KottoChain: Digitizing and NFTizing Antiques on Cardano to Revive and Enhance the Vanishing Heritage

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Nobuhito Miura

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

f10@kottochain.com

Additional applicants

No additional applicant.

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

Yes

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” .

CNFT

• We will use Cardano's CNFT platform for NFTs.
• We will utilize Cardano's CNFT platform for the creation and sale of NFTs.
• We will leverage Cardano's CNFT platform to create a marketplace for NFTs of Japanese antique swords.

3D scanning technology and VR tools

• We have access to suitable 3D scanning tools for antique digitization, but licensing and permissions for VR tools are still pending.
• We have the necessary 3D scanning tools for antique digitization, but we are still working on securing the licensing and permissions for VR tools.
• We have established relationships with multiple artisans who specialize in the revival of Japanese traditional sword-making techniques known as "tatara-seitetsu," and we are currently working on securing the licensing and permissions for VR tools.

Local community and cultural institutions

• We have established collaborative relationships with multiple artisans who specialize in the revival of Japanese traditional sword-making techniques known as "tatara-seitetsu."
• We have partnered with multiple local community and cultural institutions to promote the revival of Japanese traditional sword-making techniques.
• We are working with multiple local community and cultural institutions to raise awareness of the importance of preserving Japanese traditional sword-making techniques.

Copyright clearance

• We have obtained all necessary copyright clearances for the completed works.
• The completed works have been fully cleared for copyright.
• We have taken all necessary steps to ensure that the completed works are free of copyright infringement.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

Data, Explorers, Trackers

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG 4: Quality Education

Digitizing antiques and fine art can help improve the quality of education by making cultural knowledge and history more accessible.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Digitizing antiques and fine art can help protect and preserve cultural heritage, and help form sustainable cities and communities.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Digitizing antiques and fine art can help promote efficient use of resources and sustainable consumption and production.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Digitizing antiques and fine art can help build partnerships with various stakeholders to jointly promote the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage.

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Problem Awareness: 

The loss of the true value of antiques and the loss of culture is a serious problem. The loss of human heritage and Meister culture can eventually lead to a decline in the level of human education. In the near future, the human heritage that has barely survived may be completely lost due to the spread of counterfeits and the decline of Meister culture due to the sharp decline in the number of craftsmen.

Solution: 

We will provide an environment that is easy for digital native young people to approach, and we will reevaluate the value of antiques and Meister culture. By digitizing on the blockchain, we can keep records for future generations, and contribute to ensuring authenticity and reducing counterfeits. As a person with a long experience in the antiques industry, we are confident that this is the best way to solve the problem, as we are aware of the great potential of blockchain technology.

People Involved: 

Our project will involve a variety of people, such as blacksmiths, antique dealers, and VR engineers. Their presence is essential for the project to be successful, and they are expected to actively participate especially in the digitization and NFTization process. We will work with them to protect the cultural value of antiques and promote their inheritance and development.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

We believe that antiques, which are a part of our shared human heritage, should be accessible to everyone, including digital natives. We believe that by creating opportunities for people to experience the many valuable works of art that have a long history, we can help people all over the world to understand and appreciate their significance.

As someone who has been involved in the antiques industry for many years and is passionate about blockchain technology, I see this project as a way to protect and preserve the cultural heritage of antiques. We are working with cultural heritage preservationists to digitize and preserve valuable antiques, and we are also building immersive experience systems that will allow people to experience these works of art in a new way.

We believe that this project will be a major achievement for the antiques industry and for the Cardano ecosystem as a whole. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, we can create a platform that will allow everyone to discover and enjoy the richness of our shared cultural heritage.

This solution will help to spread the richness of our shared cultural heritage by preserving the cultural value of antiques and attracting new demographics. Furthermore, the combination of Cardano's technology and values will realize a platform with important elements such as decentralization, transparency, and security, contributing to the construction of a sustainable ecosystem.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

Our ultimate goal is to preserve and develop the culture of antiques around the world. In this project, we will focus on Japanese antiques as a first step to achieve this goal. We will first focus on three items: tea utensils, scrolls, and iron kettles, used in Japanese tea ceremony, and digitize and NFT them. Moreover, we will work on the NFTization and VRization of antiques made with the best of Japan's traditional techniques. This will allow people all over the world to enjoy the beauty and value of Japanese culture by accessing the digital world.

To measure the success of the project, the number of items that have been NFTized or VRized, the number of users, and the sales revenue are the most straightforward and realistic indicators. This is because they are expressed in numbers, so anyone can see the results and there is no misunderstanding. Of course, we will always listen to user opinions and feedback, and improve the system based on them.

If this project is successful, it will further enhance the presence of Cardano and the Cardano ecosystem in the field of culture and art. In addition, it will contribute to the promotion of the adoption of Cardano technology and the expansion of the community by introducing innovative technologies such as NFTization and VRization. In the future, I am confident that it will contribute to the further growth and evolution of the global Cardano ecosystem by working towards the preservation and development of antique culture around the world.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

To widely share the outputs and results of our project, we have the following plans:

1) Website and Online Platforms: We will publish project outputs, reports, digital artwork, and more on our website and online platforms. This will allow people from around the world to access and view the outputs.

2) Community Events and Exhibitions: We will organize events and exhibitions to showcase the project outputs and digital artwork. These events will provide opportunities for interested individuals, experts, and cultural stakeholders to experience the outputs firsthand.

3) Social Media and Mailing List: We will regularly share information about the project's progress and outputs through social media platforms. This will provide updates to interested individuals and help generate awareness and engagement with the project's results.

4) Partnerships and Collaborations: We will establish partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders and organizations interested in the project's outputs and opportunities. This will enable us to further disseminate the outputs through coordinated efforts and joint projects.

Regarding the use of project results in further research and development activities, we have the following plans:

1) Technology Improvement: Based on the insights and technical achievements gained from the project, we will continue to develop advanced digitalization and NFT technologies. This will contribute to the advancement of digitalization in the antique industry and the protection of cultural heritage.

2) Research Advancement: We will conduct further research and academic studies based on the project's results. This includes promoting research on the dissemination of digital art and the digitalization of cultural heritage, leading to a better understanding and practical applications.

3) Community Contributions: We will share the project's results with the Cardano community and relevant researchers to facilitate mutual learning and development through discussions and exchanges. This will further strengthen efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage within the Cardano ecosystem.

4) Contribution to Existing Artisans and Cultural Preservation Organizations: We aim to contribute to existing organizations and artisans involved in the preservation of traditional cultural practices. The project's outputs will provide new funding sources and opportunities, fostering the inheritance of ancient cultural practices and revitalizing regional economies.

Through these activities and contributions, our project seeks to bring sustainable value to the Cardano ecosystem and contribute to the preservation of antique art and the development of local communities.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

I have been involved in the antique industry for over 10 years, with a deep involvement in Japanese culture, particularly the culture of swords and iron kettles. I also have experience as a Linux server engineer and have had a long career in the web industry. I have been operating our own antique EC site for 18 years, establishing trust as a taxpayer. Additionally, we have an advisor who is already involved in the project through Fund8.

I have experience creating an antique gallery in the metaverse called SecondLife, which involved designing methods for exhibiting real artworks in virtual spaces and enhancing user experience. Furthermore, I have participated in projects that involve 3D digitization of physical artworks, giving me expertise in the technology and tools required to convert physical items into digital representations.

Based on these experiences and achievements, I am confident in my ability to execute the project with reliability and accountability. I have established appropriate procedures and processes for fund management, ensuring high levels of trustworthiness in financial management.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

Main goals for the project are the following:

1) Our initial focus will be on digitizing Japanese antiques, hanging scrolls, and tetsubin (iron teapots) for which we have obtained the necessary rights. These items will be digitized and transformed into NFTs on the Cardano platform. Additionally, we will explore the possibilities of VR experiences for these artifacts.

2) In the future, we aim to NFTize the works of existing craftsmen that hold significant value in traditional craftsmanship, using the CNFT platform.

3) As a contribution to the Cardano ecosystem, we will provide financial support to organizations and communities dedicated to the preservation and inheritance of traditional culture.

4) We will develop an open-source e-commerce platform specifically for trading traditional cultural artifacts, enabling a marketplace for the exchange of these items.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will utilize the following methods:

1) Verification of technical feasibility: We will acquire and evaluate the necessary technologies and tools for digitization, NFTization, and VRization. We will reference relevant projects and achievements to ensure successful implementation.

2) User feedback and evaluation: We will provide prototypes and demos to real users and collect their feedback and evaluation. We will gather qualitative data on improved user experience and value proposition to assess the achievement of our goals.

3) Validation of trustworthy fund management: We will implement rigorous methods and processes for fund management. We will provide publicly available financial reports and transparent fund flow to demonstrate proper fund management and utilization.

These goals demonstrate our commitment to preserving and revitalizing traditional culture through digitalization and the utilization of blockchain technology.

We will validate the feasibility of our approach by successfully executing these objectives and actively engaging with relevant stakeholders, artisans, and the Cardano community.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Milestone 1: Digitization and NFTization of Antiques

• Main Tasks/Activities: Digital scanning of antiques, metadata collection, implementation of NFTization
• Time Required: 2 months

Milestone 2: Development of Digital Tour Guide and VR Experience

• Main Tasks/Activities: Content creation for digital tour guide, creation and implementation of 3D data for VR experience
• Time Required: 4 months

Milestone 3: Establishment of a Platform for Education and Preservation of Culture

• Main Tasks/Activities: Completion of content and marketing actions
• Time Required: 3 months

Milestone 4: Establishment of an Online Marketplace

• Main Tasks/Activities: Development of the marketplace, implementation of security measures
• Time Required: 1 month

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Digitization and NFTization of Antiques

• Success/Acceptance Criteria: Completion of the digitization and NFTization of antiques, making them available for transactions on Cardano's NFT platform CNFT
• Estimated Cost: 18,750 USD

Milestone 2: Development of Digital Tour Guide and VR Experience

• Success/Acceptance Criteria: Completion of the digital tour guide and VR experience, making them accessible for users
• Estimated Cost: 31,250 USD

Milestone 3: Establishment of a Platform for Education and Preservation of Culture

• Success/Acceptance Criteria:Press releases to outlets like Cnet, TechCrunch, etc.
• Promotion of purpose, usage, and enjoyment on Web, Instagram, YouTube
• Estimated Cost: 31,250 USD

Milestone 4: Establishment of an Online Marketplace

• Success/Acceptance Criteria: Completion of the online marketplace, making transactions of antiques possible. Utilization of WordPress, WooCommerce, and Flatsome to enable the sale of artisans' works linked with NFTs. Confirmation of the NFT functioning as proof of the work.
• Estimated Cost: 6,250 USD

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Milestone 1: Digitization and NFTization of Antiques

• Main Tasks/Activities: Digital scanning of antiques, metadata collection, implementation of NFTization
• Time Required: 2 months
• Success/Acceptance Criteria: Completion of the digitization and NFTization of antiques, making them available for transactions on Cardano's NFT platform CNFT
• 3D Scanning Technology: 3D scanner
• 3D Scanning Software: Autodesk Fusion 360
• Metadata Collection: Use of Airtable
• Labor Costs: 5,000 USD/month x 2 months = 10,000 USD
• NFTization: Labor costs
• Miscellaneous Expenses: Office supplies, shared office for 2 months, communication costs, CNFT NFT issuance fees, marketing expenses
• Estimated Total Cost: 18,750 USD

Milestone 2: Development of Digital Tour Guide and VR Experience

• Main Tasks/Activities: Production of digital tour guide content, creation and implementation of 3D data for VR experience
• Time Required: 4 months
• Success/Acceptance Criteria: Completion of the digital tour guide and VR experience, making them accessible to users
• Quest2 x 2: 1,250 USD
• Content development with Unity: $6,000/month x 4 months = $24,000
• Marketing costs: 6,000 USD
• Estimated Total Cost: 31,250 USD

Milestone 3: Building a Platform for Education and Cultural Preservation

• Main Tasks/Activities: Completion of content and marketing activities
• Time Required: 3 months
• Success/Acceptance Criteria:
• Press release to Cnet, TechCrunch, etc.
• Publicity on Web, Instagram, YouTube about purpose, usage, and fun ways to use the platform
• Web & Instagram: 3,000 USD/month x 3 months = 9,000 USD
• YouTube: 3,000 USD/month x 3 months = 9,000 USD
• Web SEO cost: 1,250 USD
• Video Camera (Sony or similar): 3,000 USD - 5,000 USD
• Hosting and WordPress theme and more: 1,000 USD
• Web advertising: 500 USD/month x 2 months = 1,000 USD
• Buffer for unexpected expenses and unanticipated issues: 7,000 USD
• Estimated Total Cost: 31,250 USD

Milestone 4: Online Marketplace Construction

• Main Tasks/Activities: Development of the marketplace, implementation of security measures
• Time Required: 1 month
• Success/Acceptance Criteria: Completion of the online marketplace, enabling transactions of antiques
• Use of WordPress + WooCommerce + Flatsome. Link artisans' works with NFTs for sale. Verify that NFTs function as proof of the works.
• Hosting and theme fee: 250 USD
• Web designer: 2,000 USD
• Press: 1,500 USD
• TikTok marketing: 1,500 USD
• Buffer for unexpected expenses and unanticipated issues: 1,000 USD
• Estimated Total Cost: 6,250 USD

Estimated Sum Total: 87,500 USD

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of our project is based on the average wage in Japan, and the cost of hardware and software is determined by referring to market prices on official websites and Amazon for each product. This ensures that the cost of our project is appropriate for the local economic conditions.

Furthermore, our project brings significant value to the Cardano ecosystem. Specifically, through the four milestones of digitizing and NFTizing antiques, developing digital tour guides and VR experiences, building a platform for the preservation of education and culture, and building an online marketplace, we contribute to the preservation and education of cultural properties by utilizing Cardano's NFT platform.

These activities not only demonstrate the potential of new business models that utilize the Cardano ecosystem, but also serve as important case studies that show the wider community how Cardano's technology can help solve real-world problems.

Therefore, we believe that the cost of our project is quite reasonable when considering its objectives and its long-term value to the entire Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept