Cryptocurrencies may be making worldwide headlines as high volatility assets that have seen dazzling stretches of growth and stunning falls, but the CEO of Tokyo Otaku Mode Inc. believes they have a different kind of potential.

Naomitsu Kodaka says cryptocurrencies can serve as cross-border digital cash for smaller communities, such as hobbyists, that can be used within the group to build closer bonds and exchange assets.

The startup's plan is to target hardcore anime, manga and game lovers — or otaku (geeks) — with a new cryptocurrency called Otaku Coin.