We will begin providing services for "B-OWND," a new blockchain-based platform for Japanese art and craft works, from 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2019.
To coincide with the launch of the service, a pre-event will be held on April 19th (Friday) and 20th (Saturday) at BINARYSTAR, Japan's largest co-working space dedicated to blockchain companies, in Ginza, Tokyo, where participants can experience a demonstration of the service. On the day, participants will be able to hear explanations of their works from participating artists active around the world, and they will be able to pre-order works.
"B-OWND" is a service that directly connects Japanese artists and craftspeople with collectors (buyers), curators, and art critics from around the world, encouraging communication between artists, collectors, and curators, as well as allowing them to sell and purchase artworks (*1). By utilizing blockchain during the buying and selling process, the service is able to verify the authenticity of artworks and manage distribution (*2). Currently, one of the most pressing issues in Japan is nurturing the next generation of talent in art and crafts and establishing a base for their activities. It is necessary to increase the value of art and craft works in Japan and around the world, and secure sales and distribution channels for these works. In addition, the size of the Japanese art market is small compared to the rest of the world, and efforts to grow it in the future are considered important.
Through this service, we aim to expand the Japanese art market, broaden the scope of activities for artists and craftspeople who are the "bearers of culture" in Japan, and contribute to the promotion of Japanese culture and arts. Furthermore, in our "space creation" business, we will also challenge ourselves to create new spatial value through collaboration with artists.
*1: Global sales are scheduled to begin after sales in Japan.
*2: Utilizing the Art Blockchain Network promoted by Startbahn Inc., a startup company founded in 2014 by The University of Tokyo with the mission of "solving art-related issues through technology."
Image of the "B-OWND" website
Artist list page image
Comment from participating artist Takashi Wakamiya (lacquer artist)
I don't have an answer to the question of what blockchain is, but I feel that this system has the potential to allow artists to release what they truly want to create and have it recognized! Just as no one ever thought the Internet would become so widespread, I think that in 10 years time, it will probably become something that everyone can relate to and feel familiar with. I would like to express my utmost respect and gratitude to Tanseisha for taking a big risk and challenging themselves in a new field that no one has ever ventured into before (this is art).
Comment from Takashi Takahashi President and Chief Executive Of cer of our company
As we create spaces for commercial and cultural facilities across Japan, we continue to incorporate art and craft works that are rooted in local Japanese regions, making use of local cultural resources and spreading them widely. Through this service, we aim to increase global recognition and dissemination of Japanese art and craft works, pass on techniques, foster cultural leaders, and contribute to regional revitalization. We will also work with artists and craftspeople to create new spaces that make use of Japanese culture and art.
"B-OWND" Service Overview
| Official name | B-OWND |
|---|---|
| Start date and time | Friday, May 10, 2019, 10:00am |
| URL | https://www.b-ownd.com/ |
| Service Features | (1) Media Function It will provide a promotional and curation media function, serving as a place for artists to disseminate information and artworks, for collectors to discover and interact with artists, and for reviewers to evaluate artworks. In the future, we will also work to support multiple languages (※3) to enhance the international reach of artworks, artists, and craftspeople. *3: At the time of service launch, only the Japanese version is available. Multilingual support is planned for the future. (2) Market Functions Through e-commerce, we will be able to sell artworks both domestically and internationally. By opening up the Japanese art market to collectors both in Japan and overseas, we will contribute to the "expansion of the art market" and "improvement of international presence," which are part of the "cultural economy strategy" promoted by Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan for Cultural Affairs. (3) Authenticity and distribution management function for artworks Using blockchain, we will automate the process of verifying authenticity and managing distribution of art and craft works. We will also promote a "rebate model" that allows artists to receive a portion of the transaction fee during secondary distribution (the presence or absence of a rebate can be changed in the settings). System Development in collaboration with Startbahn Co., Ltd., and through this business collaboration, we aim to support the activities of the next generation of artists and popularize Japanese art and craft works. |
| Participating Artists (As of April 4th. Updated periodically.) |
Toru Ichikawa (ceramic artist), Ryotaro Kato (ceramic artist), Takahiro Koga (ceramic artist), Chikuunsai Tanabe (bamboo artist), Mion Tanigawa (lacquer artist), Hiromine Nakamura (doll maker), Yuki Nara (architect and ceramic artist), Mieko Noguchi (glass artist), Akihiro Furukawa (ceramic artist), Takashi Wakamiya (lacquer artist) (in alphabetical order, titles omitted) |
| How to participate | Please visit the B-OWND website and register as a member. |
"B-OWND" Opening Pre-Event Overview
| Date and time | Friday, April 19th, 15:00-20:00 - Invitation ticket holders only Saturday, April 20th 11:00-17:00... Anyone is welcome to attend |
|---|---|
| Venue | BINARYSTAR Event Space (11F Kirarito Ginza, 1-8-19 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo) |
| Visiting Artists (schedule) |
April 19: Toru Ichikawa, Ryotaro Kato, Mion Tanigawa, Mieko Noguchi, Akihiro Furukawa, Takashi Wakamiya April 20: Toru Ichikawa, Ryotaro Kato, Mion Tanigawa, Hiromine Nakamura, Yuki Nara, Mieko Noguchi, Akihiro Furukawa, Takashi Wakamiya (in alphabetical order, titles omitted) |
| Admission Fee | free |
| How to apply | No prior registration required. Please come directly to the venue. |
| Contact Information | B-OWND事務局 Email：info@b-ownd.com |
Related information
2018.11.29 Publication Notice
The website for "B-OWND," a new platform for arts and crafts using blockchain, has been launched.
~Service to begin next spring~
*The contents of notices and news releases are current as of the date of announcement.
Please note that this may be subject to change without prior notice.