Tenryukyo Dragon- Building New Hometowns through Regenerative Tourism
It has already been two years since we launched Nishikigoi NFT, the first Local DAO, in Yamakoshi, Niigata Prefecture. So far, we have released three generative artworks, and I believe that many of you have found this project through Yamakoshi. Now we have 2900 pieces minted and more than 1700 digital villagers have been born all over the world.
We named this new type of community developed through NFT and Local “Local DAO” , which is a community where local residents and digital villagers work together to create new value while facing regional challenges.
When we initially launched this project, we honestly did not expect it to scale this far. And then we started thinking about whether or not this idea of local DAO, which was an accidental chance, would be able to become a part of society as a way of life for the rural regions. The concept of “Local DAOs,” a network connecting communities through NFT, is developed into an initiative that involves new communities to continue to preserve traditional culture in the region.
In June of this year, “Tenryukyo (Nagano)” and “Shiiba (Miyazaki)” were approved as new Local DAO members by community vote by digital villagers. About six months from that point, we are finally announcing the mint date of the “Tenryukyo Dragon”.
But first let me introduce what’s going on in Tenryukyo.
■ Natures and Traditions To be Preserved
Where is Tenryukyo? Tenryukyo is the southernmost tourist spot in Nagano Prefecture. The Tenryu River runs through the valley, which has the largest valley shape in Japan, and it is surrounded by beautiful natures, allowing visitors to enjoy the four seasons in Japan.
The most famous thing about Tenryukyo is the beauty of the gorge, which is formed by the flow of the Tenryu River and the giant rocks, oddly shaped rocks, and plants that rise up on both sides of the river. With its stunning natural views and powerful canyon view, Tenryukyo has been known as a place that many people visit. But how about now? Things are changing dramatically, sadly.
■ Forgotten Place
Tenryukyo was known as a famous place to visit in Japan and was visited by many tourists. About 100 years ago, the area around Tenryukyo Station was covered with mulberry fields. The people who lived in the area at that time worked to develop Tenryukyo into one of the best tourist spots in Japan. The nostalgic and warm streets we see today were built through the hard work of the early pioneers of the time. Without tourism, life in Tenryukyo would not exist today.
But the thing is that Tenryukyo as a tourist spot is undergoing a transitional phase. In fact, the number of tourists has dropped from 700,000 a year in the past to 200,000 now. Changes in the environment surrounding tourism, such as the development of transportation networks including highways and railroad extensions, and the shift from tour travel to individual travel, have left us behind tremendously fast.
Most of the souvenir shops and restaurants have gone out of business, as have the hotels, which was once a busy place in its early days. Some are still going strong and continuing to open their stores, but it is obvious that they can’t last forever. They have to get their souvenirs ready for tourists and keep waiting until people who may or may not come. Even if they do come, they mainly stay for a few days, and many of them never come back once they have been here.
Tenryukyo has benefited from the tourism boom, but has been tossed about by the waves of the boom. Tourist destinations that have followed similar paths exist throughout Japan, and even today, with inbound tourism heating up, there is a need to find a way to create a sustainable place to visit.
However, many regions are so busy dealing with daily visitors and pursuing business opportunities that they do not have the time to take a long-term perspective. Unlike the operation of a shopping mall or theme park, people live here. In the face of the rapid population decline that is underway in underpopulated areas, it is essential to redefine the relationship between tourism and the community, and to adopt a perspective that welcomes tourists as strategic partners.
Digital villagers also bring different values and perspectives, and they are creating a real impact. As they strategically create “coincidences” to engage with the community, the future of the tourism could change. The problem with tourist destinations to this point has been that they have treated tourists as simple consumers, rather than as culturally diverse individuals.
■ Regenerative Tourism - Your New Hometown
Consumption-oriented tourism ultimately leaves people's lives and culture behind. The approach of “sell as much as you can” and “be willing to destroy things to sell them” spread, and nothing ends up being left in the local community after all.
Is it possible, then, to create “regenerative tourism” in which the more tourists come, the richer the local community's life and nature will become?
We believe that the future of tourism in Tenryukyo can be built not only by us, but also with the Tenryukyo digital residents. That’s what we’re trying to do and is the reason why we’re minting the Tenryukyo Dragon.
The digital residents of Tenryukyo will not be just someone visiting. We will create an opportunity for digital residents to access the resources and real estate that have not been fully utilized to solve the challenges that have not been solved. For example, digital residents could share ownership of real properties or even establish a business with us.
We are looking to continue to challenge ourselves in Tenryukyo together with people who are interested in achieving the vision of the future of tourism and who are aware of the same problems involved with other tourist areas. And we hope that Tenryukyo will become not just a simple tourist spot, but a new home for the digital residents.
■ Mint Date Announcement
The Japanese word “ryu (龍)” in Tenryukyo (天龍峡) stands for dragon, symbolizing the mythical creatures that have long held a deep connection to the culture of Tenryukyo.
The artwork displayed was meticulously crafted by the artist “raf”, known for his previous work on the second Nishikigoi NFT.
raf’s distinctive style and attention to detail bring a unique blend of cultural homage and modern art. Notably, this piece is interactive, inviting viewers not just to observe but to engage directly with the art, allowing for a deeper connection and an immersive experience that resonates with Tenryukyo rich heritage.
Details of Tenryukyo Dragon
Mint Date: November 22nd (Friday, JST)
Artist: raf
Artwork Style: Generative Art
Mint Price: 0.015ETH
Mint Website: https://highlight.xyz/mint/base:0x9e5cbAe87D52F8E39104F9f522B2e3628B334cD8
Blockchain: Base
All other details will be announced and shared in 𝕏 and Discord!
■ Socials
𝕏 Account / https://x.com/nishikigoiNFT
Discord / @nishikigoiNFT