A non-fungible token (NFT) is a unit of data stored on the blockchain, which is used to certify a unique transaction. NFTs are popularly used to provide a proof of ownership for a digital asset (separate from copyright), although they can also be used to represent physical collections in a digital format. In Japan, a new company, called Rakuza, has begun applying anime cels to the NFT marketplace. The “Rakuza Market Place” had its pre-open in May and its “grand opening” at the start of July.
The company’s About page explains that historically, anime cels were given away or disposed of once production was finished at the studio. As anime production shifted to digital compositing, however, traditional hand-painted cels are becoming more scarce. Because they were distributed in large quantities in the market, they are not suited for long-term storage. Therefore, the company…
