| Blockchain | A type of database technology that stores data across multiple systems in a way that ensures the data is not changeable or hackable. It's decentralized and distributed, making it highly secure and reliable. |
| Ethereum | A decentralized, open-source blockchain with smart contract functionality. It serves as a platform for numerous other cryptocurrencies and for the execution of decentralized smart contracts. |
| Ethereum-Compatible Blockchain | A blockchain that is compatible with Ethereum and can run Ethereum smart contracts and use Ethereum tools without any modifications. |
| Mainnet | The primary network for a blockchain project where actual transactions take place on a distributed ledger. |
| Testnet | A test blockchain used by developers for testing purposes. It works just like the main blockchain but its currency has no value. |
| Chain ID | A unique identifier for a blockchain network. It's used in transactions to prevent replay attacks across different networks. |
| Block Explorer | An online tool to view all transactions, past and current, on the blockchain. |
| Decentralized Application (DApp) | An application that is run by many users on a decentralized network with trustless protocols. |
| Ethereum Wallet | A user's account address on the Ethereum network, which can hold Ethereum or any number of tokens issued on the Ethereum network. |
| Ethereum-compatible wallet | A digital wallet that can store, send and receive cryptocurrency tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. |
| Node | A computer that participates in the blockchain network. Nodes store, spread, and preserve the blockchain data, and they also process transactions. |
| Node Providers | Entities or individuals who operate nodes on a blockchain network. Nodes are vital parts of blockchain infrastructure as they store, spread, and preserve the blockchain data. |
| Endpoint | The URL or IP address of an end node or server to access blockchain. It can be public, permissioned, or private. |
| Endpoint Services | Services that provide access points into blockchain networks. |
| RPC Endpoints | Access points to the blockchain network where commands can be sent and data can be read. |
| RPC Endpoint Providers | Providers who offer access to blockchain networks via Remote Procedure Call (RPC) interfaces, which allow applications to communicate with the blockchain. |
| Public Endpoint Method | A blockchain network whose endpoint is open to the public online around the world. |
| Permissioned Endpoint Method | A blockchain network that requires approval by members to access the network. |
| Private Endpoint Method | A blockchain network whose endpoint is not open to the public. |
| Validators | Participants/entities responsible for the actual operation of the blockchain. They verify new transactions and add them to the blockchain. In the context of JOC, validators are composed of well-known Japanese companies, universities, etc. |
| Validator Nodes | Nodes in a blockchain that are responsible for verifying transactions and adding new blocks to the blockchain. |
| Owned Node Method | A blockchain type where a single entity or individual owns all validator nodes. |
| Open Node Method | A blockchain network where anyone can participate in blockchain operation by connecting through their own node server. |
| Consortium Node Method | A blockchain network that requires approval from existing validators to become a validator. |
| Proof of Work (PoW) | A consensus algorithm used in blockchain networks where miners solve complex mathematical problems to add new blocks into the blockchain. |
| Proof of Stake (PoS) | Consensus algorithm where the creator of a new block is chosen through a combination of random selection and wealth (i.e., stake). |
| Proof of Authority Consensus Algorithm (PoA) | A consensus algorithm for a blockchain network where transactions and blocks are verified by approved accounts, known as validators. While PoA (Proof of Authority) has less decentralization among validators, it offers superior scalability and speed. |
| Sharding | A method for spreading the computational and storage load of a blockchain network over a large number of nodes. |
| Absolute Finality | A property of a consensus protocol where once a transaction is confirmed, it's impossible for it to be reversed. |
| Probabilistic Finality | A property of some consensus protocols where a transaction's finality is probabilistic, meaning it could still be reversed, but the probability of such an event decreases over time. |
| Side Chain | A blockchain ledger that runs parallel to the main blockchain. There is a bidirectional link between the main chain and the sidechain. While the sidechain can operate independently using its own ledger, it remains connected to the main chain. |
| Layer 2 | A secondary framework or protocol built on top of an existing blockchain network. |
| Rollup Technology | A Layer 2 solution that performs transaction execution off-chain and only posts transaction data on-chain, increasing the throughput of the Ethereum network. Types include Optimistic Rollup and ZkRollup. |
| Quorum | An Ethereum-based distributed ledger protocol that has been designed to provide industries such as finance with a permissioned implementation of Ethereum supporting transaction and contract privacy. |
| Cross-chain Protocols | Protocols that enable different blockchain networks to interact and communicate with each other, enhancing interoperability. |
| Blockchain Interoperability | The ability of different blockchain networks to share information and interact with each other. |
| Gas | A measure of computational effort in Ethereum and other blockchains. It is the internal pricing for running a transaction or contract in Ethereum. |
| Native Token | A type of token that is native to a specific blockchain. It's often used to pay for transaction fees within the network, incentivize the validation of new blocks, or participate in the network's governance. |
| Governance Tokens | Tokens that allow holders to vote on changes to a blockchain protocol's parameters. |
| Stablecoins | A type of cryptocurrency that is designed to have a stable value as opposed to the high volatility associated with most cryptocurrencies. The value is often pegged to a specific value or reserve, such as a currency like the Japanese yen or a commodity like gold. |
| NFT | Stands for "Non-Fungible Token". It's a type of cryptocurrency which represents a unique item or piece of content, contrasting with cryptocurrencies like bitcoin where each token is the same as every other token. |
| Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) | A type of public offering where tokens are sold directly on an exchange, rather than through the project team itself. |
| Cryptocurrency Exchange | A platform where users can exchange one type of digital asset for another based on the market value of the given assets. |
| DeFi | Short for "decentralized finance". Refers to the use of blockchain, cryptocurrency, smart contracts, and other technologies to provide traditional financial services such as borrowing, lending, and trading in a decentralized manner. |
| Japan Open Chain | An Ethereum-compatible blockchain infrastructure designed to promote secure and safe Web3 businesses globally. It operates as an open-endpoint type of consortium blockchain with permissioned nodes. |
| Japan Blockchain Foundation Co., Ltd. | A company established for auditing and disclosing the project's status, promoting the development of a robust ecosystem for Japan Open Chain, and serving as the project's administrator. |
| JOC Dashboard | Web application that every user of Japan Open Chain can use. It's a portal site in which users can check balances, develop DApps, manage NFTs, and more. |
| G.U. Wallet | The name of the Ethereum wallet provided by G.U.Technologies. |