Japanese Crypto Exchange Coincheck Partners with Actor Kenji Kohashi for The Sandbox Project

The Japanese crypto exchange Coincheck has enlisted Kenji Kohashi, a top-billing movie director and event organizer, to design its metaverse space in The Sandbox.

In a press release, the exchange explained that Kohashi will become the “creative director” of a project named “Oasis TOKYO,” which Coincheck calls a “metaverse city.” The project has been “jointly developed” by Coincheck and The Sandbox, the company explained.

Kohashi first made his name as an actor, appearing in hit movies such as “Azumi” (2003) and “Godzilla: Final Wars” (2004). He has more recently transitioned into directing and released the critically acclaimed film “Don’t Stop” in 2011.

Since then, he has gone on to work on government projects, such as the Cool Japan initiative. More recently, Kohashi designed and directed the most recent Paralympic Games’ Closing Ceremony late last year in Tokyo. He has also been commissioned to plan and produce the 2025 Japan World Expo – to be held in Osaka.

Coincheck stated that as the new creative director of Oasis TOKYO, Kohashi “will be involved in formulating user experience concepts and stories” as Coincheck’s project begins to take shape.

Last year, the company made significant investments in LAND, the digital pieces of real estate used in The Sandbox. The company is hoping to create a synergy with its new non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace.

Coincheck explained that it aims to give Oasis TOKYO “its own worldview and story” through its collaboration with Kobashi. 

The firm has announced that it envisages the city as “a community platform of a metaverse and [NFTs], showcasing the concept of a year 2035 near-future city.”

The exchange plans to unveil “art museums, stages, and other facilities” in “a symbolic street-scape that evokes the image of Japan.”

Coincheck earlier this month struck a similar deal with the fashion designer Tomo Koizumi, who has designed outfits for the likes of Lady Gaga and Misia.

Coincheck was taken over by the securities provider Monex Group after the exchange – formerly a smaller startup – suffered a crippling hack in early 2018.