Quick Takeaways
- Government NFTs offer tourists cool, real-world perks like discounts, event access, and exclusive experiences.
- These digital tokens are a key part of Japan’s “Regional Revitalization 2.0” plan.
- Thanks to Government NFTs, rural areas are now grabbing the attention of travelers from around the world.
How Government NFTs Are Helping Rural Japan Thrive
In Japan, local governments are embracing Government NFTs in an unexpected but exciting way, by using them to breathe fresh life into their communities. And it’s working!
Take Echizen City in Fukui Prefecture. They’ve teamed up with companies like Toda Corporation, JTB, and Fujitsu to roll out a pilot project that’s using Government NFTs to make tourism more digital and accessible. The goal?
Attracting international visitors and creating a deeper connection between tourists and the regions they’re visiting.
And it’s not just Echizen that’s jumping on this NFT train. Over in Shizuoka, SFG Marketing is also getting into the game, building on successful trials.
This indicates that government NFTs are here to stay and are transforming rural Japan’s global connectivity.
Why Tourists Love Government NFTs
So, why are Government NFTs catching the eye of so many tourists, especially international ones? Well, they’re not your typical digital collectibles. These NFTs come with real-world perks that make visiting rural Japan even more exciting.
For example, in Fukaya City, visitors can receive the “Fukkachan NFT” as a return gift when they donate to the furusato nozei (hometown tax) program. It’s a win-win: the city gets funding, and tourists get something special in return.
Meanwhile, in Kumakgen Town, officials partnered with a manga artist to create a “digital resident NFT.” This gives NFT holders a chance to feel like they are part of the city, even if just for a short while. Very good, right?
What’s great about these Government NFTs is that they tie the digital world to the physical one. For instance, Echizen’sNFTs can be used to access local transport, encouraging tourists to explore more of the region, beyond just the big cities like Tokyo or Osaka.
It’s about getting people to connect with the real heart of Japan, and that’s exactly what Government NFTs are designed to do.
Additionally, with the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 approaching, 26 regions will showcase their tourism initiatives through government NFTs and immersive technologies.
This global platform gives rural Japan a chance to shine and share its unique charm with the world.
The Strategy Behind Government NFTs
You might be wondering: “Why now?” The rise of Government NFTs isn’t just happening by chance. It’s all part of a bigger plan.
Prime Minister Shigru Ishiba has been a great lawyer to use digital changes (DX) and web3 technologies to revive rural areas of Japan through its “Regional Rejuvenation 2.0” initiative.
In Webx 2025, ISIBA compared this web 3 movement to the Industrial Revolution, urged Japan to lead the allegations in adopting new technologies.
He pointed to successful projects like those in Ama Town on the Oki Islands, where Government NFTs have already played a key role in revitalizing the community.
This year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications took it a step further by making Government NFTseligible for the Local Economy and Living Environment Creation Grant.
This means local governments can get the financial backing they need to turn their NFT ideas into reality.
Even though Ishiba’s term is coming to an end, his vision is still alive and well.
Local governments are now scaling up their NFT projects, and it’s clear that Government NFTs are becoming a crucial part of Japan’s long-term strategy for regional growth.
