A statue honoring Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of Bitcoin, was unveiled in Hanoi on September 9, becoming the fifth such artwork dedicated to the enigmatic figure worldwide. The statue, created by Italian artist Valentina Picozzi, was brought to Vietnam by the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Asset Association (VBA) and is now permanently displayed at the 1Matrix headquarters in Times City.

The artwork is open to the public every Saturday as part of the Blockchain Gallery, offering visitors a chance to view this unique tribute to cryptocurrency's founding figure. Satoshi Nakamoto is widely believed to be the pseudonym used by an individual or group who created Bitcoin, the world's first cryptocurrency, and introduced revolutionary blockchain technology to the global financial system.

The historical significance of Nakamoto's contributions cannot be overstated. In October 2008, someone using the Nakamoto identity published a groundbreaking white paper that outlined a peer-to-peer digital currency system. By early 2009, this same person or group launched the Bitcoin software and successfully mined the first block of the Bitcoin blockchain. However, Nakamoto mysteriously vanished from public view in 2010, leaving behind a legacy that would transform the financial world.

Despite Nakamoto's unknown identity, their impact on global wealth is staggering. Their estimated holdings of 1.1 million Bitcoins are valued at over $120 billion, which would theoretically place them among the world's 20 wealthiest individuals if their identity were known. This massive fortune remains untouched, adding to the mystery surrounding the Bitcoin creator.

The Hanoi statue features a remarkable visual design that reflects Nakamoto's elusive nature. When viewed from an angle, Satoshi's profile becomes clearly visible to observers. However, when viewed directly from the front, the figure fades into near transparency, symbolizing Nakamoto's deliberate retreat from public attention after establishing the foundation for a decentralized financial system.

According to VBA Vice President and Secretary-General Nguyen Van Hien, Italian artist Valentina Picozzi dedicated 21 months to completing this intricate piece. "The statue represents the culture of decentralization," Hien explained. "Its presence in multiple countries recognizes the contributions of Bitcoin's creator to global financial technology." The extended creation process demonstrates the careful attention to detail required to capture Nakamoto's symbolic importance.

VBA Chairman Phan Duc Trung emphasized the broader mission behind bringing the statue to Vietnam. "Nakamoto's story continues to inspire blockchain communities worldwide," Trung stated. "By bringing the statue to Vietnam, we aim to promote the core values of blockchain – transparency, freedom, and security – and to make the technology more accessible to the public." This initiative represents Vietnam's growing engagement with cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

The Hanoi installation joins an exclusive collection of similar statues erected around the globe. The first statue, titled 'We are all Satoshi,' was installed in Budapest, Hungary, featuring a reflective bronze surface that allows viewers to see themselves in the sculpture. This design sends the powerful message that anyone can embody Satoshi's innovative spirit and contribute to decentralized technology.

Other locations housing Nakamoto statues include Switzerland, El Salvador, and Japan, each representing different aspects of the global cryptocurrency movement. However, the Switzerland installation faced an unfortunate setback when the statue was stolen shortly after its unveiling in October 2024. Fortunately, authorities successfully recovered the artwork in August, demonstrating the value and significance these installations hold for local communities and the broader blockchain ecosystem.