JR Kyushu Railway Company, commonly known as Kyushu, has announced its partnership with the Astar network to launch NFTs with the aim of providing real-world utility through non-fungible tokens and strengthening customer relationships.
JR Kyushu Railway Company, a member of the Japan Railways Group, has introduced a project to utilize non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in order to enhance the user experience and create new immersive experiences for frequent customers of the railway company.
The NFTs will be developed and launched in collaboration with Astar Network, one of the most popular smart contract platforms in Japan. The goal is for these non-fungible tokens to be used by passengers to enjoy multiple benefits and maintain an immutable record of their travel experiences.
It has been confirmed that the project will commence operation around July 2023, and there will be different types of digital collectibles, each offering unique and exclusive advantages. Depending on the type of NFT they possess, passengers can be selected to unlock various additional benefits and gain exclusive access to immersive and limited experiences.
To delve deeper into this new Japanese concept,JR Kyushu unveiled the first prototype during the Blockchain Expo in Tokyo, which took place from May 10th to 12th, 2023. The railway company offered the opportunity for attendees of the Blockchain Expo to receive a free NFT, and at the same time, introduced the new Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, a high-speed train line located throughout Japan.
To gain a deeper understanding of this new Japanese concept, JR Kyushu showcased the first prototype during the Blockchain Expo in Tokyo, held from May 10th to 12th, 2023.
The railway company offered attendees of the Blockchain Expo the opportunity to obtain a free NFT. Additionally, they introduced the new Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, a high-speed train line that spans various locations throughout Japan.
As mentioned earlier, to support the NFTs, the railway operator strategically partnered with Astar Network, due to their low transaction fees, high scalability offered by the smart contract company, and their team’s understanding of the digital collectibles market.
Kyushu Railway Company emphasized that while NFTs are primarily considered assets for trading and monetizing digital art, they want to leverage the technology to provide users and customers with memories, proof of visits, usage of their systems, and many other benefits.
Sota Watanabe, the founder of Astar Network, expressed his excitement about the alliance with the railway company, stating that seeing real-life use cases of companies innovating and utilizing NFTs is rewarding for the advancement of technology. He also mentioned that this new service will build closer relationships between companies and customers while delivering new value. Watanabe added that Astar Network is committed to supporting PRO Japan and JR Kyushu in their efforts.
These new services are a significant milestone in the NFT and blockchain technology industry, as they will revolutionize how passengers interact with JR Kyushu trains. The primary goal of these new products is to enhance the customer experience and unlock new possibilities for daily commuters in Japan.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that it’s not the first time traditional transportation service companies have entered the NFT industry. For example, Flybondi partnered with TravelX to create NFT airline tickets, providing benefits such as increased flexibility, transparency, and security. Emirates Airline has also expressed its intention to enter the metaverse and introduce its own NFTs within the company.
Written by Rodrigo Catalan (TW: @RodrigoCatalanB) for NFT Express.