Unstoppable Domains, a provider of Web3 domain names and digital identity platforms, in collaboration with Kintsugi Global, a Japan-based Web3 services and solutions provider, has announced their intent to register the first DNS-enabled Web3 domains focused on anime and manga. This initiative involves an application to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
The application targets a legacy Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD), which is pivotal for obtaining widely recognized domain extensions such as .com and .net. The focus is on the .anime and .manga Web3 domains, which were introduced by Kintsugi and Unstoppable Domains last year, along with the launch of the animedomains.com digital marketplace. The submission is strategically timed to coincide with ICANN’s upcoming six-year registration program, scheduled for next year. Kintsugi Global has also pledged support for the Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation (DigiDen), an initiative promoted by the Japanese government.
As part of this broader initiative, Kintsugi plans to launch a dedicated platform for anime and manga, which will facilitate blockchain-based content distribution. This platform aims to empower creators by providing them with greater control over their intellectual property and fostering Web3 communities and fan engagement through digital collectibles.
Ron Scovil, CEO of Kintsugi, indicated that pursuing the .anime and .manga Web3 domains via the ICANN application underscores Kintsugi’s dedication to empowering creators, building global fan communities, and uniting worldwide anime and manga cultures under distinctive digital identities. Scovil emphasized that these domains would allow creators to proudly claim unique digital identities, thereby enhancing their reach and influence in the digital space.
Should the application be approved, the .anime and .manga domains will join other ICANN-registered top-level domains such as .com, .net, .org, .biz, and .info. Their introduction is expected to enhance digital branding strategies and provide specialized online identities tailored to the anime and manga communities.
Sandy Carter, COO of Unstoppable Domains, noted that the joint application with Kintsugi aims to create new opportunities for digital identities centered around the anime and manga communities. Carter highlighted that these domains, if approved, would offer invaluable digital real estate, boosting branding potential and fan engagement for creators within these niches.
The registration effort is part of Unstoppable Domains’ broader strategy to integrate Web3 domains into the traditional Domain Name System by registering their Web2 equivalents, or twins, with ICANN. Initially focusing on a curated selection of Web3 domains, Unstoppable Domains plans to expand its offerings. This approach provides companies with an integrated naming solution at a reduced cost ahead of the next ICANN registration round.
The move to secure these specific gTLDs is seen as a forward-thinking step that acknowledges the growing importance of digital identity in the anime and manga sectors. By bridging the traditional domain system with the emerging Web3 ecosystem, Kintsugi and Unstoppable Domains are positioning themselves at the forefront of a digital revolution. This integration not only promises to streamline the process of securing domain names for creators but also aims to enhance the overall user experience for fans and community members engaged with anime and manga content.
The anticipated success of the .anime and .manga domain registrations will likely set a precedent for similar initiatives in other entertainment and cultural sectors. It underscores a significant shift towards recognizing and harnessing the potential of blockchain technology to provide more secure, transparent, and user-controlled online environments. This development could lead to a broader acceptance and implementation of Web3 principles across various digital platforms, driving further innovation and adoption in the years to come.
In summary, the collaboration between Unstoppable Domains and Kintsugi Global represents a strategic effort to meld traditional domain registration processes with the burgeoning possibilities of Web3. This initiative not only aims to support and empower creators within the anime and manga communities but also seeks to foster a more integrated and dynamic digital landscape.