Japanese Traditional Craft "Masu" Photo Project: Cardano Community Expands through Art

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Kei Masuo

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co proposers and Additional applicants

Kei Masuo (CEO of FOMUS)

FOMUS related members (Web Designer,Web Writer,Video Creator)

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

12

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

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

The FOMUS Masu Photo Project is a global initiative that combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with Cardano techniques to raise awareness of Cardano, publicize NFT, and expand the community.

[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.”

This project will utilize Cardano's blockchain technology and NFT platform.

This is essential to publish the Masu photo book taken as digital art and share it with followers around the world.

In addition, the photo shoots in each country will require cooperation with local models and artists, and these collaborations will play an important role in the success of the project.

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

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

the output of the project will not be completely open source. The main output of the project is the Masu photo shoot and the NFTs and photo books produced from it, which are the creative property of FOMUS and are classified as proprietary content. Therefore, only FOMUS, the original creator of these materials, has the right to legally copy, inspect, or modify them.

[METADATA] SDG rating

FOMUS Masu Photo Project supports the following SDGs

SDG 1 (End Poverty): Contribute to poverty reduction in local communities by stimulating local economies and creating new jobs. Masu making promotes the utilization of local resources and the creation of new business opportunities.

SDG 5 (Achieve gender equality): In the Masu Photo Project, participants are treated equally regardless of gender, and the project provides similar opportunities for both men and women.

SDG 8 (Both job satisfaction and economic growth): The Masu Photo Project supports the creation of new jobs through innovative business development and contributes to local economic development.

SDG 10 (Reduce inequality): The Masu Photo Project is open to all regardless of age, gender, or nationality and reduces social inequality.

SDG 12 (Responsibility to Create, Responsibility to Use): FOMUS Masu are not cut down from the forest, they are all made in Japan, and the wood scraps from the construction process are reused to ensure waste-free and sustainable production.

SDG 13 (Take concrete measures against climate change): Make products using Japanese cypress, a natural material.

Scrap wood and other materials from the production process are also used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions without relying on fossil fuel-derived energy.

SDG 14 (Protect the richness of the sea)

FOMUS Masu is made from 100% Japanese cypress to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from transportation and avoid marine pollution caused by fuel.

We also use natural materials that can be biodegraded and incinerated to return to the soil, thus creating "plastic-free" products that do not burden the environment.

SDG 15 (Let's also protect the abundance of land):

The wood used for the Masu is made from resources (scrap wood) generated in the process of constructing houses.

By reusing resources and creating products without waste, we contribute to the development of healthy forests and the prevention of landslides.

These contributions to the SDGs demonstrate that the Masu Photo Project and Masu-making are actively working toward sustainable development.

Through these efforts, we aim to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of local communities and build a more equitable and just society.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

The Masu Photo Project is a worldwide project that aims to raise awareness of the traditional Japanese craft of Masu and Cardano worldwide and to increase the number of people involved in the Cardano community.

Masu is a traditional Japanese craft that has been used for 1,300 years.

In Japan, it was mainly used as a measuring instrument, and more recently as a sake vessel.

FOMUS, a one-of-a-kind Masu brand, promotes the cultural and artistic value of Masu throughout the world, thereby facilitating cultural exchange and creating a new community.

With the vision of "creating a culture that connects people with Masu", FOMUS is involved in a wide range of activities including events, art, and collaborations.

One of its projects is "Masu Photo".

FOMUS' representative "Kei," a professional photographer, travels around the country to take photos, making contact with each person and building a community.

This project brings a whole new value to the Cardano community by combining the traditional Japanese Masu with the Cardano blockchain.

Nowadays, image generation by AI has become easier and easier, making it possible for anyone to create high quality images with ease.

However, in reaction to this, we believe that more and more people today will be seeking the "role" of expressing themselves in the future, as their jobs are taken away by AI.

“Masu Photo" is a non-verbal content project that cannot be replaced by AI.

By combining the traditional Japanese craft of Masu, which only exists in the real world, with international models, artists, and local communities with diverse cultural backgrounds, we are able to bring together people who have never existed in the Cardano community.

In addition, the photos taken will be released as a book.

So far, we have released photo books in Taiwan, Japan.

https://masuphoto.theshop.jp/

For the Japanese version, we are including a QR code for the crypto asset in the book for those who are featured in the photos, thus enabling support from all over the world. This has led to many users opening new crypto asset wallets.

FOMUS has also helped more than 100 people to open wallets.

This time, by publishing this as an NFT on the Cardano chain, we can add unique value to the photobook and provide the experiential value of interaction between supporters and people involved in the project.

Why Cardano?

Unlike Ethereum, Cardano is very attractive for its low transfer fees and fee stability.

Also, although blockchain is optimized for international payments, it is currently difficult for the general public to understand.

However, since the traditional Japanese craft of "Masu" is a wooden vessel, it can be used for sake, wine, and many other applications. Therefore, it is possible to develop projects that take advantage of each individual's strengths, and the Cardano chain is ideal in connecting the world and forming new values and communities.

Therefore, this project aims to contribute to the Cardano community by proposing a new way to utilize NFT (on-chain services and membership + real products) as a hybrid of real products and digital.

[Main schedule]

2024, 3 months :Shooting & community promotion activities in Southeast Asia

2024, 8 months: Filming & community outreach in Europe and the U.S.

2025, 1 month: Release photo book and hold release event

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community.

The positive impact of this project on the Cardano community is multiple.

Promotion of cultural exchange:

FOMUS is the only brand that has sublimated the traditional Japanese craft of Masu, which has been used for 1,300 years, into entertainment.

The participation of international models, artists, and the local community with diverse cultural backgrounds will help expose Cardano to people previously not present in the Cardano community.

Strengthening community ties:

In addition, FOMUS hosts regular events that promote interaction between existing community members and new members.

Attracting new participants:

Since this project is unique in that it is a "photography" project, the hurdle for joining the community is very low.

In addition, since the project deals with the existing content of Masu, it can attract a wide range of new participants, as they do not need to be familiar with NFT or blockchain technology to enjoy the project.

Contribution to the ecosystem:

The increase in transactions on Cardano generated by the project will be measured to quantify the activation of the ecosystem.

Successful projects provide substantial value to the community by increasing the cultural richness of the Cardano community and promoting understanding and adoption of new technologies.

We will share project results widely through our website, social media, and community forums, and report in real time on each event and activity we hold.

In addition, we will share project outcomes with the community through various Cardano events.

This will enable community members to become more involved in the project and contribute to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team has the right fit and members to make this project a success.

We have the capabilities and track record necessary to carry out this project with the highest standards of trust and accountability.

FOMUS is the only brand of Masu, a traditional Japanese craft that has been used for 1300 years.

FOMUS has been involved in a variety of events and collaborations with creators using Masu, and has been involved in projects that involve everyone from children to the elderly.

In Japan, we are promoting sake events, collaborations on traditional culture, and the Masu photo project.

FOMUS was called upon to open a booth at a large-scale sake event in Kyoto, Japan.

We succeeded in bringing Masu to many users.

Furthermore, FOMUS is already promoting its activities overseas.

In Taiwan, FOMUS communicated with many local people and provided Masu photos to about 400 people all over Taiwan as a sign of friendship between Japan and Taiwan.

In Malaysia, we also implemented a project to take photos with local models holding FOMUS Masu.

The project succeeded in attracting new users and expanding recognition.

Furthermore, FOMUS Masu is also used in high-end sushi restaurants.

FOMUS events have also been held at a crypto bar in Tokyo, where a collaboration between Masu and crypto has also been realized.

The project involves the following main members and local models

・Kei Masuo

Title Founder CEO of FOMUS

Role Project Management, Marketing, Filming, Reporting

Kei is the founder and CEO of FOMUS, a Masu brand.

Masu, a traditional Japanese wooden container, is developed as an entertainment product.

He is also a professional photographer and shoots photos all over Japan.

He is a photographer of the "Masu Photo" project, which involves taking pictures with Masu, and has traveled to 14 countries so far, interacting with local people and conducting projects.

In 2023, he is also developing an accessory brand using the world's smallest Masu, and is increasing his activities overseas.

These projects have succeeded in building deep connections with local communities and enhancing their cultural values.

・Kuma

Position Community Manager Representative of Tohoku Chapter in Japan

Role Community Support

Kuma is an early member of FOMUS and is primarily responsible for supporting FOMUS real events in Japan.

The Community Manager supports a wide variety of FOMUS projects.

He is also based in the northern part of Japan, where he is also developing a pioneering work.

・Ohashi

Position Masuya

Role Manufacture of FOMUS Masu

A company in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, that manufactures Masu for FOMUS.

Ohashi is to make Masu, and FOMUS is to create new value through storytelling and branding.

・Shuka

Position Artist

Role Provider of traditional Kyoto craft techniques

Shuka is an artist living in Kyoto.

She is a professional in traditional Japanese crafts such as shamisen, flower arrangement, and gold leaf.

She also collaborates with FOMUS Masu and gold leaf.

She supports events in Japan with Kei, the president of FOMUS.

・Yuri

Position Model for FOMUS

Role Model, creator

The FOMUS project has an accessory brand that provides high priced content.

she is the creator of the accessories.

she also works as a model.

Besides this team members,

FOMUS community members exist and work on projects in Japan and around the world.

We are also considering working with Yoshinogawa City in Tokushima, Japan, which is conducting a regional development project in Cardano (with Cardano labeled plum wine), because of the compatibility of FOMUS.

From these experiences and our team, we are confident in our ability to plan, manage resources, and execute on a set schedule.

[Project Milestones] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Project Planning and Team Preparation

• Objective: To devise an overall project plan and complete the necessary preparations for shooting in Southeast Asia.

• Key Outputs:
• Finalization of venue and project plan
• Determination of photographic equipment and schedule
• Execution of advertising promotions in Southeast Asia

• Approval Criteria: Completion of the above, with documents publicly available on Notion

• Schedule: Month 1
• Budget: 15,000 ADA
• Progress: 7.5%

Successful Shooting and Event in Southeast Asia

• Objective: To commence shooting in Southeast Asia and ensure the success of the Masu Photo event.

• Key Outcomes:
• Photography in various locations in Southeast Asia
• First event execution and participant feedback

• Approval Criteria: Success of the shooting and event, with a report publicly available on Notion

• Schedule: 3 months
• Budget: 40,000 ADA
• Progress: 20.0%

Planning and Preparation for European Expansion.

• Objective: To plan and complete preparations for filming in Europe.

• Main Outcomes:.
• Completion of venue and project plan
• Determine filming equipment and schedule
• Execution of advertising promotion in Europe

• Approval criteria: finalization of filming location and schedule, review of plans, and publication of documents on Notion.

• Schedule: 1 month
• Budget: 20,000 ADA
• Progress: 37%

Complete filming and events in Europe.

• Objective: Conduct and successfully complete Masu filming throughout Europe.

• Key Outcomes:.
• Successful filming events throughout Europe
• Implementation of each event and feedback from participants

• Approval criteria: completion of all filming, report published on Notion

• Schedule: 5 months
• Budget: 70,000 ADA
• Progress: 72%.

Complete coverage of filming and events in the United States.

Goal To conduct a successful filming of Masu in the United States.

Main Outcomes:.

Successful filming events in the U.S.

Implementation of each event and feedback from participants

Approval criteria: completion of all filming and publication of report in Notion

Schedule 2 months

Budget 30,000 ADA

• Progress rate 87%.

Project Completion Report and Video Highlights, Event in Japan.

• Objective: Evaluate all results and document lessons learned and best practices. Produce a highlight video and host a debriefing event.

• Key Deliverables:.
• Detailed project completion report
• Project highlight video
• Debriefing event in Japan

• Approval criteria: comprehensive report submitted, effective highlight video, document published on Notion

• Schedule: 1 month
• Budget: 25,000 ADA
• Progress: 100%.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Kei Masuo

Title Founder CEO, FOMUS

Role Project management, marketing, photography, reporting

Founder and CEO of FOMUS.

Developed Masu, a traditional Japanese wooden container, as an entertainment product.

He is also a professional photographer and shoots all over Japan.

As a photographer for the "Masu Photo" project, which involves taking photos with Masu, he has visited 14 countries and interacted with local people and projects.

He is also increasing his activities overseas, such as developing an accessory brand using the world's smallest Masu by 2023.

These projects have succeeded in building deep connections with local people and enhancing their cultural values.

In this project, he, a local photographer, is the project producer. And we are in charge of marketing.

Kuma

Position Community Manager Japan Tohoku Branch Representative

Role Community Support

An early member of FOMUS, Kuma is primarily responsible for supporting FOMUS real events in Japan.

The Community Manager supports various FOMUS projects.

For this project, he will act as Project Manager. He will also provide back-up support from Japan and manage the online community.

He/she will also support filming in Southeast Asia and Europe as needed.

Ohashi

Position Masu Production

Role Masu Production

A company in Gifu Prefecture that manufactures FOMUS Masu.

In this project, we will manufacture FOMUS Masu.

Masu can also be sent overseas.

The main role of this project is to supply FOMUS Masu.

Shuka

Position Artist

Role Provider of traditional Kyoto craft techniques

Artist living in Kyoto.

Professional in traditional Japanese crafts such as shamisen, flower arrangement, and gold leaf.

He also collaborates with FOMUS Masu and gold leaf.

He supports events in Japan with FOMUS representative Kei.

Supporting FOMUS representative Kei.

Involved in organizing events as a professional in traditional crafts.

Yuri

FOMUS Position Model

Role model, creator

The FOMUS project is developing an accessories brand that offers content at a high price point.

She is the creator of the accessories.

She is also a model.

In this project, she will support the FOMUS brand in Japan when KEI, the representative of FOMUS, is abroad instead of in Japan.

Having a member in Japan will allow KEI to proceed with the project overseas with peace of mind.

Models to be photographed are also found through advertising promotions and locally.

We have experience in gathering models in Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia, so this is not a problem at all.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

For a detailed breakdown of the budget, please see below.

The current base conversion rate for ADA-USD is 0.4 and 60 for ADA-JPY.

Executive Summary:

Total Cost: 200,000 ADA ($80,000; ¥12,000,000)

Milestone 1 :15,000 ADA ($6,000. JPY900,000)

Milestone 2 :40,000ADA($16,000, JPY 240,000)

Milestone 3 :20,000ADA ($8,000. JPY 1,200,000)

Milestone 4 :70,000ADA ($28,000, JPY42,00,000)

Milestone 5 :30,000ADA ($12,000, JPY1,800,000)

Milestone 6 (Final) 25,000ADA ($10,000, JPY 1,500,000)

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

This project offers multiple values for the Cardano ecosystem. First, it develops a new initiative from the country of Japan, where the Cardano presale took place, through a unique cultural element: the traditional Japanese craft of Masu.

The project will issue Masu-themed NFTs on the Cardano blockchain, strengthening connections between communities in different countries that have not had much interaction with each other.

This will facilitate Cardano's international visibility and community expansion, while at the same time providing new value for NFTs.

Furthermore, it will leverage the inherent strength of blockchain in optimizing international payments to develop more concrete and practical applications beyond on-chain gaming and simple NFT projects.

For example, Masu can be applied to alcoholic beverages other than Japanese sake, thus enhancing international value exchange and understanding.

Such a cultural approach makes the effects of blockchain more accessible to the general public and positions the Cardano chain as a cultural medium.

Our project brings real-life value and connection to the Cardano community, not just a technological advancement.

Through the Masu Photo project, using Cardano technology, we will open up new markets and increase the value of the Cardano ecosystem, thereby expanding the community and providing value for the investment.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund 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