Introducing novel nationwide initiatives using Web 3.0
Located at the southern tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture is dotted with various islands, including Yakushima. It has a deep connection with nature, including Sakurajima, known as one of Japan's most active volcanoes, Tanegashima, famous as the place where firearms were introduced, and Amami Oshima, surrounded by emerald blue waters and known as the "Galapagos of the Orient," with its diverse ecosystem.
Kagoshima Prefecture is also known as a leading hot spring kingdom, with about 100 hot springs and over 2,700 hot springs, the second highest number in Japan. In addition to these, Kagoshima Prefecture has a variety of famous products, including black pork, Annou potatoes, and Sakurajima radishes.
Kagoshima Prefecture is also deeply connected to history. In addition to the firearms mentioned above, events that can be considered turning points in history, such as the introduction of Christianity, have occurred in Kagoshima Prefecture. This shows that Kagoshima Prefecture has functioned as an important trading port since ancient times.
Speaking of history, the Shimazu clan, who ruled Kyushu for a long time from the Kamakura period to the Edo period, is well known. The fame of Saigo Takamori, who was particularly active from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era, is immeasurable. His popularity continues to grow, with dramas depicting his life being aired on numerous occasions.
He was loved by many of his comrades, and his strength and achievements in creating a new Japan from Satsuma have made him a memorable leader in Japanese history.
Perhaps because Kagoshima Prefecture is a place where new cultures were introduced and where history was a turning point, various efforts are being made to develop new technologies. Among these are efforts related to Web 3.0.
Neo Hioki
Hioki," which aims to "create another Hioki City" on the metaverse. Neo Hioki aims to recreate the famous places of the real Hioki City on the metaverse, creating a structure that allows people inside and outside the region to feel the presence of Hioki City.
Neo Hioki, a rare initiative even on a national scale, was selected as a national model project in 2023, and is expected to develop even more attractive content and events in the metaverse in the future to create a connected population, which is the foundation of the initiative. It is also working on Japan's first initiative linked to local currency.
For more details on Neo Hioki's future developments, please read the interview in the next section.
▶This project was launched in Hioki City with the concept of "creating another Hioki City" in the metaverse. It has been selected as a national model project and is attracting attention. A local currency will be introduced in Hioki City in October 2024, and collaboration with Neo Hioki is planned in the future. If this is realized, it will be an unprecedented example of collaboration with a local currency in the metaverse.
Companies and organizations that have introduced it: Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, NTT ConoQ
KOKYO NFT "Brown Sugar Shochu NFT"
Large corporations are also working on Web 3.0 initiatives in Kagoshima Prefecture. Hakuhodo and JAL are offering the experience-based NFT "KOKYO NFT" in Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture. This NFT aims to provide "special experiences unique to the region" and is developed to allow holders to enjoy the charms of each region and feel connected to the local people.
Amami City is offering the "Brown Sugar Shochu NFT," which uses brown sugar shochu, a local specialty. If you hold this NFT, you can receive incentives such as participation in sake brewery events held in summer and winter, three original brown sugar shochu gifts, and the right to purchase alcohol at a discount provided by Nishihira Shuzo.
▶The experience-based NFT "KOKYO NFT," which aims to provide "special experiences unique to the region," issues NFTs that are related to each region. The "Brown Sugar Shochu NFT" uses brown sugar shochu, a specialty of Amami City, and offers incentives such as the right to participate in brewery events, the gift of three original brown sugar shochu varieties, and the right to purchase alcohol at a discount provided by Nishihira Shuzo.
Companies and organizations that have introduced the system: Hakuhodo, JAL
KOKYO NFT "Space Art NFT at Tanegashima"
In addition, "Space Art NFT at Tanegashima" is also being offered as an initiative of KOKYO NFT in Kagoshima Prefecture. By holding this NFT, holders can create, exhibit, and co-own artworks with light artist Yasuhiro Senda at the Tanegashima Space Art Festival, as well as gain the right to participate in the Tanegashima Star Cave Tour.
The aim is to deliver artworks to space through this series of initiatives, and it seems that they can actually be involved in the final stages of production.
▶ "Space Art NFT at Tanegashima" is being offered as an initiative of "KOKYO NFT", which has ties to Kagoshima Prefecture, following "Brown Sugar Shochu NFT". Holders can create, exhibit, and co-own artworks with light artist Yasuhiro Senda at the Tanegashima Space Art Festival, as well as gain the right to participate in the Tanegashima Star Cave Tour.
Companies and organizations that have introduced it: Hakuhodo, JAL
NFT project "Covered People"
In addition, Satsumasendai City in Kagoshima Prefecture has partnered with the NFT project "Covered People" to offer collaborative NFT art as a gift in return for hometown tax donations. This is the first time that NFTs have been used as a gift in return for hometown tax donations in Kagoshima Prefecture.
NFT art themed on Satsumasendai City has been created, and it seems that if you actually visit the city, you can receive a limited edition NFT.
▶︎Satsumasendai City has partnered with the NFT project "Covered People" to offer collaborative NFT art as a gift in return for hometown tax donations for the first time in Kagoshima Prefecture. NFT art themed on Satsumasendai City has been created, and if you actually visit the city, you can receive a limited edition NFT. It seems that you can also receive commemorative original goods by presenting the NFT as a gift in return.
Companies and organizations that have introduced it: Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Laughing Cube Co., Ltd.
Kagoshima Rebnise "Rebnise Token"
As an initiative using tokens, the Japanese professional basketball team Kagoshima Rebnise has issued a club token, the Rebnise Token, through the token platform FiNANCiE.
Holders of the Rebnise Token can participate in communities and projects, and can be involved in various projects. The team has also announced a policy of contributing to the local community in Kagoshima Prefecture through tokens.
▶︎The club token, the Rebnise Token, issued by the Japanese professional basketball team Kagoshima Rebnise through FiNANCiE allows holders to participate in communities and projects and be involved in various projects. By holding the token, you can support the team and contribute to the revitalization of the local community.
Companies and organizations that have adopted the token: Kagoshima Rebnise, FiNANCiE
So far, we have introduced the initiatives related to Web 3.0 in Kagoshima Prefecture. Kagoshima Prefecture is a place that is proactive in utilizing new technologies, and we will likely see many more examples in the future.
Interview Iolite FACE vol.10 David Schwartz, Hirata Michie
PHOTO & INTERVIEW Nakamura Shido
Special feature: "Unlocking the Future: The Arrival of the AI Era," "The Ishiba Cabinet is in chaos with hopes and fears intersecting. What will happen to Japan's Web 3.0 in the future?" "Learn about the tax knowledge necessary for cryptocurrency trading! Explaining the basics and techniques that can be used even now"
Interview: SHIFT AI Kiuchi Shota, Digirise's Chaen Masahiro, Bybit's Ben Zhou, Monex Group Inc.
Zero Office Head/Monex Crypto Bank Bandai Atsushi and Asami Hiroshi, Kaoria Accounting Office Representative and Active Tax Accountant Fujimoto Gohei
Series Tech and Future Sasaki Toshinao...etc.
MAGAZINE
Iolite Vol.11
January 2025 issueReleased on 2024/11/28
Interview Iolite FACE vol.10 David Schwartz, Hirata Michie
PHOTO & INTERVIEW Nakamura Shido
Special feature: "Unlocking the Future: The Arrival of the AI Era," "The Ishiba Cabinet is in chaos with hopes and fears intersecting. What will happen to Japan's Web 3.0 in the future?" "Learn about the tax knowledge necessary for cryptocurrency trading! Explaining the basics and techniques that can be used even now"
Interview: SHIFT AI Kiuchi Shota, Digirise's Chaen Masahiro, Bybit's Ben Zhou, Monex Group Inc.
Zero Office Head/Monex Crypto Bank Bandai Atsushi and Asami Hiroshi, Kaoria Accounting Office Representative and Active Tax Accountant Fujimoto Gohei
Series Tech and Future Sasaki Toshinao...etc.