Challenges of NFT Utilization by a Depopulating Remote Island to Create a Connected Population

──First, can you tell us how Awashima Ura Village came to encounter Web3.0?

Kusama Yasuhiro (hereafter, Kusama): In fiscal year Reiwa 4, we set up island-wide free Wi-Fi using fiber-optic lines. With a population of 316 (as of June Reiwa 7), the island is small, and the decrease in guesthouses and residences has shown the limits to increasing the actual residential population. Given these circumstances, we wanted to take a new step by using advanced technologies to increase the population connected to the island. Through expanding this connected population via NFTs, we aim to encourage future visits and interactions.

──The NFTs of Awashima Ura Village are being sold on JRE MALL, right?

Kusama: Yes. Although there are no railways on the island, many visitors come via Murakami Station, and we have been supported by JR East Planning in our tourism projects. They are also cooperating with us on this NFT sale. Currently, those who purchase our NFT art can become digital islanders.

The NFTs feature motifs such as 'Awashima Benten' priced at 30,000 yen limited to 35 pieces, a falcon native to Awashima priced at 30,000 yen limited to 15 pieces, and the 'Fanfarria' mural art at Kamatani Fishing Port priced at 30,000 yen limited to 50 pieces. Additionally, the actual 'Shared Ownership of Mural Art with Awashima Ura Village' is priced at 300,000 yen, limited to two sets of one each.

These NFTs are handled as rewards for hometown tax donations. The NFT acts as a certificate, making the owner a digital islander. Services for digital islanders are planned to be expanded in the future.