Arbitrum Partners with Azuki to Launch Anime-Focused Blockchain

Named AnimeChain, this new initiative by Azuki and Arbitrum aims to bring the anime community into the Web3 realm through a blend of content, games, collectibles, and NFTs.

With an ambition to expand its operational domains, the Arbitrum Foundation, the organization behind the layer-2 solution, has announced a partnership with renowned NFT brand Azuki and the Weeb3 Foundation to create a Web3 network dedicated to anime fans called AnimeChain.

Through this collaboration, the three organizations aim to "usher in a new era for anime fans by leveraging Web3 technology to enhance the anime experience for millions worldwide. This includes first-party and third-party anime content, games, memorabilia, and NFTs."

AnimeChain has also hinted at launching a token through an early adopter points program.

"Anime" and "Manga" are hugely popular cultural phenomena in Japan. The term "anime" is derived from the English word “animation” and describes all Japanese animated works. Interest in anime-related content has spread globally, becoming popular among both children and adults.

The organizations behind AnimeChain believe that "the global anime market is expected to exceed $60 billion by 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in the global entertainment industry." However, anime fans in the Web3 world currently have a fragmented and inconsistent experience.

Therefore, launching a dedicated Web3 network for anime like AnimeChain presents an opportunity for consuming and creating various anime IP products, shared Zagabond, the founder and CEO of Azuki.

Nina Rong, head of ecosystem development at Arbitrum Foundation, stated:

"With the industry's most advanced blockchain scaling technology, Arbitrum will empower AnimeChain to redefine the anime experience for fans and creators worldwide."

Azuki is an NFT collection comprising 10,000 profile picture (PFP) images released by Chiru Labs on January 12, 2022. Inspired by anime art, Azuki blends elements from the 3D action role-playing game "The World Ends with You" and the iconic skateboarding magazine Thrasher. Azuki quickly became a resonant brand for many, from avid NFT collectors to mainstream investors.

In fact, the launch of AnimeChain and the ANIME token was speculated earlier this year through a social media post on X (formerly Twitter) by Azuki. At that time, Weeb3 Foundation's X profile even featured the tagline "Powered by $ANIME," aiming for an open anime universe.

Previously, Azuki teased the idea of "tokenizing anime culture," promising benefits for supporters and original Azuki NFT holders. Following these "revelations," the floor price of Azuki NFTs surged from 6.377 ETH to 8.298 ETH, a nearly 30% increase.

At the time of writing, the floor price of Azuki NFTs is around 5.995 ETH, up nearly 30% from 4.5 ETH recorded seven days ago.

Azuki NFT Price and Volume Movements Over 7 Days on OpenSea as of March 27, 2024

Earlier this year, Azuki announced its development roadmap, including plans to produce an anime series, expand into gaming, and continue releasing collectible items.