[Declaration of Independence] 'Washoku Republic' Project Launches: A Web3-based Process Economy that Values the 'Process' of Japanese Cuisine

The Food NFT Consortium will launch the 'Washoku Republic' on March 31, 2026. This is a comprehensive Web3-based process economy solution that saves, protects, and values the activities, contributions, techniques, and knowledge of producers, businesses, chefs, consumers, and regions involved in Japanese cuisine, creating a new economic sphere. This project is a decentralized, AI-collaborative pseudo-national model based on the concept of a 'Washoku Republic where harmony connects and continues.' By integrating a token economy and a process economy, everyone from producers to consumers, restaurants, and chefs participates as 'citizens' to create value. We hereby declare the independence and establishment of the 'Washoku Republic' to bring smiles to the world through Japanese food. The project updates the 'mini-republic' boom of the 1980s with modern technology, using blockchain and AI to visualize and value contributions. The project was initiated by Nao Shinohara, a product development consultant, and Satoko Takenaka, a Washoku producer, who agreed on the potential of a Web3 process economy for Japanese food. The Washoku Republic believes that true value lies in the 'process' of learning, growing, eating, and enjoying together, not just in consuming finished products. It aims to make blockchain and AI-driven process economy a 'national policy,' preserving local cuisines and rare ingredients as digital assets. It also facilitates 'diplomacy' with other republics to build a relationship economy. The republic encourages rules, challenges, and the valuation of failures as assets. Regular 'Washoku Festivals' will serve as places for experience and exchange, using NFTs as passports. The platform will use blockchains such as Symbol and Ethereum, with payments in JPY, point tokens, XYM, and JPYC. Advance registration for founding members starts on March 31, 2026, with consulting and republic introduction tickets available after the seminar on April 17, 2026.