Fujitsu Japan Ltd. has officially announced a partnership with 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 lighting event ‘Kanazawa Tsukimikoro’, scheduled from October 20 to 22, 2023. This event aims to dazzle visitors with light and bridge the gap between the real and digital worlds.
Expanding the Scope: Technology Meets Tradition
The focus of the collaboration is on implementing the “Fujitsu Web3 acceleration platform”, a technological infrastructure that will power the issuance of NFTs during the event. The NFTs are displayed via a specialized Augmented Reality (AR) application called “Connect Kanazawa 2.”
In addition to purely visual spectacle, the event aims to offer visitors a multi-layered experience. Participants will experience a unique, immersive journey by combining projection mapping technology with live piano performance. Furthermore, an AR component will invite interaction. Event visitors who view the site via the special web application on their smartphones will encounter a virtual rabbit. By tapping this digital creature, they get an NFT in which the rabbit is set against the vibrant backdrop of projection maps.
Societal impact and future directions
However, Fujitsu Japan and the Kanazawa Institute have their eyes on more than just an isolated event. The long-term goal of this initiative is to explore the practical applications of NFT technology in the development of local services. The aim is to generate new interest in the Kanazawa region, a city known for its tradition and cultural significance.
Professor Ritsuko Izuhara of the Kanazawa Institute of Technology emphasized the social objectives and stated: “We strive to solve social problems through collaboration between industry, academia and government. We hope to provide visitors with a special experience that will spark new interest in the Kanazawa region.”
The initiative focuses on broader societal issues, such as declining birth rates and an aging population, and is part of a larger effort to use digital technologies to provide solutions. Fujitsu Japan has already initiated projects to rejuvenate local communities by fostering stronger relationships with non-resident populations.
Japan Metaverse economic zone
Last March, a consortium of leading Japanese companies, including Fujitsu, announced the creation of the ‘Japan Metaverse Economic Zone’. The aim of this new zone is to establish a structured approach for these companies to explore opportunities in Web3 marketing, labor reform and customer experience improvements.
The pact was officially signed on February 16 and includes a series of notable companies 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 multi-faceted Metaverse platform, this virtual space will be located in a digital realm called Ryugukoku. The operation and design of this virtual economic zone will be provided by JP Games.