Kochi, Japan Signs Deal with Start Lands for Metaverse Project
Kochi, Japan, has entered the metaverse space through a collaboration agreement with Start Lands. The city government finalized the deal on February 7 and aims to launch a virtual version of Kochi by the summer of 2024. Start Lands, created by Japanese developer KOUSEI, offers a virtual space where users can use free avatars for shopping. The comprehensive collaboration agreement will enable Kochi to promote regional revitalization using digital technology. Officials believe that this metaverse project will expand sales channels for local specialties and attract tourists to the city. They are also considering using the metaverse for education and welfare purposes.
Metaverse as an Economic Growth Engine
The signing ceremony between Kochi City and Start Lands took place in both physical and metaverse spaces. Start Lands currently has approximately 20,000 users in Japan and overseas locations and issues NFTs. Kochi is the largest city in Kochi Prefecture, known for its natural beauty. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed support for the country’s web3 and metaverse sectors, recognizing them as potential growth engines for the economy. This move by Kochi follows Seoul’s plans to launch a comprehensive metaverse platform in South Korea.
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