Azuki, launched in January 2022, is an anime-inspired NFT collection of 10,000 unique characters created by Steamboy, the former Character Art Director for the popular game Overwatch. The collection quickly gained prominence for its high-quality art, vibrant community, and innovative approach to NFTs. One of Azuki's most notable contributions to the NFT space is the invention of ERC-721A, an improved version of the standard ERC-721 that allows for the minting of multiple tokens at nearly the cost of one. This groundbreaking innovation helped Azuki stand out as a pioneer in gas-efficient NFT minting. In March 2022, Azuki took the NFT world to another level with "The Garden Party", which featured performances by Tokimonsta. This event marked a milestone with the introduction of a live airdrop 😎"check your wallet" moment, where attendees experienced the surprise of receiving tokens directly into their wallets during the event. This event solidified Azuki’s position as not just a digital collection, but a cultural and experiential brand.
Shortly after the Garden Party, Azuki expanded its universe with the introduction of BEANZ in March 2022. BEANZ, a collection of 20,000 characters, added a new dimension to the Azuki world by introducing a different species. During the LA Garden Party, Azuki holders were airdropped two Beanz for each Azuki they owned, creating instant demand and excitement for the new collection. BEANZ quickly became beloved for their playful, endearing personalities, providing collectors with new characters to engage with in the Azuki universe. Over time, BEANZ has evolved into an integral part of the Azuki ecosystem, with its own distinct lore and community.


The Elementals collection, launched in June 2023, brought further depth and richness to the Azuki universe. Comprised of 20,000 characters, the Elementals are divided into four domains: Earth, Fire, Lightning, and Water. This collection introduced a broader range of characters, including animals and kids, and built upon the mythical concept of the Garden, a central theme in Azuki's lore. The Elementals embody the elemental forces that shape the Garden and its mysterious world, further immersing collectors into the expansive Azuki narrative. The introduction of these domains signaled the beginning of a more complex storyline that connects various characters and elements within the Azuki metaverse.


Building on the success of both the original BEANZ and the Elementals, Elemental BEANZ adds another layer to the Azuki storyline. Released in December 2023, BEANZ 101 offered a detailed look into the lives of the creative creatures that inhabit the Garden. This expansion provided insights into the life cycle, culture, and characteristics of these sentient beings, further fleshing out the Azuki universe. Looking ahead, Azuki has announced ambitious plans for 2024, including the release of the “Enter The Garden” anime anthology series in collaboration with Dentsu, led by acclaimed anime producer Goro Taniguchi, known for his work on "Code Geass" and "One Piece Film Red." This series premiered in April 2024. With future plans for Anime 2.0, Azuki continues to blend the boundaries of digital art, storytelling, and community-building, positioning itself as a key player in the future of anime and NFTs.
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