Japanese giant Casio has delved into the NFT realm, unveiling “Virtual” G-Shock tokens inspired by its renowned watches.
According to an official statement by Casio, the company is introducing its Virtual G-Shock series on the Polygon blockchain platform.
While Casio has plans to roll out “3D model” G-Shock NFTs later in the year, their initial move aims to connect with enthusiasts of their legendary digital timepiece.
Since its launch in 1983, Casio boasts an impressive sales figure, having moved over 130 million G-Shock watches globally.
Before launching their NFT watches, Casio plans to release NFT “membership cards” that will offer unique access to exclusive channels.
Casio has announced that they will distribute 15,000 of these NFT “cards” starting from September 23. However, they’re giving a head start to customers with Casio IDs, inviting them to express their interest and potentially secure a card ahead of the broader launch.
These “card” owners will be privileged with exclusive access to an array of new events, gatherings, and the opportunity to engage in collaborative projects.
As reported by Japan’s CoinPost, Casio’s CEO, Hiroshi Takahashi, remarked that the initiative’s primary goal is to significantly amplify the G-Shock brand’s footprint in the virtual realm and the evolving Web3 ecosystem.
More Japanese Firms Turning to NFTs?
The momentum for NFT integration in business strategies remains strong in Japan, especially within its burgeoning fashion, sportswear, and accessories sectors.
Although the NFT craze might have slowed in certain global markets, Japanese companies remain motivated. This drive is in part fueled by the country’s leadership, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida consistently endorsing NFTs and Web3 as potential catalysts for Japan’s economic growth.
Leading sportswear giants such as Asics and Mizuno have not been left behind, making their mark in the NFT space by launching digital versions of their most popular footwear lines.
The enthusiasm for NFTs in Japan is not limited to just the fashion and sportswear industry.
This year in May, All Nippon Airways, a prominent airline, revealed its plans to release aircraft-themed NFTs, as covered by Impress Watch.
Furthermore, regulatory shifts are on the horizon. Earlier this month, the leading financial regulator in the country expressed its willingness to propose amendments to the existing tax regulations for local companies. These regulations, often criticized as “restrictive,” have been a point of contention with many arguing they push Japanese firms out of the domestic market.
