#SAGOJO #Matsukawa Town #NFT Initiative

SAGOJO and Matsukawa Town's Innovative NFT Project

In an exciting collaboration, SAGOJO Co., Ltd. based in Tokyo’s Toshima Ward, has joined forces with Matsukawa Town in Nagano Prefecture to mark the town’s 70th anniversary since its establishment. They are launching a unique project that utilizes Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to create and boost “relationship populations,” or those who connect with the community beyond just residency.

Starting June 30, 2026, four types of NFTs will be available for purchase, designed to enhance the experiences of both local residents and outsiders interested in the vibrant culture of Matsukawa. These NFTs include Yoshida’s Resident Access, Family Resident Access, Premium Family Resident Access, and Visitor Access, each with varying fees ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 Japanese Yen per year.

Unique Community Engagement Through NFTs

Purchasing these NFTs grants holders a variety of exclusive benefits. Each type of NFT promises locally sourced products, access to limited communities, and participation in unique events tailored to the specific type of residency. The overarching goal is to strengthen ties between Matsukawa's existing fans and potential new relationships from across Japan, using NFTs as a bridge for enhanced connectivity.

Matsukawa Town, renowned for its fruit picking, has embraced the idea of “Interesting Fruit Picking” as a central concept for its special perks and community design. The NFTs themselves feature exclusive artwork created by illustrator Narano, adding an artistic and personal touch to each digital token.

Addressing Challenges in Rural Community Development

In light of Japan's ongoing challenges with population decline and aging demographics, the creation of a “relationship population” has become an essential strategy for rural municipalities. Matsukawa Town acknowledges the need for initiative to engage outsiders in ways that stimulate local vitality and address labor shortages. Current endeavors reveal that successful engagement derives significant benefits, yet constraints such as participant limits and economic sustainability remain pressing challenges.

In response, SAGOJO has pivoted towards a digital solution that not only evidences the uniqueness of participants’ ties to Matsukawa but also enables ongoing community interaction through the NFT framework. Future aspirations include promoting visits to Matsukawa post-construction of key infrastructure projects, like the Linear Chuo Shinkansen line, as well as integrating these initiatives with regional economic strategies.

Various Access Levels for Diverse Engagement

The residence categories of the NFTs are well-structured to draw engagement:

1. Adult Resident: Owners receive a unique opportunity to engage with a designated “Interesting Fruit Picking Tree.” This experience encompasses everything from tree care to fruit harvesting, allowing participants to enjoy Matsukawa’s local apple production remotely, should they not be able to visit in person.

2. Family Resident: Families team up to create a