Crypto Village Newsletter #56 - 2/28
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.
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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