Web3.0 × Aichi: Uncovering the Multifaceted Appeal of Aichi's Web3.0 Initiatives in Cultural Heritage and Innovation

Located near the center of the Japanese archipelago, Aichi Prefecture has been Japan's leading region in industrial product shipments since 1977, earning it the nickname 'Kingdom of Manufacturing'. The area is bustling with chemical and heavy chemical industries, including synthetic resins, automobiles, and machine tools. It is also the birthplace of renowned warlords such as Oda Nobunaga, who aimed to unify Japan under the banner of 'Tenka Fubu', Toyotomi Hideyoshi who rose to the position of Imperial Regent, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, known for unifying Japan.

While Aichi has been a driving force in Japan's development, it also faces numerous modern challenges. Some cities, like those around Nagoya and Toyota City stations, are undergoing large-scale redevelopment, while others struggle with increasing vacancies and declining station-front areas. Issues such as aging populations and rising numbers of students refusing to attend school are also of concern, making the realization of 'Smart Cities' a priority for local municipalities. Against this backdrop, Web3.0 technologies are being actively implemented in Aichi, though their purposes vary by municipality.