The Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto is collaborating with Mizuho Bank, Cosmize, Startale Labs Japan, and Blue Lab to tap into Astar's web3 technology to teach and promote the 500-year tradition of making Kuma Shochu.

COSMIZE, the virtual social platform on Astar Network, together with Startale Labs Japan, Mizuho Bank, and Blue Lab, have been selected by the Kumamoto Prefecture to be part of its "Reiwa 5 Web3 Advanced Technology Demonstration Project." This initiative focuses on leveraging digital collectibles and the metaverse to enhance Kumamoto’s Shochu (liquor) brand recognition.

Advanced digital technologies such as blockchain and NFTs are expanding business and administration, transforming traditional services and mechanisms and offering new solutions to regional challenges. The collaboration with COSMIZE, Startale Labs Japan, Mizuho Bank, and Blue Lab will promote the Kuma Shochu using NFTs and run on top of Astar Network.

Background: At the heart of Kumamoto Prefecture lies Hitoyoshi Kuma, a hidden gem among the Kyushu mountains. Clear water from these peaks forms the Kumagawa River, the major river that makes Hitoyoshi Kuma the hub for rice farming in the Kumamoto region. It's also home to the unique tradition of making Kuma Shochu, an esteemed liquor made only in the 27 distilleries of the area.

In Japan, Kumamoto Prefecture is well known for initiatives to boost tourism, among other things, by creating a famous bear mascot. Unafraid to explore new creative ideas. In June 2022, the prefecture established the Kumamoto DX Promotion Consortium to promote digitalization in collaboration with industry, academia, and finance.

The primary focus of this project is to amplify the presence of Kuma Shochu. This includes expanding its sphere of influence and cultivating an engaged community using NFTs.

Throughout the project, there will be three different NFTs issued:

Base NFTs: Issued to anyone interested in exploring the world of the Kuma Shochu and Web3.
Parts NFTs: Contributors actively involved in promoting Kuma Shochu will be rewarded with "Parts NFTs."
True NFTs: Holding enough "Base NFTs" and "Parts NFTs" will unlock exclusive "True NFTs." These come bundled with exciting perks, such as tickets for Kuma Shochu and exclusive access to tasting events.

Using multiple NFTs this way engages sake drinkers on a deeper level. It teaches them more about Kuma Shochu while allowing them to connect and have proof of their contributions that unlock exclusive experiences, exclusive offers, and other valuable benefits.

Furthermore, the project will leverage Cosmize to enter the Metaverse and capture new enthusiasts, including younger generations that otherwise wouldn’t interact with Shochu.

Below is an outline of the process of making loyal customers through a series of events, digital marketing and education, and exclusive sales opportunities at local stores:

The four organizations have come together to boost awareness of this tradition by leveraging the skillsets of each other.

COSMIZE (Co-founder: Akira Song): Will provide technical support for creating and issuing the metaverse space and NFTs.

Startale Labs Japan Inc. (CEO: Mikito Ebishima): Comprehensive technical support in the areas of blockchain and NFTs.

Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (President: Katsuhiko Kat): Support the promotion of the entire demonstration project, provision of information related to Kuma Shochu, planning, implementation, and awareness of events (with Kumamoto prefecture as the event organizer).

Blue Lab, Inc. (President: Makoto Umemiya): Issuance of NFTs (with Kumamoto prefecture as the issuer) and provision of benefits related to Kuma Shochu for NFT holders.

This plan to use NFTs on Astar is only the first step of a long-term partnership. These companies have committed to continue collaborating with local brewers of Kuma Shochu in the future and grow the business and tradition of making Kuma Shochu with web3 solutions on Astar Network.

About COSMIZE: COSMIZE is a metaverse project developed on the Astar Network with the vision of "A place for connecting your passion." It is operated by a team with over 8 years of experience in the XR domain. COSMIZE has established partnerships with nearly 20 projects centered around the Astar ecosystem and has collaborated with companies like Toyota Motor Corporation and Sony Network Communications Inc.

About Startale Labs Japan: Startale Labs envisions a society where Web3 is commonly used and develops essential infrastructure and dApps towards that vision. Based on the knowledge and achievements of developing the Astar Network, Japan's first public blockchain, they conduct research and development. They established a subsidiary, Startale Labs Japan, on January 31, 2023, and are expanding their Web3 business development and consulting services in Japan. In June 2023, they formed a capital alliance with Sony Network Communications Inc.

About Mizuho Bank: Mizuho Bank is a leading bank with one of the largest customer bases in Japan, a domestic and international branch network, and the capability to provide advanced services. Amid the accelerating trend of Digital Transformation (DX) triggered by the COVID-19 crisis, Mizuho Bank offers solutions from both financial and non-financial perspectives to address the diverse challenges faced by society and its customers. In the web3 domain, which can be a driver for DX, the bank will continue to learn about societal and customer challenges and needs through collaboration with local governments, and will explore unique solutions that leverage the strengths of the Mizuho Group.

About Blue Lab: Blue Lab was established in June 2017 as an incubator company for new businesses, primarily by venture capital firm WiL and Mizuho Bank. Through the practical application of advanced technologies, Blue Lab aims to revitalize regions and address societal challenges, thereby creating new ways of doing business in a new societal lifestyle.

The original release was made here: https://www.mizuhobank.co.jp/release/pdf/20230927_4release_jp.pdf