Charity project uses NFTs to support research on cat kidney disease

A charity programme is using NFTs to raise funds to support a Japanese institute’s research on a potential drug for kidney disease in cats.
The research is led by Dr. Toru Miyazaki, head of the Institute for AIM Medicine and who earlier identified a blood protein called Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophage (AIM) as a potential cure for feline kidney failure. So far, there has been no known cure for kidney disease in cats.
Miyazaki earlier chronicled his quest in a book “The Day Cats Live to 30.” He suggested that if the AIM could be prescribed to cats, it would be possible to prevent and treat kidney disease and extend the lifespan of cats from the current average of 15 to 30 years. He said the chance of achieving this was high.
The book grabbed attention from cat lovers, and its publisher, Japanese news agency Jiji Press, launched the charity programme through NFTs.

A collection of NFTs created by Japanese token artists on the theme of cats are available for purchase on the OpenSea marketplace and a dedicated website from May 25 to June 30. All proceeds, excluding expenses, will be donated to the institute to support its drug research.
Other highlights include works by cat-loving manga artist Kenjiro Hata whose “Tonikaku Kawaii” is serialised in Weekly Shōnen Sunday. The NFT art project CryptoNinja will also be displaying cat-inspired works.
Miyazaki established the institute in March this year after resigning from the University of Tokyo. The aim was to concentrate on his research.
Commenting on the use of NFTs, Jiji Press said it opened a new channel for donations to Miyazaki’s project. Previously, donations could only be made through domestic bank transfers, but NFTs could be purchased with crypto assets, making it possible for both domestic and international donors to take part, it said.
Art group teamLab’s NFT project explores nature of blockchain
Charity project uses NFTs to support research on cat kidney disease
[NFT.NYC] Teams, athletes and partners can help sports fans know better about NFTs’ role
Netflix K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo launches NFTs to raise autism awareness
Sake producer Asahi Shuzo to release Dassai-themed NFTs along with limited-edition sake
RTFKT to launch Clone X Forging Season One
Anthony Hopkins NFT series sell out in minutes
Broadcaster J-Wave creates metaverse studio
Internet support firm Digital Garage creates new Web3 research lab
Shohei Ohtani, Naomi Osaka among athletes sued over FTX fall
UAE’s Sharjah to launch metaverse city
DMM.com to launch ‘Kanpani Girls’ as first blockchain game
Sake producer Asahi Shuzo to release Dassai-themed NFTs along with limited-edition sake
Art group teamLab’s NFT project explores nature of blockchain
RTFKT to launch Clone X Forging Season One
NEO TOKYO CLASH event gives Shibuya crossing cyberpunk twist
Amazon looks set to enter Web3 with NFT initiative: report
Netflix K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo launches NFTs to raise autism awareness
Tokyo Game Show offers a taste of metaverse, blockchain-related products
Tokyo Metro to release Series 7000 train NFTs
DMM.com to launch ‘Kanpani Girls’ as first blockchain game
Art group teamLab’s NFT project explores nature of blockchain
NEO TOKYO CLASH event gives Shibuya crossing cyberpunk twist
Former SMAP member Shingo Katori donates NFT proceeds to support para-sports
Sake producer Asahi Shuzo to release Dassai-themed NFTs along with limited-edition sake
UAE’s Sharjah to launch metaverse city
Netflix K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo launches NFTs to raise autism awareness
RTFKT to launch Clone X Forging Season One
Puma launches first metaverse experience and NFTs tied to limited edition sneakers
Meta rolls out cross-platform NFT posting on Facebook and Instagram