Ethereum News Today: Takashi Murakami Launches 108 Flowers Revised NFT Collection on Base to Offer Low-Cost Access

Takashi Murakami, the Japanese pop art icon known for his "Superflat" aesthetic, has launched his "108 Flowers Revised" NFT collection on Base, a Layer 2 blockchain developed by Coinbase. The public minting event, scheduled for July 31, 2025, marks a strategic shift to a more accessible and cost-effective platform compared to prior Ethereum-based releases. The collection, derived from Murakami’s iconic trading card series, emphasizes verifiable digital ownership and is designed to attract both traditional art collectors and crypto-native audiences. Murakami stated that the project bridges physical art and decentralized technology, enabling users to mint NFTs directly via the Base app without prior crypto knowledge [1].

The move to Base highlights the blockchain’s low transaction fees and streamlined onboarding, which align with Murakami’s goal of democratizing digital art ownership. By leveraging Coinbase’s infrastructure, the collection also enhances security, a critical factor in a market where trust remains a barrier to adoption. Murakami’s NFTs aim to simplify the technical complexities of blockchain for first-time users while expanding the reach of digital collectibles. The artist described the project as a means to "preserve creative expression through blockchain," underscoring his commitment to innovation [1].

Financial and market implications of the launch are multifaceted. Base, as a Layer 2 network, relies on Ethereum (ETH) for gas, potentially increasing ETH utilization. Analysts note that heightened network activity could position Base uniquely within blockchain ecosystems, though no immediate new funding or institutional partnerships tied to the release have been reported [1]. The transition to Base may rejuvenate stagnant NFT markets, particularly under Murakami’s brand influence. However, historical precedents show similar launches often trigger short-term network spikes followed by secondary market retracements, emphasizing the need for sustainable measures to maintain momentum [4].

Market reactions to the collection have been mixed. While Murakami’s brand strength and the accessibility of Base present opportunities, declining prices in prior NFT drops have raised concerns about demand sustainability. Collectors are advised to prepare Ethereum bridged to Base and ensure wallet readiness to navigate potential minting capacity strains during the launch window [4]. The cultural significance of the project extends beyond financial speculation, challenging traditional notions of art provenance and ownership by anchoring Murakami’s signature pop aesthetic in verifiable, immutable digital formats.

The collection’s promotional campaigns, spanning social media and crypto platforms, direct users to the Base app for minting. Official timelines adjusted to accommodate global audiences marked the JST-based launch on August 1, 2025 [5]. Analysts caution that long-term success will depend on secondary market liquidity and the evolving role of NFTs in art ecosystems. Murakami’s emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility positions the collection as a pivotal moment in the convergence of art and blockchain, though its financial and cultural impact remains to be fully realized.

Source:

[1] [Unveiling Exclusive Takashi Murakami NFTs: A Groundbreaking Art Revolution on Base] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68819bce30ae1d2233474a57/]

[4] [Takashi Murakami Dips '108 Flowers' NFTs on Base as Prices Fall] [https://coinfomania.com/takashi-murakami-drops-108-flowers-nfts-on-base-as-prices-fall/]

[5] [Takashi Murakami to Launch Collectible Trading Card NFT...] [https://www.bitget.com/news/detail/12560604878414]