The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition are using non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to promote the Osaka Expo and encourage visits to regional attractions.
The NFT collection includes 20 contemporary ink brush paintings created by Japanese artists.
Each artwork features regional attractions connected to the Expo’s theme. Highlights include Blue Pond, the National Ainu Museum and Park, and Chusonji Temple. The collection includes two paintings from each of Japan’s 10 regions.
Users can claim these NFTs through a dedicated website. After selecting a city they’d like to visit, users can choose an NFT and send it to the Expo2025 Digital Wallet. The claim period runs from November 25, 2024, to October 13, 2025.
This initiative is part of a broader trend of integrating NFTs into Japan’s tourism strategies. In February, Japan Airlines partnered with Hakuhodo to turn local experiences into digital assets. The aim was to boost regional tourism and engage visitors more deeply.
In another example, Yamakoshi Village launched the “Neo-Yamakoshi Village” project in June. By using NFTs and the metaverse, the project seeks to address depopulation, preserve cultural traditions, and connect with supporters worldwide.
