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Backed by AI AVATAR, the platform merges AI companionship, the "Heart Economy," and future robotics to bridge virtual interaction and real-world applications.
Tokyo, Japan, February 23, 2026, Press Release – AVATAR48, the platform at the intersection of advanced AI, robotics, and blockchain technology, announces the upcoming launch of its native utility token, AYA, on Virtuals. This strategic launch marks the beginning of a new chapter in the "Heart Economy," a tokenized ecosystem where emotional connection and engagement translate into measurable digital value.
In a significant partnership, AVATAR48 has officially onboarded global cultural icon Eimi Fukada as a flagship partner. This collaboration enables users to move beyond passive interaction, allowing them to chat, engage, and interact with a hyper-realistic AI digital twin designed to evolve through ongoing conversations.
The onboarding of Fukada represents the first phase of a broader expansion strategy. Following this launch, AVATAR48 is actively exploring additional partnerships with high-profile public figures to expand the platform’s ecosystem and user engagement.
Backed by AI AVATAR
AVATAR48 is powered by the technological infrastructure of AI AVATAR. Through proprietary large language models (LLMs) and advanced AI systems, the platform delivers responsive and adaptive digital companion experiences. This backing provides the scalability and technical framework necessary to support the growth of the AI companionship sector.
AYA: The fuel of the Heart Economy
The launch of AYA on Virtuals activates the platform’s "Heart Economy." The token functions as the primary utility asset within the ecosystem, supporting multiple engagement mechanisms:
Access to premium chat tiers and exclusive digital experiences
Participation-based rewards through the “Play-to-Earn” system, where users accumulate “Hearts” that can be converted into AYA
Governance participation, enabling token holders to vote on new AI avatars and platform features
The platform is developing additional gamified interaction layers designed to enhance engagement within the ecosystem. The official AVATAR48 token AYA will launch on 24 February 2026 at 11:00 UTC (19:00 HKT / 20:00 JST).

"We are uniting AI companionship, AI-generated content (AIGC), and a tokenized economy into one seamless ecosystem. With the backing of AI AVATAR and the star power of Eimi Fukada, AYA is poised to become the standard currency for interaction and emotional value." — Aya Fujimoto, AVATAR48 Founder.
Platform availability and roadmap

The AVATAR48 chatbot is currently live on the official website, allowing early users to begin interacting with Aya and Eimi ahead of the token launch.
The roadmap outlines continued expansion across:
RANK48 system: Inspired by community-based ranking systems, users will be able to stake AYA to support their preferred avatars within the ecosystem.
AIGC integration: Advanced generative tools enabling users to create and customize digital avatars.
Robotics development: Long-term research into humanoid systems designed to extend AI companionship into physical-world applications.
About AVATAR48
AVATAR48 integrates advanced AI systems and blockchain infrastructure to develop evolving digital companions. Featuring public figures such as Eimi Fukada and AI idol Aya Fujimoto, the platform combines AI companionship, AIGC, and a tokenized Heart Economy powered by the AYA token.
Website: avatar48.ai
Twitter/X: @aya_avatar48
Media contact:
John
aya.support@avatar48.ai

