QR Codes Bridge Physical and Digital Collecting in Japan

Generated by AI AgentCoin World
Friday, Aug 29, 2025 9:27 am ET1min read
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Aime RobotAime Summary

- Pudgy Penguins launches QR-coded collectible cards in Japan’s major convenience stores, linking physical cards to digital NFT ownership via Pudgy World.

- The hybrid model bridges traditional card-collecting culture with blockchain, enabling NFT owners to earn revenue from physical merchandise sales via OverpassIP.

- This expansion targets Asia’s $15.4B collectibles market, supported by a $11M funding round and partnerships like the Pudgy Party game with Mythical Games.

- Abstract blockchain infrastructure reduces transaction costs, enhancing accessibility for mass-market adoption of Web3 technology in Japan and beyond.

Pudgy Penguins, a leading NFT brand, has launched its collectible photo cards at major convenience stores across Japan, marking a significant expansion into the region’s established collectibles market. The cards, which feature QR codes linking to the Pudgy World digital portal, are now available at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, and other convenience store chains, allowing consumers to bridge physical and digital ownership [1]. This initiative leverages Japan’s deep-rooted culture of collecting physical cards and extends it into the digital space, offering a hybrid experience that aligns with local consumer behavior [2].

The physical cards are part of Pudgy Penguins’ broader strategy to integrate blockchain technology with traditional retail formats. Each card is connected to Pudgy World, an online platform that allows users to access NFTs and other digital assets, thereby enhancing the value of the physical product [1]. The company is also utilizing a loyalty system called OverpassIP, which enables NFT owners to earn a share of revenue from the sale of physical merchandise, creating a sustainable economic model for international expansion [1].

This expansion is part of Pudgy Penguins’ larger vision to penetrate the $15.4 billion global collectibles market, with a focus on Asia [1]. The company has already established a presence in Japan through physical NFT toys sold at major retail locations, and now it is leveraging the convenience store network to broaden access. The move also aligns with the success of the Pudgy Party mobile game, which has attracted over 2 million pre-registrations and is set to launch on August 29, 2025 [3]. The game, developed in partnership with Mythical Games, integrates blockchain features that allow players to own and trade in-game assets, further reinforcing the brand’s Web3 integration strategy [3].

The physical-digital convergence is supported by the development of Abstract, a consumer-focused layer-2 blockchain built on

Ethereum
. Abstract aims to simplify the user experience by reducing transaction costs and processing times, making blockchain-based interactions more accessible to the general public [2]. This infrastructure supports Pudgy Penguins' goal of making Web3 technology more approachable for mass-market consumers, particularly those unfamiliar with blockchain.

The company's recent funding round of $11 million in July 2024, led by Founders Fund, has further accelerated its development efforts [2]. With a strong retail presence and growing engagement on social platforms, Pudgy Penguins is positioned to capitalize on the expanding digital collectibles market, leveraging its existing fanbase and partnerships to drive adoption in Japan and beyond [3].

Source:

[1] Pudgy Penguins、日本でQRコード付きトレカを販売開始 (https://icobench.com/jp/news/pudgy-penguins-japan-convenience-store-nft-cards/)

[2] NFTのPudgy Penguins、日本のコンビニでカード販売開始 (https://cryptonews.com/jp/news/pudgy-penguins-launch-cards-japan-convenience-stores/)

[3] Pudgy Penguins and Mythical Games Announce Global Launch of Pudgy Party (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pudgy-penguins-and-mythical-games-announce-global-launch-of-pudgy-party-302540201.html)