Fujitsu Japan Ltd. has officially announced a collaboration with the Kanazawa Institute of Technology’s Izuhara Laboratory. The partnership aims to integrate blockchain technology into a local cultural event, specifically NFTs. The initiative will be part of the “Kanazawa Tsukimikoro” illumination event, scheduled for October 20 to October 22, 2023. This event is designed to dazzle attendees with lights and bridge the gap between the real and digital worlds.
Expanding the Scope: Technology Meets Tradition
The focus of the collaboration lies in implementing the “Fujitsu Web3 Acceleration Platform,” a technological infrastructure that will power the issuance of NFTs during the event. The NFTs will be displayed through a specialized Augmented Reality (AR) application called “Connect Kanazawa 2.”
Beyond mere visual spectacle, the event aims to offer a multi-layered experience to its attendees. Participants will be granted a unique, immersive journey by combining projection mapping technology with a live piano performance. Furthermore, an AR component will invite interaction. Event-goers who view the site through the dedicated web application on their smartphones will encounter a virtual rabbit. Tapping on this digital creature will award them an NFT that features the rabbit set against the vibrant backdrop of projection mapping.
Societal Impact and Future Directions
However, Fujitsu Japan and the Kanazawa Institute have their eyes set on more than just an isolated event. The long-term goal of this initiative is to explore the practical applications of NFT technology in developing local services. It aims to attract new interest in the Kanazawa region, a town known for its tradition and cultural significance.
Professor Ritsuko Izuhara of the Kanazawa Institute of Technology emphasized the societal goals, stating, “We aim to solve societal issues through industry-academia-government collaboration. We hope to provide visitors with a special experience that will attract new interest in the Kanazawa region.”
Addressing broader societal issues like declining birth rates and ageing populations, the initiative is part of a larger effort to leverage digital technologies to offer solutions. Fujitsu Japan has already started projects to rejuvenate local communities by fostering a stronger relationship with non-resident populations.
Japan Metaverse Economic Zone
Last March, a consortium of leading Japanese companies, including Fujitsu, announced the formation of the “Japan Metaverse Economic Zone,”. The objective of this new zone is to establish a structured approach for these corporations to explore opportunities in Web3 marketing, labor reform, and customer experience enhancements.
The pact was officially inked on February 16 and involves an array of notable firms such as JCB, Mizuho Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Resona Holdings, Sompo Japan Insurance, Toppan, Fujitsu, and TBT Lab.
Envisioned as a versatile Metaverse platform, this virtual space will be situated in a digital realm named Ryugukoku. The operation and design of this virtual economic zone will be handled by JP Games.