Miss Bitcoin Teams With Blockchain Firm Enjin To Launch Japan’s First NFT Charity Project
Gracone Inc. has teamed with blockchain firm Enjin to launch Japan’s first non-fungible token (NFT) charity project through non-profit organization, Kizuna.
Gracone, led by prominent Japanese blockchain entrepreneur Mai Fujimoto, a.k.a. “Miss Bitcoin,” is a company that helps connect businesses in the blockchain/cryptocurrency industry. Gracone’s Kizuna platform aims to educate people about the potential of blockchain and NFTs for mainstream uses, particularly in the charity context. Unlike cash-based donations, data for blockchain-based contributions is digitally recorded on the immutable blockchain, which provides enhanced transparency, efficiency, and verifiable proof of donation. Kizuna has indicated plans to explore further opportunities for using NFTs to respond to critical issues such as the global pandemic, poverty, and environmental conservation. The team also plans to launch additional blockchain charity services in the future, allowing organizations to provide benefits and incentives to donors based on contribution data.
In 2017 following a successful ICO that raised $18.9 million, Enjin began building a suite of blockchain products that enable anyone to easily create, manage, trade, store, explore, distribute, and integrate blockchain assets. Comprised of the Enjin Platform, Explorer, Wallet, Beam, and other tools and services, Enjin’s tools enable game developers and studios to utilize tokenized digital assets as part of their acquisition, retention, engagement, and monetization strategies. The Enjin ecosystem is fueled by Enjin Coin (ENJ), an Ethereum-based cryptocurrency used to directly back the value of Enjin-powered blockchain assets.
The partnership’s first campaign will use tokenized art created by Japanese celebrities to raise funds for DxP, an Osaka-based nonprofit providing aid to teenagers facing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kizuna aims to raise over 2,000,000 JPY ($20,000 USD) through the sale of NFTs issued via the Enjin Platform, with participating celebrities to be announced in the coming weeks.
“Japan has a concept called ‘Sanpo Yoshi’ (three-way satisfaction): good for the seller, good for the buyer, and good for society. This concept describes our NFT charity project perfectly,” said Mai Fujimoto, Founder of Gracone. “When fans purchase NFTs drawn by artists and celebrities, they can not only enjoy the art, but also directly contribute to those in need. I believe this NFT campaign will bring joy to many people, and I’d like to thank the Enjin team and artists who have agreed to join the initiative.”
Enjin CEO Maxim Blagov said that art tokenization is another great example of how blockchain can automate the sale and fulfillment of high-value assets.
“While traditional art can take years to sell, it can be minted, listed, sold, and distributed within minutes via the blockchain,” said Blagov. “Mai is an exceptional creator who is well-respected in the Japanese market. We believe her Kizuna initiative will demonstrate blockchain’s ability to democratize the business side of art, while making a difference in the lives of young people in need.”