Kyoto’s Ryuganji Temple launches 1,500 free goshuin NFTs

Ryuganji Temple, a temple in Kyoto, is offering 1,500 free animated NFTs to promote Japanese Buddhist culture on a global scale.

Starting November 1, users will be able to claim free Ryuganji Temple non-fungible tokens from the official website. Visitors will also be able to purchase NFT directly from the temple starting from 14:00 JST on November 9, 2024. A QR code will be available on the site for the public to scan to claim a free NFT.

Ryuganji NFT includes a video showing the temple’s gate and main hall, as well as a clip of animated brushstroke calligraphy created by the temple’s high priest.

To get a free Ryuganji NFT, users need to fill out a short survey on the website and link their blockchain wallet. Although the site states that there will be gas and service fees, the NFT itself is free and can be purchased using a credit card or Ethereum. NFT was created using the ERC-721 NFT standard of the Ethereum protocol.

A person claiming the Ryuganji NFT online via their phone | Source: Goshuin Japan

According to the official blog post, the initiative is part of advertising production company Goshuin Japan’s project that aims to introduce Japan’s native temples, such as Ryuganji Temple, to the world by converting goshuin into NFTs.

NFT is inspired by real visitor stamps offered at Japanese temples. Goshuin is a handwritten calligraphic stamp commemorating the owner’s visit to a Buddhist temple. Worshipers would often collect these when going on pilgrimage. There are currently approximately 80,000 shrines and 77,000 temples in Japan.

A standard goshuin includes the temple’s name, date, and statement. Goshuin are usually handwritten by a monk, making each one unique, similar to the nature of NFTs.

Ryuganji Temple Buddhist Chief Priest Ikeguchi Ryuho writes goshuin calligraphy | Source: Goshuin Japan

Ryuho Ikeguchi, the head priest of Ryuganji Temple, hopes that by collecting the NFT, more people can explore the temple, as he believes that temples are the most fascinating part of Japanese culture.

“By sharing the charm of Japanese culture with the help of people from abroad, both Japan and the world will become even more vibrant,” Ryuho said.

Ryuganji Temple was founded in 1616. It was built on the former residence of Shibukawa Harumi, the first astronomer of the Edo Shogunate. It is known locally as the Jodo Buddhist Temple in Kyoto.

This project is in line with Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ongoing plan to use blockchain technology and NFTs to repurpose local assets such as food and tourism on a global scale.