Iwami Ginzan NFT regional co-creation project
The Iwami Ginzan Future Consortium, Japan Post Holdings, Japan Post, and Ota City will conduct a demonstration experiment in the Iwami Ginzan area to enhance tourism experiences, attract visitors, and establish mechanisms for continued regional engagement using NFTs.
As part of the "Local Co-creation Initiative," where Japan Post Group dispatches employees to work with companies and local governments addressing social issues, they have been sending staff to the Future Consortium in the Iwami Ginzan area since April 1, 2024.
The Iwami Ginzan area, a World Heritage site, is a region where visitors can enjoy not only the history of silver mines but also historical townscapes, beautiful nature, and rich local culture.
This demonstration experiment aims to provide enhanced experiences and attract visitors by distributing NFTs with special benefits and information to tourists, both within and outside the Iwami Ginzan area, working toward establishing mechanisms for continued engagement with the region.
Post offices have connected people across Japan for over 150 years through mail and package delivery. Utilizing the relationships that post offices have built with each region, they aim to realize a vision where people can connect with various regions and maintain and develop these connections.
About "Iwami Ginzan"
Iwami Ginzan (石見銀山) is a historic silver mine in the mountains of Oda City, Shimane Prefecture. The most prominent silver mine in Japan's history, it was built in the early 16th century and remained in business for nearly 400 years.
The main attractions are divided into three areas. The Silver Mine area includes mine shafts and ruins from the area's mining period as well as a few temples and shrines. The Omori Town area includes museums, historical residences, and more shrines and temples.
The final area consists of the onsen town of Yunotsu and nearby port towns, which have their own attractions such as the mooring stones of Okidomari. The port towns are connected to the mining area by two hiking trails that also lead to castle ruins.
The preservation and revitalization of Iwami Ginzan's historic sites began over 50 years ago as a local movement. Eventually gaining prefectural and national support, the area was named a World Heritage Site in July 2007.
"Demonstration Experiment" Overview
While analyzing the results of this demonstration experiment, they will consider implementing proof-of-concept services for regional stay verification for dual residents in the Iwami Ginzan area, services in collaboration with local businesses, initiatives linked with Japan Post Group's various operations, and expansion to other regions where post offices have established relationships.
Demonstration Experiment at Shimane Furusato Fair 2025
(1) Period: January 18 (Sat) - January 19 (Sun), 2025
(2) Content:
- Distribution of Iwami Ginzan Invitation NFTs at the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center and Road Station Road Ginzan booths at the "Shimane Furusato Fair 2025" in Hiroshima City
- NFT designs feature Ota City's mascot character "Rato-chan" and designs by Kazuho Shigetani, a high school student from Shimane Prefecture who is active in para-art
- NFT holders will receive information about new events in the Iwami Ginzan area and special benefits such as facility discounts and regional discount vouchers when visiting the area
Demonstration Experiment with Iwami Ginzan Digital Stamp Rally
(1) Period: Scheduled to start mid-March 2025
(2) Content:
- Holding a digital stamp rally across multiple tourist facilities in the Iwami Ginzan area
- Distribution of limited NFTs for each facility to stamp rally participants
- Providing benefits (in preparation) both inside and outside the Iwami Ginzan area based on the number of NFTs collected
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