[NEWS] JR Kyushu to launch rail industry's first initiative using NFTs

On the 9th, JR Kyushu and PRO announced that they will launch the first project in the railway industry to utilize NFTs. They will operate their own sales site and provide attractive NFT content, distributing NFTs as a "memento" or "proof" of "visiting, riding, or using" the train.

Through this initiative, they will build connections with customers and propose new value and ways to enjoy Kyushu, they said.

The project will be called "JR Kyushu NFT." Rather than using NFTs as content for collections or buying and selling, the project will focus on providing new value.

They also plan to provide benefits that will make life easier, such as receiving new NFT gifts and services depending on the type and number of NFTs held.

Unlike traditional marketplaces, JR Kyushu NFT allows users to purchase NFT content by paying with Japanese yen rather than crypto assets (virtual currency). Users can also access the site by holding their wallet card over their smartphone. Compatible browsers include Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge.

The project is scheduled to begin in July of this year, and details of the NFTs to be sold and distributed, as well as the method and timing, will be announced as soon as they are decided.

The JR Kyushu NFT project will use Aster Network (ASTR), a public blockchain developed in Japan. It also appears to have adopted the ValueBase NFT service provided by CryptoLab, a subsidiary of PRO.

Aster Network founder Sota Watanabe said on his Twitter that "Aster is becoming more widespread in Japan," and expressed his intention to provide support in both Japanese and English through the Aster Foundation.

Aster Network is also being used as the foundation for the NFT campaign launched last month by Hakuhodo, Calbee, and others.

Reference:JR Kyushu
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