Utilizing Blockchain and NFC Technology to Ensure Product Authenticity
The renowned Japanese sake brand “Dassai,” produced by Asahi Shuzo, has announced the introduction of the traceability service “SHIMENAWA” for its premium product “Dassai Beyond the Beyond 2024.” This service combines blockchain and NFC (Near Field Communication) tag technology and has been jointly developed by SBI Traceability and Uni Tag. They have successfully created the world’s first NFC tag applicable to titanium material with an opening detection function, achieving an integrated solution from authenticity verification to distribution management.
World’s first NFC tag applicable to titanium material with an opening detection function
Traditional NFC tags, when in contact with metals like titanium, can affect the internal antenna frequency, making reading impossible. Therefore, for “Dassai Beyond the Beyond 2024,” the team specially developed an NFC tag that can be normally read on titanium sake bottles and includes an opening detection function. By linking the unique ID recorded in the NFC tag with digital information on the blockchain, product manufacturer authentication is achieved. At the same time, consumers can confirm product information and the manufacturing process simply by using a smartphone to scan the NFC tag.
Linking the unique ID recorded in the NFC tag with digital information on the blockchain to achieve product manufacturer authentication
Support in Five Languages, Providing Special Content
The SHIMENAWA system supports five languages: Japanese, English, French, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. After scanning the NFC tag, consumers can not only view detailed product information but also gain access to exclusive special content after completing the opening registration. This not only enhances product transparency but also offers consumers a unique interactive experience.
Additionally, Asahi Shuzo plans to collaborate with its group company SBINFT to launch a customer engagement program integrated with NFT using the “SBINFT Mits” service it provides. By utilizing digital technology, the aim is to create a brand-new customer experience, enhancing brand value and customer loyalty.
A World First, Enhancing Brand Protection and Market Trust
The launch of “Dassai Beyond the Beyond 2024” represents Asahi Shuzo’s relentless pursuit of innovation and quality. To ensure consumers enjoy this top-grade sake in its freshest state, the bottle material is made from titanium that can withstand freezing, specially crafted by SUS Corporation; the bottle cap is made using Japan’s highest standard of lacquerware craftsmanship by Maruyoshi Lacquerware Shop. By introducing the world’s first opening detection NFC tag applicable to titanium and combining it with blockchain technology, comprehensive brand protection is achieved.
The SHIMENAWA service also features multiple functions, including:
Authenticity Proof Function: By linking the unique ID of the NFC tag with manufacturing information on the blockchain, it proves the product’s authenticity and manufacturing origin.
Opening Detection Function: It can detect the opening status of the product and display it on a map in an entertaining way, enhancing consumer interaction.
Authenticity Management Function: It links the product’s shipment information with the NFC tag, preventing illegal distribution, and assists the brand in making business decisions.
Fan Marketing Function: Consumers can obtain exclusive content or receive NFTs after completing the opening registration, further enhancing the connection between the brand and customers.
Simply use a smartphone to scan the NFC tag to confirm product information and the manufacturing process
Integration of Digital Technology, Creating a New Consumer Experience
By combining blockchain and IoT technology, Asahi Shuzo has successfully achieved a strong connection between physical assets and digital information. This not only enhances the product’s anti-counterfeiting capability but also offers consumers a new digital interactive experience. In the future, Asahi Shuzo will continue to explore the application of digital technology in brand protection and market marketing, bringing more diverse and enriching experiences to consumers.
The introduction of blockchain verification by “Dassai” is not only a major innovation in the sake industry but also provides a successful example for the digital transformation of other traditional industries. As technology continues to advance, the integration of traditional industries with emerging technologies will bring more surprises and possibilities to the market and consumers.
Reprinted with permission from: Crypto City
