In a recent clip from ThreadGuy Live, Luca Netz, the CEO of Pudgy Penguins, shared his intriguing perspective on the future of global culture. Hosted by @NotThreadGuy, the interview delved into various aspects of the Pudgy Penguins journey, but one standout moment was Netz's confident bet on Asia taking the lead in cultural incubation over the next decade.

"Culture used to be incubated out of the West. I think you’re going to see that paradigm shift to Tokyo, Korea, and China," Netz stated in the clip shared on X. This isn't just casual speculation; it's rooted in observable trends and Pudgy Penguins' own strategic moves.

For those new to the space, Pudgy Penguins is a beloved NFT collection on the Ethereum blockchain, featuring adorable, chubby penguin characters that have evolved into a full-fledged brand. Launched in 2021, the project faced ups and downs, but under Netz's leadership since 2022, it has transformed into a powerhouse. Netz, a serial entrepreneur who turned the project around from near collapse, has steered it toward real-world integrations like merchandise, toys, and even digital experiences.

The Asia bet aligns perfectly with Pudgy Penguins' recent expansions. Just last month, on July 16, 2025, Netz announced the start of their Japanese toy expansion via a post on X, emphasizing that "The future is in Asia." They've secured partnerships, including with Don Quijote, a major Japanese retailer, to distribute Pudgy Penguins toys. This move taps into Japan's vibrant pop culture scene, known for anime, manga, and innovative tech integrations—perfect for blending NFTs with physical products.

But why Asia, and why now? Netz's vision points to the region's explosive growth in creativity and consumer engagement. Tokyo's street fashion and tech hubs, Korea's K-pop and gaming dominance, and China's massive digital economy are breeding grounds for new cultural phenomena. In the crypto world, this could mean a surge in meme tokens and NFTs inspired by Asian aesthetics and narratives. Meme tokens, those fun, community-driven cryptocurrencies often tied to viral internet trends, thrive on cultural relevance. As Asia rises, projects like Pudgy Penguins could ride the wave by localizing content, collaborating with regional influencers, and even launching Asia-specific drops.

This isn't isolated; Pudgy Penguins has already shown adaptability. In a bear market, with just 1 ETH in the bank, they pivoted to merch, projecting over $50 million in sales this year. Their token, $PENGU, despite post-TGE (Token Generation Event) price dips, represents a bridge between NFTs and broader crypto utility. Netz views Pudgy as "a brand that happens to have NFTs," aiming for longevity like Mickey Mouse but in the web3 era.

For blockchain practitioners and meme enthusiasts, Netz's prediction is a call to action. Keep an eye on Asian markets for emerging trends—think K-drama-inspired memes or Tokyo street art NFTs. Pudgy Penguins' push into Korea and China could set precedents for how Western projects globalize.

As the crypto landscape evolves, shifts like this highlight the importance of cultural agility. Whether you're holding $PENGU or scouting new meme tokens, Asia's cultural ascent could redefine the game. What do you think—will Tokyo outpace Hollywood in the next 10 years? Dive into the full interview clips on CounterParty TV for more insights.