YOAKE, a fan engagement protocol merging Japanese pop culture with blockchain technology, has announced a strategic partnership with OpenSea, the largest NFT marketplace. This collaboration aims to create new ways for fans to interact with their favorite anime and entertainment properties through blockchain-based digital collectibles.

As the first step in this initiative, YOAKE is launching an officially licensed NFT collection based on The Seven Deadly Sins: Cursed by Light, an installment of the widely recognized anime and manga franchise created by Nakaba Suzuki. The collection, titled YOAKE & The Seven Deadly Sins Anime Series, will be available exclusively on OpenSea and will be minted (sold) on Soneium, Sony Group’s Layer-2 blockchain.

Sony's Soneium Blockchain and OpenSea to Sell Iconic Anime NFTs 

The Seven Deadly Sins NFTs

The YOAKE & The Seven Deadly Sins Anime Series collection will feature iconic moments and characters from The Seven Deadly Sins: Cursed by Light. The franchise, which originated as a manga serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine and later became a global anime success, explores themes of power, destiny, and redemption. The NFT series will allow fans to own blockchain-verified digital collectibles that commemorate significant scenes from the story.

One of the key moments highlighted in the collection captures Meliodas and Zeldris standing beneath the sunlight, solemnly sharing a vow with their sacred chalices. This release represents a milestone in YOAKE’s strategy to bring officially licensed anime collectibles on-chain and introduce more intellectual properties to web3.

Expanding Fan Engagement Through Web3

YOAKE aims to drive web3 adoption by integrating Japanese pop culture with blockchain technology. With the backing of Startale, which played a crucial role in acquiring the intellectual property rights, the company is establishing a foundation for officially licensed anime and manga collectibles in the NFT space.

Sota Moriyama, Chief Business Officer at YOAKE entertainment, emphasized the significance of this development by stating that the company is dedicated to advancing web3 through cultural engagement. He explained that the introduction of The Seven Deadly Sins collection is only the beginning, with plans to bring more well-known franchises into the digital space.

YOAKE & The Seven Deadly Sins Anime Series

Minting Details and Future Developments

The YOAKE & The Seven Deadly Sins Anime Series collection will be available for minting on OpenSea starting at 5am GMT on March 25, 2025. The NFTs will be priced at 0.002 ETH, with an unlimited minting window open for 72 hours. By utilizing Soneium, the Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, the collection ensures seamless ownership transfers and potential future utilities. Beyond this release, YOAKE plans to continue collaborating with prominent Japanese entertainment franchises.

In addition to NFTs, the company is exploring ways to enhance digital engagement through livestreams, fan rewards, and interactive web3 gaming experiences. By leveraging blockchain technology, YOAKE is redefining how fans interact with the entertainment properties they love. Devin Finzer, CEO of OpenSea, highlighted the importance of providing fans with direct access to popular franchises. He noted that OpenSea is committed to broadening the reach of digital collectibles and offering new ways for fans to interact with their favorite series.

YOAKE & The Seven Deadly Sins Anime Series

The Impact of Blockchain on Japanese Pop Culture

For decades, Japanese entertainment—including anime, manga, and idol culture—has influenced audiences worldwide. However, these industries have remained largely separate from blockchain innovations. YOAKE’s initiative with OpenSea represents a shift toward integrating web3 technology into fan engagement, offering verifiable ownership of digital collectibles while preserving the authenticity of beloved franchises.

By introducing licensed anime collectibles on-chain, YOAKE, with the support of Startale, is creating new opportunities for fans and collectors. This initiative allows audiences to engage with their favorite series in an interactive and verifiable way, demonstrating the potential of blockchain in entertainment.

As YOAKE continues to develop its ecosystem, the partnership with OpenSea marks a significant step toward expanding the reach of web3 in the global anime and manga industry. The integration of blockchain technology with Japanese cultural exports paves the way for a new era of fan interaction and digital ownership.