Crypto Village Newsletter #41 - 7/15
Welcome back to our News Letter!
A huge thank you to all our new subscribers! This newsletter is brought to you by Crypto Village, where we share the latest updates on the Nishikigoi NFT project, Japanese local NFT initiatives, and much more.
The News of the Week:
Shift Your Plans, Deepen the Connection: A Journey of Art and Local Discovery (Part.1)
This is Part 1 of a blog post series originally published in a Japanese magazine.
Shift Your Plans, Deepen the Connection: A Journey of Art and Local Discovery
This month on Sotokoto, we're excited to feature a story on “Zurashi Tabi,” a collaborative project between JR Tokai and paramita that’s reimagining what travel can look like. The concept is simple but powerful: by slightly shifting your travel schedule—avoiding peak seasons and high-traffic destinations—you not only gain a deeper, more personal experience, but also build more meaningful connections with the communities you visit.
This “shifted travel” project is part of an innovative effort to bridge cities and rural areas through art and human connection. Participating artists visit each destination, spending time with locals and immersing themselves in the region. They then create original artworks inspired by that experience—artworks that also serve as “ethical perks” for those supporting the project. These pieces aren’t just keepsakes—they’re mementos that carry the story, scenery, and spirit of the place itself.
In this feature, we interviewed representatives from all three corners of the project: the artists, the team at JR Tokai, and the folks from paramita. Each group brings a unique perspective, and together they paint a fascinating picture of how travel, art, and local revitalization can intersect.
What’s especially exciting is how this initiative doesn’t just promote tourism—it promotes relationship-building. With each visit, travelers are invited to engage more thoughtfully with the places they explore. And through that engagement, local stories and voices are not only heard, but celebrated.
Crypto Village: You had the opportunity to visit the local communities in person. Were there any particularly memorable moments or encounters that stood out to you?
Oguma: I spent two days each in Misakubo and Owase, and what struck me most was how distinct each place felt. Both had their own unique character and rhythm, which made the entire experience really engaging. In Misakubo, I visited local cafés, diners, shopping streets, shrines, a folklore museum, a dam—so many places in just two days. It was a truly packed and fulfilling visit.
The journey began on the Iida Line, accompanied by Mr. Ota and Mr. Kamikawa, authors of The Story of the Iida Line. They shared stories and anecdotes at each station along the way, and their deep affection for the Iida Line came through so clearly. At the local supermarket Makiuchi, the owners welcomed us with a spread of homemade dishes. You could really feel their warmth and the pride they take in their community as they opened their doors to visitors.
At the Misakubo branch office, I learned about the area’s cultural and historical background, and at Hoshi no Eki AOI (Star Station), I had conversations with both long-time locals and recent transplants. When I asked people what they thought made Misakubo special, several of them said, “There’s something spiritual about this place that can’t really be put into words.” That left a strong impression on me.
I think it may have something to do with the strong presence of traditional culture here, but it also made me realize that Misakubo has a kind of charm that only reveals itself the longer you stay. It deepened my interest even further.
In Owase, I spoke with Shibayama san from the Department of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Forestry about their biodiversity efforts in Minna no Mori (“Everyone’s Forest”). We discussed a variety of topics, including traditional techniques like shigara (woven fences) and stone paving. But what left the deepest impression was actually stepping into the forest itself. Feeling the air and being immersed in the environment helped me truly understand the importance of water circulation and the role the forest plays in sustaining it.
In Kuki Town, where the traditional charm of an old fishing village still lingers, and at the Kumano Kodo Center, we had the chance to learn about the region’s rich history and culture. Through each story Mr. Shibayama shared at every stop, you could clearly feel his deep affection for Owase—its nature, its townscape, its culture, and its history.
Crypto Village: How did the encounters and landscapes in the region influence your work?
Oguma: At the folk museum in Mizukubo, I had the chance to see and even help set up a traditional New Year’s decoration called “Otoko-gi,” a type of kadomatsu. I also witnessed the “Toshitori-zen,” a special round-shaped grilled saury dish served to pray for harmony in the New Year. Next to the Otoko-gi, there was a small wooden kagami mochi decoration, which was quite charming.
As I toured the area, I took notes and made sketches of these interesting and unique local customs—like the wooden mochi and the round-shaped saury—that caught my attention. Since I was born and raised around Tokyo, these small, distinct traditions of a rural area really stood out to me and sparked my curiosity.
During my visits, I often jotted down ideas on the spot, but after returning to Tokyo, I reflected on those experiences and organized my thoughts. For example, I imagined what it would be like if an Otoko-gi was made from deer antlers, or what if a house submerged by a dam could somehow walk. These ideas gradually took shape as I let my creativity roam.
In Owase, while visiting “Minna no Mori” (Everyone’s Forest), I heard from Mr. Shibayama about the traditional method of making stone pavements by layering soil and straw like a mille-feuille cake. That sparked my imagination: “What if there was a mille-feuille made of stone pavement?” Also, seeing moss-covered tree stumps that resembled green monsters led me to think, “What if the forest was inhabited by all kinds of moss-covered creatures?” These playful thoughts grew as I wandered through the forest.
In Kuki town, the sight of boats lined up along the seaside road was refreshing, and learning that Kumano Kodo is a place where multiple religions have coexisted over centuries was deeply fascinating. From these images and stories, I imagined scenes like “boats reaching out to prevent cars from falling into the sea” or “gods having a tea party along Kumano Kodo.”
The nature, streetscapes, and history of Owase offered many moments of wonder and novelty. Inspired by these impressions, I expanded on the ideas with a sense of humor as I developed my work.
Crypto Village: Looking back, what does this project mean to you personally?
Oguma: Up until now, I’ve been doing a project called “Fantasy Sketch,” where I sit down with participants and, through conversation, expand on their favorite things, memories, or future visions to create a single drawing that captures their personal image.
I’ve always had an interest in rural areas outside of Tokyo, and I’d vaguely hoped to create works that somehow express the unique charm of those places. Maybe I had in mind something like an adapted version of my “Fantasy Sketch” concept.
When I heard about this project call, I was truly grateful and excited to be involved. The process of turning local stories into artwork was a fresh experience for me: visiting the area, listening to many people’s stories, organizing what I learned, and then deepening my understanding of the local culture and history while letting my imagination run free. It was unlike anything I had done before.
I feel that this new challenge has become a valuable part of my creative journey. Also, after the release, I realized more deeply how this project ties into community contribution and ethical values. It’s very meaningful to me that my work can connect with society in such a way.
This experience has inspired me to learn more about regional and environmental issues going forward. Both Mizukubo and Owase have their own distinct charms, and I definitely want to visit again whenever I get the chance.
Introducing Our Interviewee
Koki Oguma
Born and raised in Tokyo, Koki Oguma is an illustrator and picture book author. Alongside his creative work, he is also involved in education and childcare, working closely with children. His art is known for its gentle humor and a relaxed, whimsical style that often brings a smile to viewers' faces.
(Official website: https://kokioguma.net/)
■ Socials
Nishikigoi NFT Official Website
Official 𝕏 Account (Ushi no Tsunotsuki Fan Club)
■NFT Marketplace
Opensea