN, making 12 tokens tradable on the platform. Mercari is widely known for its large e-commerce user base, and SHIB's inclusion marks a significant expansion of its use cases and visibility in the Japanese market.
Shib.io Website Restored, Team Warns Against Phishing
The official Shiba Inu portal, Shib.io, is fully back online after a technical glitch was resolved by the developer team, according to a statement from Shibizens released Saturday. The site is now functioning normally and securely. Community members have been urged to remain vigilant against potential phishing attempts and fake links circulating on social media, and to use only official channels to access ecosystem platforms.
Kusama's renewed activity and SHIB's entry into a major Japanese app are seen as steps toward broader adoption and continued innovation. Despite security risks, the ecosystem is pushing forward both technically and commercially.