Writer MetaKozoDAO Founder Lukifel
After working in the entertainment industry, he was involved in a number of startups, including e-commerce and D2C brands. After that, he launched MetaKozoDAO and its 1st NFT collection “MetaKozo” in October 2022. He aims to create a long-lasting and globally popular character brand originating from Japan.
In this article, I will give an in-depth explanation of 1Block, a project that has been the talk of the town.
1Block, publisher of MetaSamurai and Air Smoke Zero, is the project that introduced me to NFT and its possibilities.
I’m going to explain about 1BLOCK in depth this time!
I think you’ll learn quite a bit about 1BLOCK by reading this!
What is MetaSamurai?
1BLOCK’s avatar project with unlimited possibilities. MetaSamurai is a collection of 3,398 collective 1/1 3D avatars presented by 1BLOCK, a creative group based in Los Angeles and Tokyo that empowers creators and develops and operates web3 projects.
Concept
“I got your back” This phrase best conveys the MetaSamurai’s desire to support their master. Originally, the phrase came from the story of two people who protected each other’s backs by standing back to back during a battle. SAMURAI who followed the warrior code of BUSHIDO, protected their lord at the cost of their own life. The use of a dog as a motif was inspired by the loyal dog Hachiko, who went to greet his owner on the owner’s return and remained by the owner’s side for 10 years after the owner’s death.
Introduction of MetaSamurai Series
・Genesis ZERO/45units
https://opensea.io/collection/metasamurai-genesis-zero
・Genesis/20units
https://opensea.io/collection/metasamurai-genesis
・Main/3,333units
https://opensea.io/collection/metasamurai-official
・COACH Collaboration/10units
https://opensea.io/collection/coach-metasamurai
・Lupin the 3rd Collaboration/121units
https://opensea.io/collection/lupin-3rd-metasamurai
・atmos x SPACE BROTHERS x MetaSamurai/222units
https://opensea.io/collection/atmos-spacebrothers-metasamurai
・BEAMS CULTUAR x MetaSamurai/222units
https://opensea.io/collection/metasamurai-beams-cultuart
・MetaSamurai – THE 12 ZODIAC/243units
https://opensea.io/collection/metasamurai-zodiac
(as of 2/3/2023)
Genesis-zero were issued to commemorate the new journey of the MetaSamurai brand. They are all the same design with no reveal. This is a special MetaSamurai meant to be a semi-permanent VIP membership ticket in the community that is likely to have utilities in the future. If you had a Genesis Zero, you got 20% cash back when you purchased the Lupin Collaboration MetaSamurai.
Genesis are also special and each Genesis has a different design. When 1block makes a full-fledged entry into the world of digital fashion, genesis may have a significant role because it is officially announced that each of them will be specially customized at a specific point in the future.
These are regular MetaSamurais.
There are a total of 3333 units, all of which have a deep design and story.
The designs will be explained later.
A collaboration with a global high brand, COACH was announced in June 2022!
These are very premier MetaSamurais, only 10 pieces in the world.
・Lupin the 3rd Collaboration/121units
In June 2022, MetaSamurai collaborated with “LUPIN THE IIIRD,” a film directed by Ken Koike about young Lupin and his friends. All 121 MetaSamurai pieces are one-of-a-kind.
・atmos x SPACE BROTHERS x MetaSamurai/222units
A triple collaboration between the sneaker store “atmos” and the anime “Space Brothers”, with a SALE in November 2022. All one-of-a-kind, precious pieces with impressive space and sneaker-themed fashion.
・BEAMS CULTUAR x MetaSamurai/222units
A collaborative collection with BEAMS CULTUART with a SALE in December 2022.
BEAMS CULTUART is a project that unites BEAMS’ art-and -culture-related labels and promotes them globally to explore new areas and develop new businesses.
・MetaSamurai – THE 12 ZODIAC/247units
In December 2022, Air Smoke ZERO holders(see below) obtained an NFT called 1B DROP in airdrop. The collection obtained by burning that NFT for 0.39 ETH is THE 12 ZODIAC. The design is based on the Chinese zodiac.
It is rumored to be a key collection in the future 1Block roadmap.
These are the MetaSamurai series!
They all have cute designs that respect the worldview of the collaborators.
The system is designed to increase the number of pieces in the collaboration series around the main collection of 3333 pieces.
And since the Allowlists (sale slots) of the collaborations are distributed to MetaSamurai holders on a priority basis, the number of holdings becomes important, which is one of the points of the 1Block strategy.
Introduction of the operating team
1Block is Japan’s first digital fashion label focusing on 3DCG and operated by a company called 1SEC Inc.
■Company Profile
Company name: 1SEC Inc.
Representative ：GE2IE.eth
Location ：[U.S.A.] 1541 Ocean Avenue , Santa monica CA, US [Japan] 6F, 1-6-13 Ohashi, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Establishment : January 2019
Capital ：277.46 million yen
1SEC is based in Los Angeles, USA and Tokyo, Japan, and develops AI / XR related software, develops and produces blockchain content including NFTs such as Japan’s first virtual sneakers, and provides Peeeps, a system service for entertech.
An affiliated company, 2.0 Inc. also seems to be involved in the management of celebrity fan clubs and apparel goods planning.Celebrities such as Jin Akanishi, Ryo Nishikido, and Beni are involved here.
“1SEC wants to surprise the world in one second like “Wow! ““Damm” 1SEC wants to create “the next normal”.
1SEC is a company that accelerates the world with the technology it handles, developing a robust business that is not affected by barriers such as COVID-19.”
1SEC’s major achievements
Produced Hiro Mizushima’s Virtual Human in October 2019
Also produced Horiemon’s Virtual Human in June 2020
Please take a look at the websites below as well ✨
1SEC’s official website
https://www.1sec.world/
1BLOCK’s website is cool too!
https://1block.world/
MetaSamurai’s official website
https://www.metasamurai.world/
The announcement was made regarding an apparel brand named after MetaSamurai’s motto, “I GOT YOUR BACK” in December 2022.
https://igyb.world/
This apparel brand is also a promising one, since 1Block specializes in influencer marketing. We can already see a glimpse of the potential of this brand as Jin Akanishi tweeted about wearing it. This hoodie was given away to those who obtained the above-mentioned THE 12 ZODIAC in the same number as the number of THE 12 ZODIAC they own.
What is Air Smoke Zero?
1BLOCK has also launched a digital sneaker NFT project called “AIR SMOKE ZERO” in addition to MetaSamurai✨ It is also known as “ASZ”. AIR SMOKE 1 was the first, and actually launched before MetaSamurai. ASZs are very important keys in the roadmap.
ASZシリーズの紹介
・AIR SMOKE ZERO/124units
https://opensea.io/collection/air-smoke-zero
・LUPIN THE III RD x AIR SMOKE ZERO®︎/21units
https://opensea.io/collection/lupin-3rd-asz
・JP THE WAVY x AIR SMOKE ZERO®︎ /63units
https://opensea.io/collection/jpthewavy-asz
・Baki Hanma x AIR SMOKE ZERO®︎/25units
https://opensea.io/collection/baki-hanma-asz
・atmos x SPACE BROTHERS x AIR SMOKE ZERO®︎/16units
https://opensea.io/collection/atmos-spacebrothers-airsmokezero
(As of 2/3/2023)
・LUPIN THE III RD x AIR SMOKE ZERO
・JP THE WAVY x AIR SMOKE ZERO®︎
・Baki Hanma x AIR SMOKE ZERO®︎
・atmos x SPACE BROTHERS x AIR SMOKE ZERO
ASZ is key to the 1Block roadmap and there have been numerous airdrops to ASZ holders to date.
In December 2022, there was the airdrop of the 1B DROP mentioned above, which was a huge boon as there were numerous trades at 1ETH in secondary distribution. There will be many benefits for ASZ holders in the future.
In addition, ASZ has also collaborated with BABY METAL, which is extremely popular worldwide.
ASZ has also collaborated with Backside works. and ChibiLabs.
These collaborations do not have separate stores, but can be found on the regular ASZ page.
ASZ is a pretty important item!
・Metadripとは？
In August 2022, 1BLOCK released the beta version of METADRIP, a service that provides the experience of “wearing NFT” by utilizing AR technology.
This is one approach to make NFT more useful in the real world with an awareness of the usefulness of digital fashion.
Metadrip allows you to turn your face into a MetaSamurai in AR, make your MetaSamurai appear in the real world in AR, and wear digital fashion!
When I saw the concept of “I got your back” and the video above showing MetaSamurai in the real world, I thought it looked like something.
Yes, that’s right.
“Doraemon.”
A MetaSamurai is a cute character who stays by your side and can also appear in the real world. If artificial intelligence becomes more advanced and can be introduced, I think MetaSamurais could really become something like Doraemon.
I think there is one issue that NFTs are facing right now: “I don’t feel it!
Metadrip solves this problem and connects NFTs and reality.
By experiencing AR, you can come into contact with NFT on a daily basis.
Although it is limited to a few items at the moment, eventually you will be able to connect your own wallet to make your MetaSamurai appear in the real world and wear various digital fashion items in AR.
Download Metadrip from here (Android version to be announced)
Roadmap
t is a carefully planned roadmap that will excite users.
It looks like you will be able to have a variety of experiences with 1Block’s NFT in the future.
Here are 10 reasons why MetaSamurai is hot.
10 Reasons Why MetaSamurai is Hot
Part 1 Big collaborations with brands and celebrities
This is 1BLOCK’s strong point, and one that other projects cannot easily imitate.
Collaborations at this stage are.
・COACH
・Lupin the Third
・BABY METAL
・atoms
・BACKSIDE WORKS
・Numero TOKYO
・JP THE WAVY
・Baki Hanma
・SPACE BROTHERS
・BEAMS CULTUART
No domestic NFT project has ever collaborated with so many IPs. LOL.
It is going to be a leading role in connecting Japanese anime to the Metaverse and presenting it as NFT to the world.
And some very big-name celebrities have posted about and gotten involved with 1Block!
・Takayuki Yamada
・Jin Akanishi
・koki (daughter of Takuya Kimura)
・Mendy Sekiguchi
・VERBAL
・Dean Fujioka
etc
Takayuki Yamada
Jin Akanishi
VERBAL
Mendy Sekiguchi
koki (daughter of Takuya Kimura)
Dean Fujioka
It’s still quite a gorgeous collaboration at this point.
Considering that this is still just the tip of the iceberg, we have high expectations for the future.
The price jumped when Jin Akanishi and Takayuki Yamada made MetaSamurais their PFP (icons).
And MetaSamurai with property “Love Sunglass”, which they made into icons sold especially well.
A phenomenon like apparel that sells when celebrities wear it is happening at NFT.
It is expected that various celebrities will use MetaSamurais as their PFPs in the future .
BAYC, a representative of NFTs, was originally unsold at the sale. However, as foreign celebrities became interested and turned it into a PFP, the price jumped up.Something similar to this is likely to happen with MetaSamurai.
And overseas marketing has not yet begun in earnest.
How much money will be brought in if celebrities from abroad use MetaSamurai as PFPs?
It is highly likely that 1BLOCK’s NFTs will bring in an amount of money that is incomparable to the funds circulating in the domestic NFTs’ market.
In order to spread new innovations and culture, it is inevitable that influential people must raise the flag.
1BLOCK’s role in conveying the appeal of NFT to such people and helping the NFT industry itself to grow faster and expand its market size is just too great.
Influencer marketing and big collaborations are too cool!
Part 2 Auto Staking
Staking refers to being rewarded as a result of holding virtual currency or NFTs; it appears that if you hold MetaSamurai or ASZ, you are automatically staked.
The way the staking reward is calculated is
Holding period x number of holdings = 1BG POINTS of reward
Simply, the more NFTs you have without selling for a longer period of time, the more 1BG POINTS you get as your reward.
1BG POINT seems to be a point, not a virtual currency at this time.
The points can be exchanged for
・ALLOW LIST (priority purchase tickets) for other NFT PJs that will be launched by 1BLOCK in the future or NFTs themselves
・Event tickets
・Physical items
The full picture is not yet clear, but I can see those who are solemnly accumulating 1BG POINTS now laughing with a big smile on their face in the near future.
By the way, I own 24 of them and have not listed any of them on the market because I want to save 1BG POINTS and enjoy the 1BLOCK economic zone.
The floor price is still going up, and I think it’s still going to go up in the mid to long term.
The real events are going to have big guests, and the crowds are going to be huge. Eventually, I think 1Block can hold a event at Tokyo Dome or something like that lol
Part 3 1BLOCK LAB
1BLOCK is a service for companies, IP holders, and new business personnel who are considering web3.0 service-related business using NFT. 1BLOCK LAB will use the knowledge and experience that “1BLOC1K” has accumulated in the planning, development, and consulting of blockchain-related services, AR services (METADRIP), and the Metaverse.
Specifically, we provide NFT business construction support services as a package that includes planning, NFT creation with original contracts, distribution, and sales. In addition, the projects actually developed through “1BLOCK LAB” are expected to generate mid- to long-term synergies with the various assets developed by “1BLOCK,” and incentives are expected to be given to 1BLOCK NFTs’ holders.
I expect this service to be a tremendous success.
It seems that numerous NFT projects will be created by 1BLOCK in the future, and some kind of incentive will be granted to the holders of the various assets (MetaSamurai and ASZ) that 1BLOCK has developed.
1BLOCK will support NFT issuance by artists and celebrities who already have a lot of fans in the world. And if it grants the presale slots to 1BLOCK NFTs’ holders or give them airdrops (free gifts), the value of MetaSamurai and ASZ will also increase.
In other words, 1BLOCK NFTs will serve as a first pass.
In general, it is common that projects distributes ALs for projects derived from their own, for example, CNP for CNPJ or edo2022 for SSP, but no project produces another project that is different from their own and distributes ALs to the holders of their own. It would be unprecedented if it is realized.
Part 4 Passport to 1BLOCKVERSE
As an early adopter of 1BLOCKVERSE, 1BLOCK NFTs’ holders will also have the right to attend BLOCK THE PARTY, a private event featuring world-renowned DJs, artists and celebrities. This may be the event where you can earn admission tickets in exchange for 1BG POINT.
For example, inviting MetaSamurai holders to BABY METAL’s Metaverse Live would increase the NFT prices of 1BLOCK.This utility alone would pay for itself lol.
It would be interesting if Genesis and Genesis Zero holders were invited backstage or something.
Part 5 Deep design
NFT is inevitably speculative and people tend to focus on price rather than design, but in the case of MetaSamurai, price is of course important, but everyone is choosing designs that they think are cute and cool. ✌️
It’s really amazing because it’s a chance to get away from “NFT = speculation”
I also started an activity called “Metasamurai Concierge” on my own to spread the appeal of Metasamurai to the world, and now everyone is doing it as a daily activity. I think this is also due to the design quality that people never get tired of.
Another feature of Metasamurai is that there are different genres of design.
Here is a brief introduction of the genres ✨
This Bomber-head comes from peaceful inspiration. They’re no longer anything related to explosion or war weapon, but instead, they clean and re-use unexplored bombs and turn these into a fashion wear
The two Heart lenses stand for Heart 2 Heart.
This eyewear has the spirit of “I Got You Back”, and it is a symbol of love to communicate with others from the heart. It is a symbol of love.
Zukin is a fashion gear from the Edo period and still inherited to nowadays.It is not just a fashion wear,but also has been worn as “an amulet to protect the soul from the evils.The three layers of folds on the head metaphors the flow of a river. In addition, they are said to have the power of purification that turns evil energy to good energy.
Meta Armor is made of recycled resources from scrapped cars. The idea of its shape comes from ’60s “Skull Cap”, which was originally designed by a Designers Brand. Our designer Rusher changed it into a future-oriented shape. There’s a diamond equipped on the center of the armor, as a symbol of pureness and nobles. The diamond gives spiritual power to MetaSamurai wearing this.
Meta Kamen stands for the possibility of future fashion. We believe face gears should go on alongside with cutting-edge technologies and design. The glasses equipped have utility of detecting AR objects and understanding human’s emotions by putting visual information into electric signals. The glasses seems sober at a glance though, MetaSamurai on Meta Kamen can have kind personality sensitivity with this item.
This Goggles makes MetaSamurai transcend into time and space, giving it wide viewing ability. With this goggles, MetaSamurai can see worlds with philosophy, and fight against hyters. By having this goggles, it also proves the hidden party status of MetaSamurai, and it belongs to the traits.
This mysterious and futursitic face mask protects every virus and fungi. In addition, the mask automatically generates oxygen, and this makes MetaSamurai travel to even space and the depth of the sea. Also, this mask can translate any languages. So MetaSamurai wearing this mask can have conversation with people all over the world and will figure out a lot of issues and problems.
The official description has not yet been released.However, I think these square sunglasses will be quite popular.I think various celebrities will make PFP in the future, since celebrity = sunglasses.lol
This is another popular genre, although the description is unpublished.
By the way, the one above is mine lol There is only one Naked of this skin named Day Dreamin✨.
Some collectors collect only Naked Metasamurai.
There are 9 main design genres above.
If you are a new comer, please try to learn them.
Designer Lasher had some great things to say on Twitter, as shown below.
Translation:
We want to create a culture called 1BLOCK, not bound by the confines of NFT. We want to create a community where people can live together regardless of national borders, language, religion, or skill. That is what we believe in when we are creating. That’s why we give data a story, create depth, finish it with care, and don’t just design for the sake of designing.
That’s right.
I feel that 1BLOCK is a culture that goes beyond NFT as a speculation.
Part 6 GE2IE’s connections and strategies
Big collaborations, which is 1Block’s strength, comes from CEO GE2IE’s personal connections. He has a tremendous network.
Mr. Okurin, the founder of edo2022, also said that GE2IE’s network of people is amazing.
And the calculated business plan, past performance, and timing of big news, everything seems outstanding.
At the AMAs, he has a very frank and entertaining style that is very comfortable for listeners.
Part 7 COO Junarin’s personatily and ability
Mr. Junarin is the COO (Chief Operating Officer) of 1SEC Corporation, which is a very high position in the company.
However, he is very friendly and respo1ds to all of reckless requests from listeners via AMA and voice chat. LOL! And he’s a great impersonator of Donald, etc.! LOL
His sincerity, humility, consideration, and choice of words are also amazing. I believe that it is a humble person who survives for a long time in any world.
And it’s not just on the surface. His sincerity comes through in his daily actions such as replies to people on Twitter, responses to the community on Discord and so on.
I have been watching the activities of founders and managers of various projects, and there are very few people who do what he does.
I was very impressed by this attitude at first, and became completely absorbed in 1Block.
Another is the famous “Snack Junarin”
Snack Junarin is a meeting with Junarin and 1BG (1Block’s community) members on Mondays after midnight.
They talk about a wide range of topics from love stories to 1Block’s project.
It is a very valuable time for the community members to interact with each other, and for the community and the management to interact with each other.
The start time of Snack Junarin is late, but if you are interested, please come and join us.
Part 8 1BG (community) is high quality and warm
1BG stands for 1Block GANG and is the name of the 1Block community
The customer service of the moderators and active holders, the proposals for the management from holders, the promotional activities on SNS, the sense of distance and friendliness among 1BG members. welcome message to newcomers…….it’s honestly comfortable.
I’ve been a member of various pjs’ discords, and I’ve never felt such a good sense of community.
It was at 1Block that I met the management members of MetaKozoDao, which is my own dao.
I hope you will experience the wonderfulness of community through 1BLOCK’s discord.
If you have any questions, please ask in the “Consultation Corner”, “Concierge”, or “NFT Beginner’s Room”, and someone will be happy to answer your questions.
If you are not familiar with discord, please take a look at the channel named “Main” first.
I will also explain the roles in discord.
Roles are the status of each account in the discord.
You can see if you are an operator, a moderator, a large holder, etc.
Also, depending on the role, you can get the right to purchase in a sale.
By the way, my roles look like this.
【Roles based on possession】
@Dai-Shogun – Holding 33 or more MetaSamurais
@飛-Shogun – Holding 22 or more MetaSamurais
@Shogun – Holding 10 or more MetaSamurais
@Bugyou – Holding 5+ MetaSamurais
@Samurai Taisho – Holding 3 or more MetaSamurais
@Samurai – Holding more than 1 MetaSamurais
@ASZ Legend – Holding 10 or more ASZs
@ASZ King – Holding 5 or more ASZs
@ASZ Whale – Holding 3 or more ASZs
@ASZ – Holding 1 or more ASZs
【Roles based on activity]】
@守護(Guardian) – Granted upon successful completion of the security test
@メタサムコンシュルジュ(Metasamurai Concierge) – Granted for promotional activities of Metasamurai on SNS
@軍師(Military Master) – Granted for planning and executing a new plan in Discord and Twitter.
@忠義(Loyalty) – Granted to event participants.
ホルダーの方はディスコードに入ったらCollabland-joinでウォレットを接続してロールを付与してもらいましょう。
Part 9 Selected management members
Rusher
I think that Mr. Rusher is a very kind-hearted person who has his own world.
I believe he is a person who can sees the world through various filters .lol
Rather than just saying “because it’s trendy” or “because I want it to be this way,” he expresses the meaning and message by incorporating them into the design. A design that can be explained.
I think it is because MetaSamurais are filled with heartfelt thoughts that the design reaches people properly.
Mr. Rusher has changed my value system, as I used to look at NFT as a mere image that generates profit.
Hama-chan(PR)
Hama-chan or Yoko.
She is a cute lady who is in charge of PR for 1Block.
It is rumored that she drinks beer in the morning on her days off.
I think PR for 1Block must be very busy, but she is doing a great job.
She appears on Discord once in a while.
TRON (DESIGNER)
Tron-san is an unknown to me because I honestly haven’t had much interaction with him until now. LOL.
He uses blender to create 3DCG.
This was completed in 2 hours.
This keyboard was completed in 15 minutes.
1BLOCK LAB | Kanami Horii
Horii-san is the director of 1BLOCK LAB and seems to be working mainly on collaborations.
She is a recent arrival.
T.K.G. Tamarin
Tamarin has also recently made an appearance!
He tweets about food while working as an Administrator of Discord. lol.
t’s amazing that such a small group of elite members can work on such a profound project.
Part 10 Great record track!
Let’s take a look at the prices.
Metasamurais were sold for 0.05 ETH in the Al sale, and for 0.07 ETH in public sale.
And now, as of 2023/2/3
Floor price 1.2764ETH(approx. 25.5x from AL sale, approx. 18.2x from public sale)
Volume 1509 ETH
List Ratio 5%
Number of holders 908
It has been 7 months since the launch and they are seeing great results.
Many virtual currencies and other NFT projects are down right now due to poor market conditions, but these numbers are amazing.
I have the impression that the 1BG community is becoming more united by the day, new holders are joining day by day, and core fans are buying more and more.
1BLOCK has had overwhelming results in six months!
・Postscript by Lucifel
I can say with certainty that 1BLOCK is a project that, if I am not mistaken, can aim for the top of the world.
I think there were many elements that you will all agree with when you read what I have written so far.
It would be hard to find an article this long. lol
1B is such a profound project.
1Block has a calculated design and plan, and it is progressing steadily. Above all, I have had many exciting experiences in the past six months.
In my opinion, “NFT is experience”.
It was 1BLOCK and 1BG community that taught me that.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
If you have read this far, please experience NFT.
You will be able to experience the most advanced experience for the world where human beings will end up in the future before anyone else.
I got your back.
This article was written from my personal point of view.
So please be sure to invest at your own discretion!
Please do your own research and make sure you have a good reason to buy.
This is the complete guide to 1Block from Lucifel’s point of view ✨.
Thank you for reading!
