Craft Resistance

The specific problem we aim to address is the diminishing market and appreciation of traditional craftsmanship in Japan, which poses a threat to human intelligence and cultural heritage that have existed for over 1000 years.

Craft in Japan

In Japan, craft carries a weight unlike anywhere else in the world, as it transcends its physical form; it’s an art form intertwined with centuries of history and tradition. The country boasts over 200 designated crafts, with Kyoto being the birthplace of 74 of them. Unlike art, craft is not confined to museum displays but meant to be embraced in everyday life. Every craft is intimately linked to some form of experience, either directly or indirectly. 

Craft Crisis in Japan

Beyond the intricate beauty and collaborative spirit that define traditional Japanese craft lies a pressing issue — a craft crisis that has cast a shadow over centuries-old traditions. The decline of craftsmanship isn’t limited to one craft; it’s a systematic problem affecting all traditional crafts in Japan.

Consider the kimono, a symbol of Japanese culture and craftsmanship. Over the past three decades, this emblematic garment has seen a significant loss, with its market share plummeting by a staggering 90%. This isn’t just a decline in sales; it’s a reflection of a broader challenge that traditional craftsmen face.

The kimono’s decline is emblematic of a deeper issue within the craft ecosystem. Craftsmanship in Japan operates within a delicate ecosystem, where each artisan relies on the other. For instance, the exquisite silk threads woven into kimonos depend on skilled silk producers, and the demand for traditional designs relies on master dyers and craftsmen. When one part of this intricate web weakens, the entire system falters.

This isn’t merely an economic crisis — it’s a crisis of culture and heritage. The skills passed down through generations are at risk of being lost forever. The decline in the kimono industry is symptomatic of the broader challenges faced by all traditional crafts in Japan, from pottery to lacquerware to papermaking. Additionally, the dire economic situation makes it hard for younger generations of craftsmen to continue this tradition. Meanwhile, as modern technologies and career paths become more prevalent, younger generations are less inclined to pursue traditional craftsmanship as a profession or hobby.

According to UNESCO, many traditional craftsmanship practices are also facing significant challenges due to globalisation, industrialization, and changing societal values. As a result, communities that have relied on these skills for generations are at risk of losing their cultural identity and socio-economic stability.

Craft Resistance's goal is to bridge this gap between craftsmanship and the consumers. In a world predominantly driven by fast culture, fast fashion, fast food, fast internet… how might we contribute to preserving Kyoto's craft heritage while also fostering economic prosperity for present and future generations?

About the game

Craft Resistance is a mindfulness puzzle game that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of traditional craftsmanship from Kyoto, Japan, while providing an engaging and educational gaming experience. We want this game to appeal to both gaming enthusiasts and admirers of cultural heritage.

In Craft Resistance, players embark on a journey through beautifully crafted levels inspired by various traditional crafts such as pottery, woodworking, and textile weaving. Each level presents unique challenges and puzzles that players must solve using the skills and techniques associated with the respective craft.

The game is designed in collaboration with skilled craftsmen from Kyoto, who provide expertise and guidance on the authenticity and accuracy of the craft-related content. 

Our core experience goal is to immerse players in the mindful world of craftsmanship, offering them a glimpse into the meditative process that many craftsmen experience. The game will offer opportunities for tranquillity, reflection and focus - elements that are inherent in traditional craftsmanship. By introducing players to the historical significance and techniques of each craft, our goal is to foster a renewed sense of respect and appreciation for the artistry and value of craft. 

Finally, we hope that this experience inspires players to explore these crafts further in real life, either by attending craft workshops or becoming patrons to their craft.

To build Craft Resistance, we are using the Unity game engine, a physics-based engine, as well as motion capture technology to capture craftsmen work and experience. At the core of our work, we're investigating blockchain to capture, preserve and store the intricate web of relationships between the craftsmen and their work. 

We are also exploring AI non-player game characters (NPCs) that could learn from the story and personality of the individual craftsman and react to players in a natural way through natural language processing models, based on research conducted and captured through documentary, video and audio transcripts. We're aiming for a similar technique that has been utilized at the Shoah Foundation to capture the testimonies of Holocaust survivors and use AI to make it possible for natural conversations to flow between the observers and the survivors. 

Craft Resistance seeks to address these challenges by leveraging emerging technology in AI and blockchain within a game engine to not only raise awareness and promote the significance of traditional craftsmanship but also create a new economic system for craft. Through an engaging mindfulness puzzle game developed in collaboration with craftsmen from Kyoto, we aim to create a new craft economy, one that can help turn craft into a sustainable business. 

Prototype demo

Check out this video documentation of our prototype: https://youtu.be/8RP7gqmtlfo

Craft Resistance serves a diverse range of individuals, including:

Craftsmen and artisans: Especially those from Kyoto, Japan, and later other regions with rich cultural heritage. These craftsmen often struggle to attract younger apprentices and face challenges in preserving their traditional techniques and knowledge. Craft Resistance provides a platform for craftsmen to showcase their skills and pass down their lived experience to future generations, ensuring the continued vitality, sustainability, and preservation of traditional craftsmanship.

The game will also give royalties (10% of the game's revenue) to craftsmen in perpetuity. Meaning that as long as we continue to sell the game, update the game, there will be more value we can bring to the craftsmen. We will expand on this in our business model.

Younger generations: Craft Resistance aims to engage younger generations, particularly children and young adults, who may be unfamiliar with traditional craftsmanship and the many facets of cultural heritage. By providing an interactive and entertaining gaming experience, Craft Resistance introduces them to the world of traditional crafts in a fun and accessible way. 

Educators and parents: Craft Resistance offers educational value for educators and parents seeking innovative ways to teach cultural literacy and promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. By integrating traditional crafts into gameplay, Craft Resistance supports interdisciplinary learning and encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity among students. 

Cultural preservation organizations: Craft Resistance aligns with the goals of cultural preservation organizations and institutions dedicated to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. By raising awareness and promoting appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, Craft Resistance contributes to the preservation and revitalization of cultural practices that are at risk of disappearing.

The solution directly impacts the lives of these individuals in the following ways:

Cultural awareness and appreciation: Craft Resistance is designed to create a deeper appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage among players, helping to combat the erosion of cultural identity and values in an increasingly globalised world.

Skill development: For younger players, Craft Resistance offers opportunities to develop skills and knowledge related to traditional crafts, such as hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and understanding of materials and techniques.

Intergenerational knowledge transfer: By collaborating with craftsmen and artisans, Craft Resistance facilitates the transfer of traditional knowledge and skills from older generations to younger players by combining play with modern technology.

Community engagement: Craft Resistance encourages community engagement and collaboration, as players and craftsmen come together to celebrate and promote traditional craftsmanship through gaming and interactive learning experiences.

Overall, Craft Resistance has the potential to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of its target audience by promoting cultural preservation, and inspiring a new generation of craft enthusiasts and cultural ambassadors.

Our team is uniquely positioned to design and deliver Craft Resistance drawing from our deep connections to the local craftsmen in Kyoto, and our commitment to cultural preservation and education.

Team Lead: As the Team Lead, Awu has a personal connection to traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage, stemming from his current experience living in Kyoto, Japan. Surrounded by the city's rich artistic traditions, he developed a profound appreciation for traditional crafts and their importance in preserving cultural identity. He sees our role as the bridge between tradition and the future. Many of his past projects revolve around the intersection of technology and tradition. His graduate thesis Ama’s Momento (Winner of Indiecade 2019) is a VR museum that digitises his grandmother and her art collection. Furthermore, his industry experience as a game developer at Lucasfilm further equips him with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the design and implementation of Craft Resistance.

Team members: Our team comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, including game developers, cultural historians, and educators. Many team members have direct experience working with craftsmen and artisans from Kyoto and other regions, fostering strong relationships and mutual respect within these communities. Additionally, our team includes members who identify with the target population of Craft Resistance, such as younger gamers and individuals passionate about cultural preservation.

Community engagement: Throughout the design and development process, we will prioritise community input and involvement to ensure that Craft Resistance accurately reflects the values, traditions, and aspirations of the communities it represents. We actively collaborate with craftsmen, cultural organisations, educators, and local communities to gather feedback, ideas, and insights that inform every aspect of the game, from storyline and gameplay mechanics to visual aesthetics and cultural authenticity.

Co-creation workshops: We host co-creation workshops and focus groups where community members have the opportunity to contribute their knowledge, stories, and expertise to the development of Craft Resistance. These collaborative sessions allow us to integrate diverse perspectives and ensure that the game resonates with players of all ages and backgrounds.

Cultural advisors: We work closely with cultural advisors and experts to ensure that Craft Resistance accurately portrays traditional crafts and cultural practices with authenticity and respect. These advisors provide valuable guidance on historical accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and ethical considerations, helping us navigate complex cultural issues and avoid stereotypes or misrepresentations.

By centering community voices and perspectives in the design and implementation of Craft Resistance, we ensure that the game reflects the values and aspirations of the communities it serves. Our team's proximity to these communities, coupled with our dedication to cultural preservation and education, positions us as the right people to deliver this solution effectively and responsibly.

As of now, we have successfully conducted a feasibility pilot of Craft Resistance in Kyoto with a small group of three craftsmen. During this pilot, we tested a mobile version of the game in real-life settings, allowing craftsmen and players to engage with the game and provide feedback on its usability, content, and overall experience.

Prior to the pilot, we conducted extensive ethnographic research, including interviews with craftsmen, hands-on workshop experiences, and consultations with cultural experts and educators. These research activities provided valuable insights into the needs, preferences, and challenges of both craftsmen and potential players, informing the future design and development of Craft Resistance.

Moving forward, we have a solid foundation of research findings within our prototype to build upon as we seek funding and resources to create a playable demo with final gameplay.

We are applying because we believe that our initiative, Craft Resistance, aligns closely with your mission to address global challenges through innovation and collaboration. While funding is indeed a crucial aspect of our application, our primary goal is to leverage this platform to promote our initiative on a global stage and connect with partners who can provide valuable support beyond financial assistance.

Craft Resistance seeks to raise awareness about the importance of traditional craftsmanship and cultural preservation on a global scale. The world of craft is currently facing a crisis, with traditional practices at risk of extinction due to various socio-economic and cultural factors. With this application, we hope to shine a spotlight on this critical issue and garner support from stakeholders, policymakers, and the wider public.

One of the key barriers we face is the lack of global visibility and recognition for traditional craftsmanship as a viable and sustainable economic activity. While there is a growing interest in artisanal products and cultural experiences, many craftsmen struggle to access markets beyond their local communities. MIT's extensive network of partners and supporters can help us overcome these market barriers by connecting us with potential distributors, retailers, and consumers who are interested in supporting traditional crafts.

Additionally, we recognize the importance of collaboration with educators and educational institutions in promoting cultural literacy and STEAM education. By participating in this challenge, we hope to forge partnerships with global educators who can integrate Craft Resistance into their curricula and educational programs, thereby reaching a wider audience of students and learners worldwide. Through educational outreach and partnerships, we can ensure that Craft Resistance has a lasting impact on future generations, inspiring them to appreciate and preserve traditional craftsmanship.

We also understand the importance of legal and cultural considerations in the design and implementation of Craft Resistance, and we seek expertise in navigating legal and cultural complexities can provide valuable guidance and support as we scale our initiative globally. Our goal is to ensure that Craft Resistance adheres to ethical standards, respects cultural sensitivities, and complies with relevant regulations in different regions.

In summary, we are applying because we believe that our work has the potential to make a significant impact on a global scale. Beyond funding, we seek to leverage MIT's platform to promote our initiative, connect with global educators, break market barriers, and address legal and cultural challenges. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and partnership, we can ensure the success and sustainability of Craft Resistance as we work towards helping build a new economy for traditional craftsmanship.

With Craft Resistance, one of our goals is to investigate how traditional craftsmanship and modern technology can co-exist and thrive. 

What sets our solution apart is not just our choice of games as a medium for heritage preservation and awareness, but also our commitment to deeply integrate the craftsmanship, expertise, and cultural richness of local craftsmen into the game.

Power of play

In Japan, craft is intimately linked some form of experience and are also made to be appreciated by all five senses.Unlike traditional methods of cultural preservation, which may be passive or limited in reach, games offer unique affordances like spatial and multisensory storytelling, interactivity and social connection, alongside the ability to bring people of all ages together. Games can also simulate complex systems, and help players understand multidimensional issues, making it a powerful medium to share knowledge and address the many facets of the craft crisis.

Games also provide a structured context for play to occur, and while playing, humans often enter a state of flow, where they become fully absorbed in the present moment. This state of flow usually results in heightened awareness and focus, allowing people to temporarily set aside worries and distractions, and instead, immerse themselves in the joy of the activity at hand. This tranquillity and focus is similar to the mindfulness cultivated through Japanese craft. Just as playing encourages individuals to be fully present and engaged, the process of crafting requires careful attention to detail, precise movements, and a deep connection to the materials being used. 

Both play and craft provide avenues for self-expression, exploration, and reflection, offering individuals opportunities to find solace and fulfillment in the act of creation. We believe this combination is both innovative and full of potential, particularly as it represents mostly uncharted territory in the realm of cultural preservation and awareness.

Power of co-creation

At the core of Craft Resistance is our collaboration with local craftsmen, artisans and community members to ensure the authenticity and respectful representation of Japanese traditions, values and beliefs.  Craftsmen will actively participate in the game's development, providing input on character design, narrative elements and gameplay mechanics.

We also plan to hire local artists to provide them with opportunities to showcase their talents and share their work and heritage with a global audience. 

Additionally, a portion of the game's revenue will be invested back into the community through a craft fund aimed at promoting cultural revitalization efforts and supporting education and awareness activities. 

Ultimately, our solution's innovation is also about using games as a sustainable platform for economic prosperity and cultural preservation.

Expected short-term impact

Increased exposure and demand
The game can serve as a marketing tool, raising awareness about traditional crafts and attracting new customers. As players engage with the game and learn about the craftsmanship involved, they may develop an interest in purchasing handmade goods from craftsmen, leading to increased demand for their products.

Direct sales opportunities
In-game purchases will provide craftsmen with an additional sales channel and access to a global audience, potentially resulting in immediate sales and revenue.

Craft fund and development partnership
Besides the creation of a craft fund that will invest a portion of the game's sale revenue back into the community, we will also collaborate with craftsmen to create exclusive in-game content and merchandise related to their crafts, providing them with yet another source of income.

Expected long-term impact

SDG 4: Quality Education
By promoting traditional crafts through our game, there's a long-term potential for preserving and documenting these practices as part of our planet's cultural heritage. As our game enables more people to engage with and appreciate these crafts, there's a higher likelihood of their continuation through future generations and further economic opportunities.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
By supporting traditional craftsmen, we want to contribute to sustainable economic growth in their larger communities. As demand for handmade goods increases due to heightened awareness and appreciation fostered by the game, craftsmen may see long-term growth in their businesses. This sustained economic activity can lead to job creation, increased income levels, and overall economic stability within craft-centric communities.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Traditional crafts are often integral to the cultural identity of communities and contribute to the vibrancy of urban and rural areas alike. By fostering appreciation for these crafts through the game, there's a potential for promoting sustainable tourism and preserving cultural heritage within communities. With the global reach of the game and the game's ability to scale to craft communities around the world, there's also an opportunity to promote long-term cultural exchange and understanding not just between players, but also between craftsmen and artists around the world. 

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
By promoting the value and history of traditional crafts, we want to encourage sustainable consumption practices, and get people to be more conscious about their purchase behaviour and who they buy their goods from. Ultimately, we see a long-term potential for reducing environmental harm and promoting more sustainable lifestyles.

Impact Goals

Cultural preservation
Contribute to the preservation and revitalization of traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage, particularly in Kyoto, Japan, and in the future, other regions with rich cultural traditions. Our goal is to help traditional crafts continue to thrive and remain relevant for future generations, safeguarding intangible cultural heritage from the risk of disappearing.

Economic prosperity of craftsmanship
Enhance the economic prosperity of craftsmanship by providing craftsmen with new avenues for showcasing their work and generating revenue. We want to inspire players to engage with the works of craftsmen featured in the game, supporting their livelihoods and contributing to the sustainability of traditional craftsmanship industries.

Measuring Progress

Craftsmen engagement
We measure our progress towards the impact goal of cultural preservation by tracking the number of craftsmen engaged in the development of Craft Resistance, and the impact of the game and craft fund in their economic situation, both short and long-term. We would also like to monitor the level of satisfaction and collaboration between craftsmen and the development team, ensuring that their expertise and traditional knowledge are effectively integrated into the game.

Player engagement
To assess progress towards the impact goal of cultural preservation, we analyze player engagement metrics such as the number of downloads, active users, and average playtime. We also collect feedback from players through surveys and user reviews to understand their experiences and learning outcomes while playing Craft Resistance, and assess changes in players' knowledge and attitudes towards traditional crafts and cultural heritage.

Media coverage and social media engagement
We plan to track media coverage and social media engagement related to the game to gauge its influence on public discourse and awareness.

Community outreach
We measure our progress towards both impact goals by monitoring community outreach activities and partnerships established through Craft Resistance. This includes collaborations with cultural preservation organizations, schools, educational institutions and museums to promote awareness of traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Craft Resistance at its core is a game built on top of the blockchain technology.

The data in the game (craft stories, craftsmen’s names and techniques, etc.) are all stored on the decentralized database powered by the blockchain to ensure the privacy and authenticity of the dataset. Blockchain technology is the basic building block for our game. It allows us to digitize and store the craftsmen’s stories, techniques on a decentralized database meaning that not one organization would be able to alter or remove the data. Furthermore, not one organization would have access to all of the data. And the data could be created in a democratized approach where individual researchers can conduct their own research and interview and onboard their own craftsmen from any part of the world. 

Financial sustainability for the craftsmen is our top priority and we believe that blockchain technology could help us get there while ensuring transparency of financial value generated for the craftsmen and the peers on the craft network. To measure and create impact using the revenue generated from the game, we’ve decided to create the craft fund that is made up of 10% of every Craft Resistance that is ever sold. Meaning that if we sold $1M worth of game, the craft fund will receive $100K, creating immediate impact on the craft situation.  

Blockchain ensures that the distribution of the fund is fully transparent and without a middle man. Additionally, we want there to be no biases towards certain craft, especially regarding how the fund is utilized. This is why we have created a board of directors made up of craftsmen, artisans, curators who all have equal voting power and opportunity to propose different craft initiatives. Each time an initiative is proposed, the directors will vote through the blockchain. 

In summary, blockchain technology is at the core of Craft Resistance because of its ability to securely store data in an anonymous and trust minimized way, as well as its ability to ensure transparency and direct contribution to craftsmen financial distribution. 

1 full-time, 2 part-time.

More than a year.

Diversity in our leadership team

Awu (Team Lead, Co-Founder, Director) is a Taiwanese American technical director who has been working to bridge the technological divide between the old and new generations. Through projects like Ama’s Momento, Awu has demonstrated that technology can be accessible to both generations. Furthermore, technology can bridge the generational divide by creating a platform where both sides could share their point-of-view and better understand each other. 

Awu spent the past year building trust and developing meaningful ties with local craftsmen communities in Kyoto.  

Originally from Brazil, Gabriela (Co-Founder, Producer) spent a significant part of her life abroad, studying and working across various countries and multicultural environments. She has previously designed to improve the lives of older adults living with dementia and their caregivers, and also investigated the different ways technology can enable new forms of storytelling, intergenerational connection and cultural preservation. Some of these projects include a design research on the preservation of Syria's intangible cultural heritage and a documentary film about the resilience of an aboriginal community off the coast of Southeast Queensland, Australia. 

With a diverse cultural perspective and background, Gabriela brings over a decade of experience in human-centered design and innovation to SOOOUL Inc., along with her expertise in blending art, technology, and social impact.

Team's goals for becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive, and what we have done so far to achieve those goals:

Collaboration with local communities
As a team, we understand that those who are closest to a problem are the most capable of coming up with the most effective solutions. Our mission is centered on actively listening to the communities we engage with, and amplifying their voices through our work. 

As mentioned previously in this application, we are working closely with craftsmen and women from Kyoto, leveraging their collective intelligence and lived experiences to enrich our development process and produce culturally authentic content.

Our team's goals to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment
Our decision to operate with a remote team structure allows us to tap into talent from around the globe, further enriching our game and processes with diverse perspectives and experiences.  

We're also building a diverse team of advisors from around the world, leveraging the leadership team's global network. These advisors bring a range of perspectives and expertise to guide our development process, ensuring we benefit from a broad understanding of cultures and fields.

Craft Resistance's business model is based on traditional gaming revenue models with an added goal of promoting sustainable growth and impact in the craft economy. 

The main sources of revenue include sales of the game itself and in-game purchases, ensuring continuous income generation. With no cost for selling games and the ability to scale infinitely, Craft Resistance can leverage the success stories of numerous indie games that have broken sales records, demonstrating the scalability and profitability of this model.

Additionally, Craft Resistance seeks additional support through sponsorship and partnerships with cultural and educational institutions, such as museums, schools, universities, and businesses within the craft ecosystem. These collaborations not only provide financial backing but also enhance the game's credibility and reach, expanding its potential impact.

The game's model and mechanics will also be designed for expansion and growth, allowing for the sustainable hosting and development of additional content over time. This ensures ongoing engagement and revenue opportunities while keeping the game fresh and relevant.

A unique aspect of Craft Resistance is our commitment to supporting craftsmen through royalties. Ten percent of the game's revenue is allocated to a craft fund, providing craftsmen with a continuous income in perpetuity. This approach not only encourages economic empowerment within the craft community but also aligns with the game's mission to celebrate and preserve traditional craftsmanship.

By combining proven revenue streams, strategic partnerships, sustainable growth strategies, and a commitment to supporting craftsmen, Craft Resistance aims to make a significant and lasting impact on the craft economy while delivering a high-quality gaming experience.

According to Statista, the worldwide games market continues to experience significant growth, driven by several factors, including shifting customer preferences towards more immersive and interactive gaming experiences. Revenue in the games market is projected to reach US$455.30bn in 2024.

Our plan for achieving financial sustainability encompasses both revenue generation and community engagement.

Firstly, we will monetize our game through a combination of one-time purchases and in-game purchases. By offering a good gameplay experience and optional additional content that enhances the gaming experience and extends its lifespan, our goal is to attract a wide audience willing to invest in our game. 

Secondly, community building is a central pillar of our strategy. We understand the importance of engaging with the gaming community, as it not only contributes to player retention but also serves as a valuable source of feedback and word-of-mouth marketing. To achieve this, we will actively engage with our players through social media, conferences and events, and also involve the craftsmen along the way.

In terms of evidence of our plan's success so far, we have already secured support from various sources. In the short term, we have received backing from government and cultural institutions, as well as individual angel investors who share our vision and believe in the potential of our game. This initial support has provided us with the financial resources needed to develop our prototype and lay the groundwork for the development of Craft Resistance.

Additionally, we can point to success stories within the gaming industry, such as "Never Alone," an indie game developed in collaboration with the Alaska Native community. This game achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim, selling copies worldwide across multiple platforms. This impact has paved the way for the funding and development of "Never Alone 2", a highly anticipated sequel that serves as inspiration and a real-world example that games with a strong cultural or social impact can resonate with audiences and achieve financial sustainability.