In a move that’s sent shockwaves through the NFT and anime communities, leading NFT project Azuki has announced the launch of its native ANIME token. Described as a “culture coin” for the global anime fandom, the token’s launch saw an immediate 9.1% jump in the price of related Azuki NFTs. But what does this mean for the future of both the anime and NFT industries?
Azuki’s Vision: Forging the Future of Anime
Azuki’s mission has always been clear: to build the ultimate open anime universe. With the launch of ANIME and the acquisition of Anime.com, they’re one step closer to making that dream a reality. As Azuki stated in their announcement on X (formerly Twitter):
“We acquired Anime.com, soon to launch alongside Animecoin as the home for global anime fandom. And now, together with the Animecoin Foundation, we’re forging the next arc for anime … Our mission remains the same: build the open anime universe.”
– Azuki
Empowering the Community
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the ANIME token launch is the allocation of the token’s supply. An impressive 50.5% has been earmarked for the Azuki community, with 37.5% fully unlocked at launch and an additional 13% to be managed by ANIME holders through the future AnimeDAO. This DAO will oversee community incentives and initiatives, putting the power in the hands of the fans.
In contrast, only 15.6% of the supply is allocated to Azuki’s team and advisors, and even that is bound by a three-year vesting schedule. It’s a clear statement of Azuki’s commitment to its community and decentralized ethos.
The NFT Market Responds
News of the ANIME token launch sent ripples through the NFT market, with the price of Azuki NFTs surging by 9.1% in the aftermath. According to data from CoinGecko, the cheapest Azuki NFT now commands a hefty 13.77 ETH (approximately $42,000). It’s a testament to the excitement and belief in Azuki’s vision.
This move follows in the footsteps of other successful NFT projects like Pudgy Penguins, which launched its own PENGU token in December to the tune of a $1.87 billion market cap. As more projects explore native tokens, it’s becoming clear that this is a trend with serious staying power.
What’s Next for Azuki and ANIME?
With the launch of ANIME and the acquisition of Anime.com, Azuki is poised to make major waves in both the NFT and anime spaces. As the token begins to circulate and the AnimeDAO takes shape, expect to see innovative new initiatives and incentives for the Azuki community.
But Azuki’s ambitions extend far beyond its existing community. With Anime.com set to become a hub for global anime fandom, ANIME has the potential to become a unifying currency for fans worldwide. It’s a bold vision, but one that Azuki seems well-positioned to execute on.
For NFT collectors and anime fans alike, the launch of ANIME is a development well worth watching. As Azuki continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with NFTs and fan engagement, they’re setting a new standard for projects at the intersection of art, community, and technology. Buckle up—the future of anime has arrived.
