Crypto Village - Local DAO

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Crypto Village Newsletter #58 - 3/31

Crypto Village — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 22:30:47 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

■ Bringing the "Digital Spirit" Home to Shiiba

While many of you support us from thousands of miles away, we want to take a moment to transport you to a place where time moves differently.

Following our exhibition in the city of Tokyo, we journeyed deep into the emerald-green mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture. On March 14th and 15th, we held a special “homecoming” exhibition in Shiiba Village. This was a pivotal moment for us—it was the day the Shiiba Kagura NFT project finally met the very soil and the people that gave it life.

Capturing the Invisible “Ma”

For those who may be new to our journey, Shiiba is one of Japan’s last true “hidden” regions. For over 800 years, the villagers have protected Shiiba Kagura, a sacred performance that is less of a dance and more of a prayer—a raw expression of “Living Power” (the strength to survive in harmony with nature).

Our challenge was artistic as much as it was technical: How do you digitize a soul?

Working with artist Hiroyuki Hori, we used a sophisticated 8-camera 3D-scanning setup to capture the dancers. We didn’t just want pixels; we wanted to capture the “Ma”—that uniquely Japanese concept of the sacred space and silence between movements. We transformed these ancient rhythms into millions of points of light, creating a digital heartbeat that can now live forever on the blockchain.

A Message to our Digital Villagers

To our Digital Villagers who couldn’t be there in person: This is what your support is building. In the past, a village like Shiiba was a closed circle. If the youth left, the tradition died. But by becoming a Digital Villager through our NFT, you have broken those borders. You are now a vital part of a “Local Network” that spans the globe.

During the exhibition, the local elders—the masters of the Kagura—sat in the darkness of the gallery, watching their 800-year-old movements flicker in digital particles across the screen. There was a profound silence, followed by warm smiles. One elder remarked, “I never imagined our tradition could look so beautiful in the light of the future.” In that moment, the gap between an 800-year-old mountain village and a global DAO vanished.

The Evolving Frontier

Shiiba is not a museum. It is an “Evolving Hidden Region.” We believe that tradition only stays alive if it continues to move. By blending ancient wisdom with the cutting-edge technology of Web3, we aren’t just “preserving” the past—we are evolving it.

As a Digital Villager, you are a pioneer of this new frontier. You are helping us prove that a small village in the mountains of Japan can become a global hub for art, technology, and community.

Thank you for believing in the “Living Power” of Shiiba. Whether you are holding your NFT in London, New York, or Singapore, know that your heartbeat is now synced with the ancient pulse of these mountains.

This journey is just beginning.

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Crypto Village Newsletter #57 - 3/15

Crypto Village — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 22:00:42 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

■ LOCAL NETWORK — Community beyond the place

We are happy to share that our exhibition, “LOCAL NETWORK — Community beyond the place,” recently held at NEORT++ in Bakurocho, Tokyo, has successfully come to a close.

To everyone who visited us at the gallery, and to those who supported us from afar via social media and this newsletter—thank you so much. Your presence and encouragement truly made this event special.

Bringing the Local DAO into a Physical Space

At the center of this exhibition was the Shiiba Kagura NFT, which we launched last month. Our goal was to take the concept of the “Local DAO”—a new way of building regional communities—and give it a physical presence in the heart of the city.

The highlight of the gallery was the digital art created in collaboration with artist Hiroyuki Hori. By 3D-scanning an 800-year-old sacred performance using an 8-camera setup, we were able to reconstruct the movements of the “Shiiba Kagura” into a dynamic visual experience.

Seeing the performers motions emerge from the darkness of the gallery, we felt the atmosphere of the “hidden” Shiiba Village fill the room. It was an experience that vibrated through the body—something that goes far beyond what a computer screen can convey.

A Community Without Borders

True to our theme, “Community beyond the place,” the exhibition brought together an incredible mix of people: our “Digital Villagers,” art enthusiasts, and those passionate about the future of rural Japan.

It was a powerful moment to see people from such diverse backgrounds connect over shared values and a deep respect for tradition. Through this exhibition, a new vision for regional Japan started to take shape—one where we are no longer limited by physical distance or geography, but are instead linked by a common purpose.

This exhibition was just one milestone in our journey. We look forward to continuing this story with you as we explore the intersection of ancient tradition and the digital world.

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Crypto Village Newsletter #56 - 2/28

Crypto Village — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:00:50 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

We are excited to share an update on a project that sits at the very heart of what we do. While our daily interactions often happen in the digital space of Discord or on the blockchain, the physical roots of our projects remain deeply connected to the beautiful, rugged landscapes of rural Japan.

From March 4th to March 8th, we will be hosting a special exhibition titled “LOCAL NETWORK — Community beyond the place” at the NEORT++ gallery in Bakurocho, Tokyo.

While we know many of you are reading this from far across the globe and may not be able to attend in person, we want to share the story behind this exhibition. It is a celebration of our latest milestone: the Shiiba Kagura NFT.

Beyond Physical Borders: The Story of Shiiba

Shiiba Village, located in the mountains of Miyazaki, is a place where tradition is a way of life. For over 800 years, the villagers have performed Shiiba Kagura—a sacred performance that embodies the “living power” of the community.

Last month, we officially launched the Shiiba Kagura NFT. This project was a major technological and cultural challenge. Working with artist Hiroyuki Hori, we used a sophisticated 8-cameras to 3D-scan the performers. We didn’t just want to record a video; we wanted to capture the “ma” (the sacred timing and space) of the dance and transform it into a digital asset that can live forever on the blockchain.

What “Community Beyond the Place” Really Means

The title of our exhibition, “Community beyond the place,” is our answer to the challenges facing rural areas today.

In the past, a “village” was defined by its borders. If you lived there, you were part of the community. If you left, you were gone. But through the Local DAO, we are changing that definition.

By holding an NFT, someone in New York, London, or Tokyo can become a “Digital Villager” of Shiiba. This exhibition explores how technology allows us to weave a global network of support for a local tradition. It’s about the fact that 800 years of history doesn’t have to stay hidden in the mountains—it can be shared, celebrated, and preserved by a global community that transcends geography.

Experiencing the Pulse from Afar

For those who can visit the gallery in Tokyo, the space will be filled with immersive digital art that translates the energy of the mountains into a modern gallery setting.

But even if you are thousands of miles away, you are part of this “Local Network.” Every time you engage with our community, you are helping us prove that traditional culture can thrive in the digital age. You are part of the heartbeat that keeps Shiiba Kagura alive.

Exhibition Overview (For those in Japan)

Title: LOCAL NETWORK — Community beyond the place
Dates: March 4 – March 8, 2026
Location: NEORT++ (Bakurocho, Tokyo)
Concept: A fusion of 800-year-old sacred performance and the future of digital communities.

Keep the Conversation Going

Whether you are visiting us in Tokyo or cheering us on from the other side of the world, we are incredibly grateful for your support.

Watch the Story: To see the “Living Power” of the village, check out our recent dialogue between the artist and our local coordinator.
Join the Movement: Visit our official website to learn how you can become a part of the Shiiba community.

Thank you for being a part of this global network.

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Crypto Village Newsletter #55 - 2/15

Crypto Village — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 22:00:21 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

800 Years of Tradition in the Digital Age: The Story of Shiiba Kagura

We’ve been spending a lot of time lately for Shiiba village, a quiet place tucked away in the mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture. It’s known as one of the few “hidden” regions left in Japan, where life still moves to the rhythm of nature.

One of the village’s most important treasures is Shiiba Kagura, a sacred dance that has been performed for over 800 years. It’s a beautiful expression of “living power”—the wisdom and gratitude of people who have lived in these mountains for centuries. We wanted to find a way to help this tradition thrive in the modern world, and that’s how the Shiiba Kagura NFT project began.

Capturing the “Vibe” of the Performace

For this collection, we collaborated with artist Hiroyuki Hori. To truly capture the energy of the performance, we didn’t just take photos. We used 8 cameras to 3D-scan the performers’ movements, turning the ancient “ma” (timing and space) into digital art.

The goal wasn’t to create something flashy, but to create something that feels real—a digital piece that carries the heartbeat of the village. By joining this project, you’re not just buying a piece of art; you’re becoming a part of the Shiiba community.

Sales Details

The Shiiba Kagura NFT is now available. We’d love for you to be a part of this story.

Price: 0.015 ETH + gas
Total Supply: 1,000
Where to buy: Shiiba Kagura Official Website

A Small Celebration of Our Roots

While we’re excited about Shiiba, we also took a moment recently to celebrate our journey in Yamakoshi.

We held a small “New Year Party” in Tokyo to mark the 5th anniversary of Nishikigoi NFT. It was really special to see everyone in person. People who started as just “icons” on Discord five years ago have become real-life friends. Seeing these connections continue to grow is what keeps us going. The warmth we’ve built in Yamakoshi is exactly what we hope to bring to Shiiba as well.

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Why One of Japan’s Most Rural Villages is Betting on NFTs: A Resilient Vision for the Frontlines of Population Decline

Crypto Village — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:01:04 GMT

This article is an English translation of a Japanese blog post by Kenta Murakami, representing the Shiiba Village Local DAO as part of the Nishikigoi NFT project.

Deep in the mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture, right in the heart of Kyushu, lies Shiiba Village. To give you an idea of its scale, it covers an area nearly the size of Tokyo—yet it is home to just over 2,000 people.

In this place, often called one of Japan’s “Three Hidden Regions,” a new challenge began on January 16, 2026: the launch of “Shiiba Kagura NFT / Mouth of the River.”

You might ask:
“Why would a rural village need NFTs?” or
“What can digital art really do on the frontlines of population decline?”

My name is Kenta Murakami, the local coordinator for the Shiiba Local DAO team. It has been two years since we’ve started this project. Today, with deep gratitude to the partners who stayed with us every step of the way, I want to share the “wish” behind this project and the “future” we hope to build with all of you.

Landscape of Shiiba: Houses built along the mountain contours on the few patches of flat land.

Creating the Future We Want

I moved to Shiiba about ten years ago. Today, I am a member of the “Kawanokuchi” community. I run a local campsite and a share house, but I also serve as a volunteer firefighter and help preserve our traditional “Kagura”. Life here is a balance between surviving harsh nature—like typhoons and heavy snow—and enjoying its incredible beauty.

However, we face a serious problem: our population is shrinking fast. Every year, about 100 people leave. Houses become empty, and farms are swallowed by the forest. Some locals tell me, “The future is so uncertain that I can’t even ask my children to move back.”

But I chose this village, and I refuse to give up. My philosophy is simple: “If it’s not there, build it.” This is the same spirit that has kept Shiiba alive for centuries. It’s time for us to build our own future.

Preparing sacred ornaments. Even our artist, Hiroyuki Hori, is getting hands-on with the locals.

In the past, when there were no roads or cars, the people of this village made everything by hand—their homes, their food, and their tools. The same spirit applies to Kagura.

Every year, the villagers create the sacred ornaments and ropes from scratch to prepare for the performance. To live here is to work with your hands and use your wisdom to build your own life. I realized that this “power to create” is exactly what we need to survive an uncertain future.

And the, I started to wonder: What would happen if we combined this “spirit of creation”—which is in our DNA—with modern technology?
The answer is the Shiiba Kagura NFT.

Shiiba Kagra NFT, Mouth of the River

Preserving 1,000 Years of Tradition in Digital Form

"Kagura" and "NFTs" might seem like an odd mix. But through our project, we met artist Hiroyuki Hori, who helped us see things differently. He focused on the "movement" of the performance—the physical energy of the performers—and used 3D technology to bring it into the digital world.

Typically, 3D scanning is done in a studio. But we did something bold as we brought all the equipment deep into the mountains to capture the energy of the village itself. Thanks to Hiroyuki Hori’s passion, we pulled off this difficult challenge.

The resulting collection, “Mouth of the River,” is more than just a video. We extracted the raw movement from the traditional Kagura and preserved it “alive” in the digital world.

This NFT contains the history and DNA of our village, and now it can reach anyone in the world, regardless of distance. I invite you to see the video (at the bottom of the page).

A moment of deep emotion for Murakami, and a “mission accomplished” for artist Hiroyuki Hori.

Digital Villagers: A New Way to Connect

We call those who mint the NFTs “Digital Villagers.” To us, you are not just customers, but you are partners helping us “open up” the future of Shiiba.

We are already seeing amazing things happen. Take Arai san, for example. He is a digital villager of Yamakoshi (Nishikigoi NFT), but through the Local DAO community, he decided to visit Shiiba. With his incredible energy, he bonded with the locals instantly.

Seeing an “outsider” enjoy our culture so much—more than anyone else—truly changed the atmosphere of the village. When people from the outside come here, respect our traditions, and genuinely have fun, it gives the local people incredible courage and hope.

Digital villager Arai san

People often say that rural areas are closed off. But in reality, that is just a natural caution toward strangers. Once you take the first step inside, you are welcomed with incredible kindness and a deep spirit of mutual support. So the digital villagers system is your ticket to skip that first hurdle.

The proceeds from the NFT sales, after covering expenses, will go directly back into the community and fund the activities of our digital villagers. By holding this NFT, you help capital circulate within the village, and in return, you create a place in this hidden region where you truly belong.

Toward a Future No One Has Seen Before

A shrinking population also means more “blank space.” It gives us the freedom to design a new future from scratch, without the weight of old restrictions. Instead of waiting for the government to act, we are building our own cultural network—driven by the community and connected to the world.

Because Shiiba Village is so rural, it has remained untouched by large corporations. This is our advantage. It allows us to experiment freely. By carrying on our traditional “spirit of creation,” we can open up the village together with our digital villagers.

You don’t need to move here to be a part of this. You can simply own the art, check in on our community chat from time to time, or visit us in person for a drink. We want you to enjoy the future of this village at your own pace and in your own way.

We are minting 1,000 NFTs. To us, these are not just tokens—they are invitations to 1,000 future partners.

Together, let’s build a “quiet excitement.” I truly look forward to meeting you, not just as a holder, but as a digital villager of Shiiba.

Surviving the night together. A group photo after the “All-Night Kagura”

Visit the Official Website

The Shiiba Kagura NFT is available exclusively through our official launch page. Click the link below to explore the collection:

Official Website: https://shiiba.nishikigoinft.com/en

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Crypto Village Newsletter #54 - 1/31

Crypto Village — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:00:36 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

The News of the Week:

MNT START - Shiiba Kagura NFT

■ MINT STARTS - Shiiba Kagura NFT

We are excited to announce that the Shiiba Kagura NFT is officially available for purchase!

This journey began by taking the torch from Yamakoshi Village, where the first “Local DAO” was born. Since then, Shiiba has taken many big steps forward. From winning the Digital Resident Election to being selected for a national government program, every step has led us to this moment. After the success of our recent tour in the village, we are finally ready to share this collection with the world.

This project was made possible through an incredible partnership with artist Hiroyuki Hori. Together, we have transformed ancient Kagura traditions into a completely new form of expression.

By using eight cameras to capture the ritual from every angle, we have created something truly dynamic and immersive. You can now experience the “heartbeat” of this hidden village through a unique digital lens.

This NFT is the result of our challenge to connect tradition to the next generation. We invite you to be a part of it.

■ How to Buy

You can mint the NFTs directly from our official website.
Click the link below to get started:
Official Website: https://shiiba.nishikigoinft.com/en

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https://shiiba.nishikigoinft.com/en

Crypto Village Newsletter #53 - 1/15

Crypto Village — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 22:00:37 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

The News of the Week:

Minting Details of Shiiba Kagura NFT

■ Minting Details of Shiiba Kagura NFT

Official Website

Launch Day is Here: The Shiiba Kagura NFT Collection

The moment has finally arrived. Tomorrow, we officially launch the Shiiba Kagura NFT, a project dedicated to preserving and sharing one of Japan’s most sacred traditions with the world. This is more than a digital release; it is a bold challenge to bridge a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property with the next generation through Web3.

We invite you to join this journey, not just as a supporter, but as a “stakeholder” and a Digital Villagers of Shiiba.

Below are the details for the upcoming sales:

Sales Overview

1. Presale for NFT Holders (Exclusive Early Access)

As a token of our gratitude to our core community, we are offering early access to our existing holders.

Eligibility: Holders of Nishikigoi NFT or Tenryukyo Dragon
Start Date: Friday, January 16th
Special Benefit: An exclusive discounted price is available until January 31st.

Please note: Standard pricing will apply starting February 1st.

2. Public Sale

We welcome the global community to join us in this second phase of our launch.

Start Date: Thursday, January 22nd
Pricing: Please check the official website for the latest updates.

Official Website

For all purchase details and the latest information, please visit our official site:

The Shiiba Kagura NFT has been brought to life by our artist Hiroyuki Hori.

At the core of this collection is high-precision motion data, captured during the recent festival using a sophisticated 8 cameras positioned around the sacred stage. This setup allowed us to digitally preserve the ancient physical techniques and spiritual essence of the Kagura performers—a lineage of movement that has been passed down for centuries—using the pinnacle of modern technology.

These pieces are far more than mere digital images. They represent a true fusion of historical depth and digital innovation. By bridging a tradition that has survived for hundreds of years with the limitless possibilities of the future, we have created a one-of-a-kind art piece that records the very soul of Shiiba.

@horristic ","username":"nishikigoiNFT","name":"Nishikigoi NFT【公式】","profile_image_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/profile_images/1589385549218922496/cqyy7Yhn_normal.jpg","date":"2026-01-06T11:00:55.000Z","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/w_1028,c_limit,q_auto:best/l_twitter_play_button_rvaygk,w_88/bsrd7zqdlwrpzq0qdvno","link_url":"https://t.co/ptYsPjapGK"}],"quoted_tweet":{},"reply_count":0,"retweet_count":8,"like_count":19,"impression_count":2467,"expanded_url":null,"video_url":"https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/2008493955621728256/vid/avc1/1270x720/ah3R67uXgF8ziq-X.mp4?tag=14","belowTheFold":true}" data-component-name="Twitter2ToDOM">

Our mission is to take the hidden energy of Shiiba—one of Japan’s most secluded and sacred regions—and connect it to the world and the future. This ambitious journey has only just begun.

Through this project, we believe that we are doing more than just “preserving” tradition. We are using the power of technology to accelerate it, giving traditional culture a new life in the digital age.

Our entire team is beyond excited to welcome you as a Digital villager and a true stakeholder in this story. Together, let’s build the future of the village.

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Crypto Village Newsletter #52 - 12/31

Crypto Village — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 22:00:31 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

The News of the Week:

Connecting the Life Force: Shiiba Village, Local DAO, and the Shiiba Kagura NFT

Connecting the Life Force: Shiiba Village, Local DAO, and the Shiiba Kagura NFT

The Value of Deep Community Connection

Shiiba Village, located deep within the Kyushu Mountains, is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Secluded Regions. This unique area maintains a strong sense of the “innate resilience of life” and the warm, genuine, face-to-face connections often missing in modern society. To ensure this essential village wisdom and vitality are passed on, we have launched a new initiative leveraging the Local DAO framework and NFT technology.

Crucially, this project was officially approved through a Digital Villager General Election held by the entire Nishikigoi NFT community. Driven by this strong mandate, we are pioneering the concept of the “Digital Villager,” moving far beyond being just a “relational population.”

Local Report: The Energy of the All-Night Kagura Tour

We recently hosted the successful “All-Night Kagura Tour 2025.” This marked the first time the traditional Kagura of the Osakigawa-no-kuchi district was opened to the general public. Participants traveled from afar, immersed themselves in the all-night ritual, and connected directly with villagers around a bonfire. This experience allowed them to fully grasp the “raw, intense energy of the community” thriving in this secluded region.

Embodied Passion: The “Shiiba Kagura NFT”

We are now excited to introduce the “Shiiba Kagura NFT,” which captures the vibrant spirit of Shiiba Village in a digital format.

This NFT is a dynamic piece of Generative Art based on the “Shiiba Kagura,” a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Generative Art guarantees inherent uniqueness—no two pieces are identical—and thus perfectly embodies the spirit of “individuality” that the Nishikigoi NFT community values highly.

More than just art, this NFT serves as your passport to becoming a “Digital Villager.” It allows you to build a tangible connection with Shiiba Village and actively participate in shaping its future.

Through this NFT, we invite you to become a true stakeholder and co-create the future for the preservation of the “resilience of life” that defines Shiiba Village.

Shiiba Kagura NFT Sales Information

~NFT Mint Details~
Motif: Generative Art NFT based on Shiiba Kagura
Start of Sale: Scheduled for Early January 2026
Further Details: Will be announced sequentially on the official website (https://shiiba.nishikigoinft.com/en/) and official X account.

Year-End Greetings

Time truly flew by this year. This will be our last newsletter before the new year.

We sincerely thank you for your interest and support throughout 2025. The coming year of 2026 marks the highly anticipated launch of the “Shiiba Kagura NFT.” We look forward to digitally connecting the energy of this secluded region and building a new model for the village with your partnership.

We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year.

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A Journey into the All-Night Kagura of Shiiba

Crypto Village — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 22:00:54 GMT

Time truly flies. This marks our final newsletter of the year. Thank you so much for your consistent support and readership.

The narrative expanding from the Nishikigoi NFT—through Neo Yamakoshi, Tenryukyo, and Shiiba Village—is just beginning. We are committed to pushing boundaries and driving forward, ensuring we deliver even more excitement and innovation in the new year.

We look forward to your continued journey with us!

A Journey into the All-Night Kagura of Shiiba

In late November 2025, a small group of travelers embarked on a journey to one of Japan’s most hidden locations. They headed to Shiiba Village, tucked deep within the mountains of Miyazaki, for a historic event: the “All-Night Kagura Tour.” For centuries, the sacred heritage of this village were kept private, shared only among locals. But this year, for the first time, the village opened its doors to outsiders, creating a bridge between tradition and the modern world.

The adventure began with a long drive through winding mountain roads. After learning about the village’s history at the local museum, everyone gathered at Kozaki Shrine as the sun began to set. Before the main performance, a ritual called Kami-mukae was held to welcome the deities down from the mountains. Villagers played drums and flutes, escorting the gods into the shrine while guests sat around roaring bonfires, sharing local sake and chatting with the villagers. In those quiet moments by the fire, the barrier between “visitor” and “local” simply disappeared.

A Night of Rhythm, Sake, and Sacred Celebration

At 7:00 PM, the Kagura finally began. For the next eight hours, the shrine stage came alive. Each dance lasted about 30 minutes, featuring performers with sacred swords and bells. Unlike the quiet, stiff atmosphere people often expect from Japanese rituals, Shiiba Kagura is a loud, joyful celebration. Between dances, everyone feasted on handmade buckwheat noodles and local pickles. As the sake flowed, the crowd grew more energetic, with villagers and guests cheering together.

By midnight, the energy reached a fever pitch. The dances became faster and more intense, with performers even inviting the audience to join in by striking the drums. The celebration didn’t end until 3:00 AM, leaving everyone exhausted but deeply inspired. The next morning, instead of just leaving, the participants helped the villagers clean up the shrine. By working side-by-side, they formed a bond that went beyond traditional tourism.

Preserving Heritage Through Innovation and Community

Behind the scenes, the NFT production team was hard at work. In an incredible show of support, the village performers—who had just danced all night—put their heavy costumes back on at dawn to undergo high-tech 3D scanning. This data will be the heart of the upcoming Shiiba Kagura NFT collection. To celebrate the project’s success, the team was invited to a local BBQ, enjoying wild boar and specialty mushrooms with the community.

As the participants left the village, they were tired but wore big smiles. The villagers waved them off, saying, “See you again next year!” This tour was more than just a trip; it was the first step in connecting the “Digital Villagers” of the world to the beating heart of Shiiba. When the NFTs launch in January 2026, the spirit of this hidden mountain village will finally be shared with the world

The Shiiba Kagura NFT: Become a Part of Shiiba Village

The true magic of Shiiba isn’t just the scenery—it’s the people and their incredible energy. This village has a unique way of welcoming others and valuing passion above all else. We are now capturing that energy in the form of an NFT. This isn’t just a digital image; it is your “Digital Resident Card” for Shiiba Village.

Turning Ancient Tradition into Digital Art

The theme of this collection is Shiiba Kagura, a sacred performance protected by the Japanese government as a national treasure. Our goal was to take this “invisible” energy and turn it into a “visible” piece of art.

We used high-tech sensors to scan the actual movements and sounds of the performers. From this data, we are creating “Generative Art” that moves and breathes just like the real performers. Each NFT is a unique bridge between history and the digital future.

More Than Art: Generative Art

Owning this NFT means you are no longer just a fan or a tourist—you are a stakeholder. It is proof that you are part of the Shiiba community.

By holding a Shiiba Kagura NFT, you join our Local DAO. This is a digital space where you can share ideas and help decide the future of the village. It acts as a “Digital Passport” that connects you to the physical village, allowing you to play an active role in keeping this rare culture alive.

Sales Information

Launch Date: January 2026 (Scheduled)
Name: Shiiba Kagura NFT
Art Style: Generative art
Official Website: https://shiiba.nishikigoinft.com/
Price: To be announced

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We wish you a successful end to the year and a prosperous 2026!!

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Crypto Village Newsletter #51 - 12/15

Crypto Village — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 22:01:05 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

The News of the Week:

Shiiba Kagura Tour!

■ Shiiba Kagura Tour!

We’re so happy to share an update from the field! We held our special two-day “Shiiba Kagura Tour” on November 29th and 30th in the beautiful, quiet Shiiba Village, Miyazaki Prefecture.

This was a really special time. We were thrilled to have our dedicated Digital Villagers join us, as well as Hiroyuki Hori, the artist who is creating the Shiiba Kagura NFT.

It was a crucial opportunity for Hori san to completely immerse himself. He was able to feel the raw, spiritual power of the Kagura dance and the unique atmosphere of the village firsthand—the kind of profound energy you just can’t get from watching a video!

All that incredible inspiration and the energy he absorbed from the community is now fueling the creation of the NFT artwork. Production is officially underway and in full swing!

We’re aiming for a major sales launch in January 2026. We can’t wait for you all to see this beautiful blend of deep tradition, authentic local spirit, and cutting-edge digital art. We’re aiming for a sales launch in January 2026. We can’t wait for you all to see this beautiful blend of deep tradition and cutting-edge digital art.

This impending launch in Shiiba, combined with the successful expansion into Tenryukyo and the continued growth of Yamakoshi, underscores the tremendous momentum of our entire ecosystem as we close out the year.

Thank you for being an integral part of this vision. We at Crypto Village maintain our full commitment to driving forward in the new year, supporting Yamakoshi, Tenryukyo, and Shiiba on their respective journeys.

We wish you a successful end to the year and a prosperous 2026!!

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Crypto Village Newsletter #50 - 11/30

Crypto Village — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:00:58 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

The News of the Week:

Shiiba Kagura NFT: Sales Date & Artist Revealed!
Tenryukyo NFT Project Celebrates First Anniversary!

■ Shiiba Kagura NFT: Sales Date & Artist Revealed!

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

As previously mentioned in our newsletters, the Shiiba Kagura NFT Project was successfully adopted into the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ initiative for “Creating New Business Models for Regional Cultural Promotion Utilizing NFT Technology.”

With this powerful government backing, we are diligently proceeding with the creation of the Shiiba Digital Residency NFT (Shiiba Kagura NFT).

We are now pleased to announce the finalized details regarding the launch and the creative talent behind the project:

Sales Date: January 2026
Producing Artist: Hiroyuki Hori

This information marks a significant milestone in our project’s commercialization phase. We urge you to review the full details and project rationale.

Please check our official website for more updates!

■ Tenryukyo NFT Project Celebrates First Anniversary!

The successful expansion of our community into Tenryukyo was a huge step for us over the past couple of years. This process included enthusiastic applications from the region, a Digital Villager election held by our community, and the subsequent official issuance of the Digital Residency NFTs. It’s amazing to realize that a full year has already passed since we minted the NFTs.

Over the last year, the Tenryukyo team—known as the “Neya-Neya Tenryukyo Digital Residents”—has been incredibly active and achieved outstanding results. This diverse team didn’t just follow the standard model; they pioneered a unique “Resident Card” NFT approach, making them distinct from the Nishikigoi NFT framework. They have also done a great job of fostering local engagement by holding vibrant on-site events at their community hub, Tenryudo. Furthermore, their success has been validated externally, notably by winning awards in pitch competitions focused on local revitalization.

The dedication of the Tenryukyo team clearly shows the immense positive energy and possibilities that digital connections bring to physical locations. We are optimistic that this proven model of success will continue to grow across other wonderful regions in Japan.

We at Crypto Village are fully committed to providing unlimited support to Yamakoshi, Tenryukyo, and Shiiba as they move forward.

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Crypto Village Newsletter #49 - 11/15

Crypto Village — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 22:01:39 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

The News of the Week:

The Official Website of Shiiba Kagura NFT Launched!
21 Years Since the Chūetsu Earthquake: A Legacy of Hope

■ The Official Website of Shiiba Kagura NFT Released!

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The Moment We’ve Waited For. Shiiba Kagura NFT Project Goes Official!

The Shiiba Kagura NFT Project in Miyazaki Prefecture’s Shiiba Village is kicking into high gear! We’ve been diligently working on both the NFT designs and the strategy for growing our Digital Villagers community.

And today, we are incredibly excited to announce that our official project website has officially launched!

While the site is still fresh, and the deep dive into the NFTs will be unveiled in the coming weeks, we encourage everyone to take a look right now! Massive updates are just around the corner.

A Must-Read from Kenta Murakami, Our Regional Coordinator! As we prepare to unveil the details for the Shiiba Digital Villager program, we highly recommend checking out a special Note article recently published by our Regional Coordinator, Kenta Murakami.

In his piece, Murakami-san shares his deep insights into the project and the authentic charm of Shiiba Village. This is a fantastic opportunity to understand the essence of this initiative directly from our core team before you consider joining the community!

■ 21 Years Since the Chūetsu Earthquake: A Legacy of Hope

The Chūetsu Earthquake 21 years ago remains a pivotal moment, forever linking Yamakoshi’s past with its future.

The Nishikigoi NFT Project was launched in the wake of this disaster, founded as a beacon of hope to revitalize the entire region. Four years have passed since the project began. That road has been far from easy; we have truly endured our share of “peaks and valleys.”

Yet, that dedication has paid off. Today, over 2,500 Digital Villagers stand with us, offering their unwavering support to Yamakoshi. This remarkable engagement proves that we are forging a new, modern model of community that transcends physical distance.

Yamakoshi will continue to push forward. There is nothing more encouraging than knowing we can walk this path alongside all of our Digital Villagers. To all of you who consistently provide such warm support: Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!

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The Power of Kagura's Embodiment: A Game Changer for the Future?

Crypto Village — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 13:05:01 GMT

Opening Communities, Forging the Future

They call the 21st century a “new age,” but a quarter of it is already gone. Now, thanks to our mobile phones, everyone—young and old—feels like they know everything. Information is just a product we consume, and with endless content overwhelming us, we can’t keep up. That’s why I’m focused on “embodiment.”

What do I mean by embodiment? It’s the ability to use your physical body to understand yourself and the world—it’s the power to genuinely feel alive.

I’m convinced that information is worthless now unless it’s paired with that physical feeling. The worry I have, though, is this: Are we losing our sense of embodiment altogether? This idea keeps popping up, and every time it does, I get this anxious, urgent feeling.

I’m Kenta Murakami from Takumashii Mirai (Resilient Future), a non-profit association. I work on several local projects: I link the Local DAO to the Nishikigoi NFT project, coordinate the Shiiba team on the ground, and help set up new community models based on what Yamakoshi did.

I originally moved to Tokyo for college and stayed for over 15 years. Then, in 2017, I moved here to the village through the government’s community revitalization program. I first worked as the village’s coordinator for newcomers. Since then, I’ve taken over and fixed up the village’s campground, which was about to close. I also turned a run-down, old house into a share house. My aim is to balance making money with living a self-sufficient life right here.

I’m now in my ninth year. The local people have been incredibly generous. They’ve trusted me with duties in the community association and even the fire brigade. Thanks to their kindness, I now get to perform as one of the dancers in the local traditional Kagura.

This village, Shiiba in Miyazaki Prefecture, is hidden in the middle of the big mountains of central Kyushu. It is famous as one of Japan’s three most secret places.

The village is great! Its old way of farming and taking care of the forests has been named a World Important Farm System. It is also part of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Japan” group. People know it as a special place for old-style farming that uses fire (slash-and-burn) and for good fishing in the rivers.

But, like many mountain towns, the village faces a very big problem: fewer and fewer people live here. The young people who should take the place of the older generation are not staying. This makes it look like the future of the community is coming to a dead end. The worry and feeling of giving up that this brings is very deep. I call this situation “the sickness that cannot be cured: losing people.”

As someone who moved here from the city with no money and no job, life in this village is definitely not easy. But, it feels much more real and fulfilling than before. I might have inconveniences, but I have no real complaints. The mountain life I share with the local people is still full of excitement and new things every day. Even though I’m often thrown off balance by a daily life I couldn’t have imagined in the city, I really hope this routine can last forever.

However, if things stay the way they are now, that is impossible. Why? Because the reliable local people I depend on are much older than I am. In about ten years, even my seniors—who are strong from working in the mountains—will have to retire from their main jobs. After that, there will only be a small number of people left who can work. Taking care of the forests, mowing the grass on the roads, and keeping the mountain life going is our job as residents. But if we can’t expect young people to move back or new people to join us, there will be no one left to do the work, and we will hit that “dead end.”

Just working hard on the immediate tasks in front of us won’t change the problem of a shrinking population. Because I decided to live in this village, and I realized this inevitable “dead end,” I had no choice but to start an action to break through it.

That’s why, following the success of the Nishikigoi NFT project, which grew from my earlier work as a relocation coordinator, I am now working to bring the concept of “Digital Villagers”—a role anyone in the world can take on—into the reality of this village.

My goal is to open up our closed community, the “Mura” (village), by working with Crypto Village, a company that connects technology with local areas and supports diverse communities and cultures. The purpose is to create a way for more people to take part and pave the way for this village to continue into the future.

However, this is also risky. It’s like a double-edged sword: it could cause trouble in a village that has lived quietly until now. To prevent that, as an outsider who came here first, my job as the local coordinator is to sometimes act as a shield for the community, help explain the new ideas clearly, and take responsibility for possible risks. I have to balance the needs of the village and the outside world, connecting local life with the global community.

Since I noticed the problem, I knew I had to be the one to act. Even if my plan isn’t the absolute best, if it can become a foundation for the future, I will be happy. With only the resolve to keep working until I die, I started on this long journey. After much discussion, we decided that Kagura (the traditional dance) would be the perfect image for the NFT art, as it represents the village’s core identity. And now, this project has been chosen by the Agency for Cultural Affairs to be a model case for “creating a new business model for promoting local culture using NFT technology.”

I feel like the wind has started to blow. Now, for the parts that are still missing, I really hope you, who are reading this, will lend your strength. I know this was a long introduction, but today I wanted to share this story with you.

Believing in Art, Betting on the Power of NFTs

The idea of “Digital Villagers” was actually put into practice already in the former Yamakoshi Village in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, as the “Nishikigoi NFT” project. In that model, a unique piece of digital artwork (NFT Art) is treated as a “Digital Residency Certificate,” acting as a passport to join the local community. The project even calls the physical visit of a Digital Villager a “Hometown Return” (Kisei). So, you could say our current tour is a chance to experience that “Hometown Return” a little early.

Choosing the right design for our NFT Art led to a lot of discussion within our team. For example, compared to the Nishikigoi (carp) in our partner village Yamakoshi, or the dragon in Tenryukyo, Kagura is an intangible cultural asset—it has no set, fixed shape. This made it simply very difficult to turn into a piece of art. Even so, we finally decided on Kagura because we believe it truly embodies the long history of life and work that this village has created. We decided to believe in the power of the art that could come from it.

The person who took on this difficult task is Hiroyuki Hori, who works in many fields, including making interactive installations and music videos. He saw this project as a fun, new challenge for a creator. He has been working hard, going through a lot of trial and error to create the art. While he is still thinking about exactly what part of the Kagura to focus on, the final art is planned to be an expression that shines a light on the dancer’s body.

I believe that art is something that teaches us new ways of seeing the world. Art reminds us that the world is a diverse place—ten people see ten different things. It shows us this simple truth through a creative piece and makes us realize why the world is so interesting.

I hope the Shiiba Kagura NFT Art we are making will be the trigger for the world to find this village. And if it helps the local, “native” villagers discover a new way of seeing their own Kagura, I believe that holds the potential to open up our future.

Also, the native villagers sometimes tell me that my reactions—my surprise and my sense of wonder at the village’s everyday life—help them discover or learn new things about their own community. In that sense, I am sure that an outsider can bring a type of “artistic effect” to this village. Maybe the Digital Villagers themselves will become the art for this community.

The team in the former Yamakoshi Village, who first brought the NFT Art and Digital Villager system to life, was forced to evacuate their entire village after the Chuetsu Earthquake. They said that when they could not see a bright future no matter what they tried, they took a leap of faith and bet on the possibility of using NFT for local revitalization, which was a radical idea at the time. We might only be followers of their “Digital Villager” concept, but we strongly feel the need to bet on this possibility as well, hoping to become a new business model for “NFT combined with local culture.”

A Shift in Thinking: Starting from Japan’s Three Great Hidden Villages

I host an online radio show called, “Let’s Survive!” The name shows our resolve to overcome the “terminal illness of population decline” and survive this fast-changing era. But sometimes, I stop and wonder if that resolve is even necessary.

Some people say that the feeling of giving up when you can’t see a future due to population decline is not always a bad thing. They say it might be a readiness to accept “what will be, will be.” This made me think deeply: If the result of population loss is the end of this village, should I just accept that as fate?

My answer is that I don’t disagree, but I can’t fully agree either. “What will be, will be” is okay, but I think it should only come after you have done absolutely everything you can. If that’s the rule, I feel like I haven’t done everything I can yet.

The problems and feelings of being stuck that surround us, like population decline, are caused by the fact that our society’s systems haven’t kept up with the times. The era when we could just assume the population would keep growing ended a long time ago. I even think that not updating the old systems and ways of thinking is the root of all our problems. Trying to turn the population back into growth is impossible. The most important thing is to totally change our ideas and look at the basic assumption again. I’m actually optimistic in a way: if we start with the idea that the population will decrease to a certain point, many problems can be solved just by rebuilding society based on that new reality.

However, maybe it’s hard for cities to feel the impact of population loss, and maybe the country, which sees population as national power, can’t move forward. If that’s the case, we have no choice but to start here, from Shiiba, the place on the front lines. This is the idea behind what we are doing.

Still, completely changing the way we think is not easy. We need to look at everything again, starting from the ground up. At times like this, the keyword “embodiment” that I mentioned earlier comes to mind. I wonder if the right size for a community is the area where people can share information that is connected to their physical body and senses.

I believe we have become too focused on our minds because of the huge amount of information. We need to start by getting our “embodiment” back. The dance moves developed through the mountain life of Shiiba, the natural rhythm and sounds of the drums and flutes imprinted on the ears of the native villagers, and the call-and-response singing that matches the dancers’ breathing—I feel that the Kagura of Shiiba contains the sense of physical life that has been lost in city living.

That is why I want to use Kagura to connect this village with the Digital Villagers. There is so much to learn from the good old Japanese way of life and the strong will to live that Shiiba, one of the three great hidden villages, holds. But first, I want people to experience the village life through Kagura and get to know the people who have kept it going. Kagura is the best gateway into this village.

As more people get involved—not only those interested in community building and country life but also through the world of NFT art—the foundation of this village will become richer and more diverse. When the line between native villagers and digital villagers fades and they mix, a continuous cycle of people moving in and out will begin. When that happens, combined with the extreme local identity of being one of Japan’s three great hidden villages, this village can surely become a special place that opens the door to a new era. That is the future I dream of.

Moving forward, the NFT art will be created alongside the Kagura tour in November, and people should be able to buy it in January. A website will also be launched soon. The money from the NFT sales will be the starting funds for our activities. Once the people who own the NFT art of Kagura gather as Digital Villagers, we will discuss the next steps for the DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization). Of course, I have ideas I’m holding onto, but I won’t force them on anyone. The first step is for everyone to just have fun and play. Once the charm of Shiiba truly sinks in, I believe various movements will naturally start on their own.

We are aiming to create a future no one has ever seen before, using this village—which can no longer picture its future because of the terminal illness of population decline—as our stage. Saying that I want to spend the rest of my life on this might sound too intense, but we will use the NFT art—which is made to please the gods—to invite people to join this kind of “game.” Please keep an eye on the Shiiba team’s actions from now on.

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Crypto Village Newsletter #47 - 10/15

Crypto Village — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 22:00:57 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

The News of the Week:

A New Challenge in the Age of Population Decline

This is the the last part of a blog post series originally published in a Japanese magazine.

Beyond the Borders: Outsiders Become “Supporters” to Keep Local Traditions Alive

Traditionally, local residents have been the primary guardians of regional culture, responsible for protecting and passing it down through generations. However, as depopulation accelerates in many areas, maintaining these traditions with local power alone is becoming increasingly difficult. This crisis is fostering a new model of succession that actively recruits support from outside the community.

A compelling example is the Fukura Kabuki in Sai Village, Aomori Prefecture. Facing a serious shortage of successors due to the aging population of fishermen and ongoing depopulation, the community began inviting performers from outside the village in 2016. By the 2025 performance, more than half the cast were from outside Aomori Prefecture. This groundbreaking approach demonstrates a new philosophy: the torchbearers of traditional culture don’t necessarily have to be native residents.

Another inspiring case is the Mukagata Okiyome Festival in Tenryu Village, Nagano Prefecture. People living in major cities like Tokyo are traveling regularly to the village, not as mere tourists, but as dedicated “Supporters.” They learn to play the “Gaku” (flute) and participate actively in the festival. These supporters are not just casual visitors; they are individuals who deeply understand the tradition and play a crucial role in its succession. This truly represents a “New Hometown” built on passion for culture, transcending physical distance.

These pioneering efforts clearly illustrate that traditional culture is not exclusive to “locals.” They show that anyone who loves and cherishes a culture can step up and become one of its stewards.

Strict Traditional Rules Are Changing

Traditional cultures often came with strict rules—such as “only the eldest son may participate” or “limited to specific age groups.” These regulations were long considered vital for preserving the authentic form of the tradition by ensuring specific roles were rigorously maintained. However, with the current severe shortage of participants, these “time-honored customs” are now being dismantled.

A prime example is the Tamashiki Shrine Kagura in Kazo City, where the lack of performers led to the removal of long-standing regional restrictions and, significantly, the inclusion of women. Similarly, the Shiki Sanban in Uruido, Hasuda City, saw its “eldest son only” rule abolished, along with an expansion of the age range for participants.

These cases suggest that for traditional culture to survive, the focus is shifting. “Form,” defined by lineage or age, is now giving way to “spirit”—the genuine desire to connect the culture to the future. It’s a powerful testament to prioritizing passion and commitment over rigid historical requirements.

The Future of Tradition: Evolution, Not Decline

Japanese traditional culture is certainly confronting a major challenge in the face of depopulation. Yet, this challenge is not simply a sign of decline; rather, it’s becoming an opportunity to re-examine long-standing customs and rules, paving the way for a more flexible future.

The inclusion of women, support from outside the community, and the loosening of strict historical rules are all acts of “evolution,” transforming tradition into something more diverse and open. This shift highlights the profound potential for anyone who loves a culture to become its steward—not just a select few.

Tradition is not a fixed relic; it is a living culture that breathes and changes with the times. As we navigate the complex issue of population decline, the key lies in cherishing the essence of tradition while boldly embracing change and exploring new forms.

This fearless approach to innovation is the critical next step in ensuring that Japan’s remarkable cultural heritage is successfully passed on to the next generation. It’s time to view change not as a threat, but as the engine of survival.

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Crypto Village Newsletter #46 - 9/30

Crypto Village — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 22:00:42 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

The News of the Week:

A New Challenge in the Age of Population Decline

This is the part 1 of a blog post series originally published in a Japanese magazine.

Sixteen Years of Shrinking Numbers and the Struggle to Keep Traditions Alive

Just the other day, the news reported that Japan’s population dropped by another 910,000 people compared to last year — marking the 16th year in a row of decline. As of July 2025, Japan’s population now stands at about 123.3 million.※1

We often hear that population decline creates many challenges for society as a whole. But what does it mean for local traditions and cultural practices? How is this decline already changing the way communities celebrate and pass down their heritage?

In this month’s Sotokoto, we’ll take a closer look at how festivals and traditional events across Japan are being reshaped as fewer people are around to carry them on. We’ll also think together about what this means for the future of culture and community life.

Across Japan, countless traditions and cultural practices have been carefully passed down through generations. One example is ushi no tsunotsuki (bull sumo) in Yamakoshi, Niigata — also known through the Nishikigoi NFT project. But now, with fewer young people and an aging population, many communities are struggling to find enough ninaite — the people who play a key role in making these festivals and rituals possible.

This tough reality has also sparked something new: a reason for change. Communities are beginning to rethink rules and customs that were once followed without question, exploring new ways to keep traditions alive in the future.

In this article, we’ll look at how these shifts are breathing new energy into local culture — and how they might hold clues for the broader challenge of regional revitalization.

A New Chapter for Tradition

Women Taking the Lead and Bringing Fresh Energy

For a long time, many festivals and traditional arts in Japan did not allow women to participate. This was often due to religious reasons rooted in Shinto beliefs or the physical demands of certain roles. These customs were passed down for generations as the natural order of things.

In recent years, however, as communities face a shortage of participants, many regions have begun to rethink these rules. To preserve tradition, previously closed doors are being opened. As a result, women are stepping in as new bearers of cultural heritage, bringing fresh energy to traditional practices.

For example, in Choshiguchi, Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture, women have started performing in the local lion dance, a role traditionally reserved for men. With fewer young men available to carry on the tradition, welcoming women has become a practical and meaningful solution. Watching them perform is a refreshing sight for the community and a clear step toward widening participation. It shows how traditions can adapt flexibly to ensure they survive.

Similar changes are happening in traditional crafts. Edo Kiriko glass cutting, once dominated by men due to the physically demanding production process, has shifted as market demands now favor delicate, intricate designs. Women, with their skill and precision, have stepped in and are thriving in this craft. Their work introduces modern design elements while honoring tradition, creating pieces that appeal to younger generations and expanding the possibilities of this centuries-old art.

In these ways, women’s participation in traditional culture is more than just a practical response to labor shortages. It brings new perspectives and energy, helping traditions evolve and continue for the next generation.

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Crypto Village Newsletter #45 - 9/15

Crypto Village — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 22:00:20 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

The News of the Week:

"A New Way of Living and Building Communities with My Number Wallet"

This is the part 2 of a blog post series originally published in a Japanese magazine.Could “My Number Wallet” Transform Local Communities?

An Experiment in Yamakoshi

The use of Japan’s My Number Card isn’t just about making government paperwork easier. In recent years, a new initiative called My Number Wallet (or “MyNa Wallet”) has been gaining attention. The idea is simple but powerful: turn the My Number Card into a secure digital wallet where anyone can safely manage digital assets like cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, NFTs, and digital IDs.

Because blockchain is known for its strong security, it’s actually a perfect match with the My Number Card. That’s why, in November last year, an experiment for MyNa Wallet was launched in Yamakoshi, Niigata. (Just recently, the company behind it even announced a ¥200 million fundraising round!)

During the trial, people of all ages—from elementary school kids to folks in their 80s—got to try MyNa Pay, a service that lets you make payments using your My Number Card. Seeing an initiative like this happening in Yamakoshi felt really exciting. It also showed that the card isn’t just for government forms—it could become something that brings energy and new possibilities to local life.

Innovation for Everyday Life and Communities

The Yamakoshi trial highlighted that MyNa Wallet isn’t just another cashless payment tool—it could reshape how we live and connect with our communities. So what does the future look like?

1. Boosting Local Economies
One of the biggest hopes is that MyNa Wallet can strengthen regional economies. If towns create their own local digital currencies, money could circulate more effectively within the community. Tourists could pay for meals, buy souvenirs, or support local businesses with digital currency—and that money would keep fueling the local economy, creating jobs and new services. This could be a huge chance for rural revitalization.

2. Building New Communities
It could also spark a new kind of community. Take Yamakoshi’s idea of “digital villagers”—even if you don’t live there, MyNa Wallet could give you a way to stay deeply connected. Instead of a traditional resident registry, it’s more like becoming a “friend of the region.” People could donate in local digital currency or buy unique NFTs tied to the area, joining community life in new ways. For regions facing depopulation, this could open doors to fresh relationships and support.

3. Smarter, Faster Public Services
My Number Cards already provide trusted identity verification. Combined with MyNa Wallet, this could make government services more seamless. Imagine subsidies or disaster relief being delivered instantly as digital currency, right into your wallet—no long paperwork, no delays.

Challenges and Opportunities

Of course, adopting new tech means addressing challenges like privacy protection and top-level security. And more importantly, people need to feel comfortable and confident using it. Still, with moves like the iPhone integration of My Number Cards, digital services are becoming more accessible step by step.

For years, Japan has been criticized as “too strict with rules, too slow on innovation.” That’s why the iPhone integration and the MyNa Wallet initiative feel like important breakthroughs—examples of how we can push past old barriers.

So, what do you think about the potential of My Number Cards and MyNa Wallet? Could they be the key to a new era of community, economy, and connection?

Until next time!

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Crypto Village Newsletter #44 - 8/31

Crypto Village — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 22:00:51 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

The News of the Week:

"A New Way of Living and Building Communities with My Number Wallet"

This is the part 1 of a blog post series originally published in a Japanese magazine.

"A New Way of Living and Building Communities with My Number Wallet"

In Japan, more and more services are starting to make use of the My Number Card. One of the biggest updates recently is that you can now use your My Number Card on your iPhone. In this article, I’ll use that news as a starting point to introduce a pilot project in Yamakoshi, Niigata called My Number Wallet, and explore what it could mean for the future.

What exactly is the My Number Card?

The My Number Card is a plastic IC card, first issued in 2016, that you can apply for if you want one. It’s different from your actual My Number, which is the 12-digit ID given to everyone registered in Japan. The number itself is only used for three areas—social security, taxes, and disaster response. By law, it can’t be used for anything else.

The card doesn’t store your medical history or pension details directly. Instead, it contains your name, address, gender, date of birth, photo, and electronic certificates for identity verification. Since this is all sensitive personal information, handling the card safely is very important!

Bringing it closer to everyday life: My Number on your smartphone

Until now, using the My Number Card often meant extra hassle. You might need a special card reader, or you’d have to take the card to a local government office or convenience store. For many people, the card felt more like a burden than a convenience. And carrying it around every day just in case? That could be stressful too, especially with the risk of losing it.

That’s why the 2025 update is such a big deal: you can now use your My Number Card with your iPhone. Once added, you can access a range of government services with just your phone. Thanks to Apple’s Face ID and built-in encryption, security is strong and reliable.

For example, you can double-click the side button, scan your face, and quickly request a resident certificate or other official documents. Logging into the My Number Portal or filing taxes online (e-Tax) can now be done without carrying the physical card at all.

What it can—and can’t do (yet)

Not every feature of the physical card is available on iPhone just yet. For instance, since March 2024, the physical My Number Card can double as a driver’s license. But the iPhone version doesn’t replace your license.

Even so, being able to store the card on your phone is a big step forward. It makes public services feel much more accessible. No more long trips to the ward office, no more paperwork piles—it’s about completing more tasks online, quickly and smoothly.

As this shift continues, the barriers between us and public services will keep getting lower, making everyday life that much easier.

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Crypto Village Newsletter #43 - 8/15

Crypto Village — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 22:01:23 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

The News of the Week:

Shift Your Plans, Deepen the Connection: A Journey of Art and Local Discovery (Last)

This is the last of a blog post series originally published in a Japanese magazine.

Shift Your Plans, Deepen the Connection: A Journey of Art and Local Discovery

To wrap up our series, we spoke with Yuki Tanaka from JR Central, who co-led this project with paramita Inc. We asked him about how the project began and what it means for regional communities.

Crypto Village: How did you get involved in this project? What were you thinking when you started, especially in terms of supporting local culture and communities?

Tanaka: At JR Central, we work in many fields, retail, real estate, and hospitality, but we didn’t have much experience with small town or countryside revitalization. We were looking for ways to get involved when we discovered paramita’s work online. Their community-based projects, like Local Coop and SINRA, caught our attention.

We were especially interested because these projects were happening in towns like Owase and Misakubo—places along our train lines. That led us to reach out to paramita and explore working together. We wanted to create something that would highlight and support the areas along the Tokaido Shinkansen.

From the beginning, paramita helped us shape the project. The idea was to link Shinkansen travel with social impact—making it an “ethical travel” option. A portion of each tour fee would go to local causes. So just by choosing the Shinkansen, travelers could support the areas they pass through. That gave a deeper meaning to the journey.

JR Central recently launched a new long-term vision: Group Vision 2032: Challenge and Practice. It focuses on building stronger partnerships with local governments and organizations. This project is a good example of that shift. Instead of relying only on train revenue, we’re working with others to create value in new ways. Supporting local communities is key to our long term growth.

Crypto Village: What did you learn about building relationships with communities through this project?

Tanaka: I visited both Misakubo and Owase, where the pilot programs took place. In Misakubo, I joined a local meeting hosted by paramita, and in Owase, I attended a forest restoration workshop. It was inspiring to talk directly with local residents and feel how open they were to working together. They really welcomed us.

At JR Central, we’ve also been working on a larger project called conomichi, which is about building long-term relationships with people in our service areas. This initiative fits well with that idea. What’s special here is that we’re using digital art based on local culture as a way for people to show their connection to these places. We just launched it officially, and we hope both locals and visitors will enjoy it.

If we only looked at profits, it wouldn’t make sense to invest in small mountain towns. But through this project, we saw that true value comes from being part of the community and growing together. That’s what real sustainability looks like.

Crypto Village: What kind of projects do you want to work on in the future to connect cities and local areas, or businesses and local culture?

Mr. Tanaka: With our new “Zurashi Tabi Ethical Rewards,” we’re offering a new kind of travel experience. By taking the Shinkansen, people can help support local areas, and in return, they receive a piece of digital art to show their contribution. First, we want to focus on getting more people to try this program. If many people join, we can use the money to do even more for local communities, and maybe work with more regions in the future.

Japan has many local areas with unique and interesting cultures. Railways play an important role in connecting these places with cities. If more people travel between cities and local areas, it also helps keep the train system strong. We want to work with each area to share what makes them special, and help more people visit and enjoy those places.

Introducing Our Interviewee

Yuki Tanaka
Assistant Manager, Regional Business Development, Business Promotion Department, Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central)

Yuki has a background as a railway architecture engineer, working on station design and station building development. In July 2023, he joined his current department, which was launched through an internal recruitment program. Since then, he has been involved in regional business development and community-building projects in collaboration with local areas.

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Crypto Village Newsletter #42 - 7/31

Crypto Village — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 22:00:43 GMT

Welcome back to our News Letter!

The News of the Week:

Shift Your Plans, Deepen the Connection: A Journey of Art and Local Discovery (Part.2)

This is Part 2 of a blog post series originally published in a Japanese magazine.

Shift Your Plans, Deepen the Connection: A Journey of Art and Local Discovery

Next, we spoke with Tetsuya Osawa from paramita Inc., the lead organizer behind this project. We asked him about his connection to the communities involved and what inspired this initiative.

Crypto Village: What did these regions mean to paramita? And what stood out to you about each of these communities?

Osawa: The two regions we visited, Mizukubo in Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City (Shizuoka Prefecture) and Owase in Mie Prefecture—are part of the Local Coop initiative that paramita is rolling out. These areas are where we’re working with local governments, residents, and businesses to explore how we can build a future that balances “a world where nature regenerates” and “a sustainable local economy.”

Mizukubo is a mountain town where about 96% of the land is covered by forest. It's known for its steep terrain and beautiful, clear mountain streams. While the town faces challenges due to depopulation and an aging population, there’s a growing number of newcomers starting ventures like renovated café spaces and curated shops. It’s a place where traditional knowledge and new ideas come together. Surrounded by vast forests, the area also nurtures unique cultural traditions and local industries like heirloom crop farming. Through Local Coop, we're exploring how to preserve and regenerate biodiversity and cultural heritage as a foundation for long-term sustainability.

On the other hand, Owase is a coastal town with over 4,000 mm of annual rainfall and 92% forest coverage. This abundance of “water” and “forest” helps sustain the rich marine life of the ria coastline. One of Owase’s most unique qualities is how close the mountains are to the sea—you can really feel how the natural bounty flows from the forests to the ocean. With a declining population and shifting market conditions, traditional industries like fishing and forestry are struggling. Through Local Coop, we're working on redefining what primary industries can look like—creating new value by enhancing the natural environment instead of depleting it.

What truly impressed me in both communities—beyond the stunning nature and deep-rooted culture—was the energy and spirit of the people who live there. Despite the challenges of rural depopulation, there’s a real sense of vitality in how locals are shaping the future of their hometowns.

Through our partnership with JR Central, paramita has been developing a new model that connects “travel” with “support for local communities.” In the Zurashi Tabi package, travelers can choose an “ethical option” that allows 500yen of their travel fee to go directly back to the region they visit. This small but meaningful choice helps support communities facing depopulation and labor shortages—and brings travelers closer to the places they explore in a more thoughtful and impactful way.

Crypto Village: As a bridge between the artist and the local communities, was there anything in particular you were mindful of?

Osawa: We made a conscious effort to help the artist understand not just the beauty of the regions, but also their challenges. As Oguma-san mentioned, in both Mizukubo and Owase, we tried to create opportunities where the artist and local residents could share the same space. Rather than us explaining everything, we wanted the local people to express their own perspectives and stories, and let their voices bring the region’s charm to life. These shared spaces became important touchpoints for building mutual understanding.

At the recent launch event we held in Mizukubo, we saw this connection firsthand. Local residents gathered and warmly engaged with Oguma-san’s artwork. Many reminisced about scenes from their childhood or spoke about the culture of Mizukubo that the artwork reminded them of. It was clear that the art resonated deeply and personally.

Crypto Village: Through this project, have you noticed any shifts or new potential in the relationship between urban and rural communities?

Osawa: We’re still in the early days of the project, but even without any advertising, we’ve already been receiving over one application a day. As of June 16, 2025, we’ve had 26 sign-ups, which is really encouraging.

Looking ahead, I believe that as more people become aware of this kind of experience—where they can connect with a place through art—we’ll see a broader, more meaningful engagement with these regions. It's not just about financial support. We're hoping that participants begin to see themselves as part of the region’s extended community, forming emotional and social ties that last well beyond a single visit. That’s the kind of long-term relationship we want to foster.

Introducing Our Interviewee

Tetsuya Osawa
Co-Founder of paramita Inc. / Director & Head of Corporate Strategy at Mitsuwa Holdings

After spending 11 years as a consultant at leading European strategy consulting firms, He joined the Mitsuwa Group in 2015. In June 2023, he co-founded paramita Inc., where he now leads the development of innovative services such as SINRA and Local Coop as Co-Founder.

Official website: https://paramita.co.jp/

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