The future is here, they say. Japan’s EXPO 2025 is jumping in with both feet into the NFT space with the launch of its “EXPO 2025 Digital Wallet.” Pavilion passes, limited edition time-based artworks, interactive NFT badges… it’s true, a lot to unpack here! Is this something that could be a significant breakthrough? Or did tech bros just create the latest buzzword juggernaut to cash in on the hype and leave the rest of us stranded?

NFTs: Really For Everyone?

The fundamental question that’s been rolling around in my brain is who wins here with this NFT inclusion. EXPO 2025's theme is "Designing the Future Society for Our Lives." So yes, all lives will be saved… as long as you’re rich enough to afford the NFT hustle.

Think about it. Exclusive content. Special privileges. These are the buzzwords being thrown around. What does that really mean? Does this imply that those who are able to purchase the rarer, more expensive NFTs get a VIP experience? More importantly, what about everybody else? The digital equivalent of a participation trophy?

When used the wrong way, NFTs are a bit of a gated community. A digital velvet rope that keeps the haves on one side, and the have-nots on the other. Are we truly building the equitable future that we claim to want? Or are we just reproducing the same disparities we saw before, but in a glitzy, new digital wrapper? It’s the same as the online crypto casino laundromat industry. It’s only the few lucky or well-connected who are cashing in, while the general public has lost its collective shirt. Is that really the future we wish to create?

Let’s be honest, the concept of “one-of-a-kind mementos” delivered as volatile, easily replicable digital tokens comes off as… strange. Still, I can’t help but recall the Beanie Baby bubble of the 90s. Remember the frenzy? The inflated prices? The inevitable crash? Are we condemned to relive the past, but now with blockchain sprinkled on top?

Sustainability: A Convenient Talking Point?

Alright, EXPO 2025, tell us more about how you’re going to be sustainable by implementing an “energy-efficient blockchain network. Let's not kid ourselves. Even on more environmentally friendly blockchains, the environmental impact of NFTs is still an issue.

Is it really enough? Or is this merely a disingenuous PR ploy to preemptively avoid accountability? Greenwashing, plain and simple?

Not only that, we’re talking about a world’s fair, an event projected to attract millions of visitors from around the globe. Carbon footprint of travel alone is huge. Putting a “sustainable” sticker on the NFT project doesn’t save it from the tremendous environmental footprint.

I’d like to know in advance why investing in this NFT platform is a better use of resources. We believe that money may be better spent on true sustainable initiatives. Like, I don't know, planting trees? Investing in renewable energy? Doing something to meaningfully tackle the existential environmental crises we are facing?

Who Profits From the Hype?

Let's talk about transparency. Where is the money produced by these NFT sales going? Is it funding the EXPO itself? Or is it enriching the shareholders of your corporate sponsors? Or is it actually being spent on things that really do improve safety for all users of the street?

I want to see a breakdown. A simple, transparent, easy to read and publicly available report showing precisely how these dollars are being spent. Because if this is truly about "designing the future society for our lives," then a portion of those profits needs to be reinvested in social programs and initiatives that uplift marginalized communities.

The NFT market itself is a bit of a Wild West right now. Scams, rug pulls and theft are widespread in this unregulated space. To what extent has anybody thought about protecting consumers from spending their hard-earned dollars on largely speculative digital assets. "Advanced encryption and smart contract technologies" sound good on paper, but are they really enough?

  • Transparency: Full disclosure of how NFT revenue is used.
  • Social Impact: A clear plan for how the NFT initiative will benefit the broader community.
  • Consumer Protection: Robust measures to prevent fraud and scams.

Imagine the older generations who can’t make it to these presentations, let alone the EXPO themselves. Are they really prepared to deal with the intricacies of NFTs and crypto in general? Or are they low-hanging fruit for nefarious players?

It is time to demand accountability. We’re actually making the future better, or we’re just opening up new paths for predation.

We shouldn’t let the hype get us to lose our vision. So let’s hold them to it—as in, give us transparency, accountability, and a real commitment to social equity. Only then can we determine if EXPO 2025's NFT wallet is a revolutionary step, or just another example of tech hype gone wrong.

Let's not allow the hype to blind us. Let's demand transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to social equity. Only then can we determine if EXPO 2025's NFT wallet is a revolutionary step, or just another example of tech hype gone wrong.