June 27, 2023
Reading time: 5 minutes

On June 23, TAKUROMAN announced and began selling the NFT art collection "Hernia & Peace," a unique collection targeted towards people suffering from intervertebral disc hernia, which is said to affect about 1% of the world’s population. The project aims to create a global community of hernia sufferers through NFTs to facilitate information sharing. In March 2023, TAKUROMAN himself suffered a sudden hernia and was helped by many people. He realized "people find healing more in kindness than in medicine" and launched this collection with the hope of spreading kindness across the world.

The collection consists of one main visual, 14 sticker NFTs, and two usage guides. Among the 14 sticker NFTs, 11 express the word "hernia" in 11 different languages (Japanese, English, Spanish, German, Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, Arabic), conveying the message "pain is universal." Sticker NFTs are sold for 7.77 Matic each (about 5 USD / approximately 700 JPY at current rates). Upon purchasing and submitting information via a dedicated form, the buyer receives a physical sticker.

We would be honored if people suffering from hernia or even those who are not hernia sufferers but sympathize with the concept of this collection would hold the NFT and the physical sticker.

◾️ Collection Overview
Collection Name: "Hernia & Peace" by TAKUROMAN
Collection Page:
https://opensea.io/ja/collection/hernia-peace
Price: 7.77 Matic (about 5 USD / 700 JPY as of June 25, 2023)
Quantity: 50 pieces each of 3 types of sticker NFTs are sold (additional sales will be made after selling out)
Physical Sticker Size: Approximately 5cm x 5cm (hologram background)
Physical Sticker Shipping: Free shipping within Japan

  • Prices and other conditions may change.

◾️ Background of the Collection
One day in March 2023, around 1 a.m., I, TAKUROMAN, was suddenly struck by pain in my lower back and leg and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. No diagnosis was made that day, and I left with painkillers while still anxious. Sitting and waiting on a chair in a crowded late-night hospital was tough and felt long. When I finally received medication and gave my birthday and name according to hospital rules, I was told, "Your birthday is tomorrow, it must be very hard for you," which strangely comforted me. Later, when taking a taxi home, the driver said, "I've injured my back before, but only you can truly understand the pain," which eased my mind somewhat. After getting out of the taxi, due to an unexpected mishap, I couldn't enter my home and returned to the taxi in the rain around 3 a.m., dragging my leg. The driver sympathized, saying, "That's just too unfortunate." Mentally, I was pretty broken, but I somehow managed thanks to the kind words of several people.

The diagnosis was intervertebral disc hernia. Although I have improved considerably now, at the time, I felt despair thinking "I might not be able to walk anymore" or "I may not be able to sit and draw." While lying in bed, I created artwork featuring the Japanese word for "hernia" and made stickers which I distributed; the positive feedback inspired the NFT collection idea. I hope this project spreads a little kindness in the world.

◾️ Collection Rules
If you see someone holding the NFTs or physical stickers from this collection, please kindly greet them (e.g., "That's really unfortunate~").
Those greeted are asked to respond kindly.

  • Additional rules may be added in the future.

◾️ What is Intervertebral Disc Hernia?
Intervertebral disc hernia is the condition where part of the intervertebral disc protrudes. Causes are believed to include aging and accumulated stress. Many nerves surround the spine, and the protruding part can irritate nerves causing symptoms like pain and numbness. Many people experience severe pain because so many nerves surround the spine. In severe cases, the pain can prevent sleep. While "strained back" is a common condition causing strong lower back pain, hernia also involves numbness or pain in the legs. * It is essential to get a doctor's diagnosis and proper treatment, not self-diagnose.

◾️ Exhibition and Presentation Opportunities
From June 28 to 30, at Creator EXPO held at Tokyo Big Sight, TAKUROMAN will exhibit and directly introduce the collection at booth S-24 in the East Hall. Please come visit.
[Free invitation ticket]
https://www.content-tokyo.jp/ja-jp/visit/e-ticket-ex/cr-s.html?co=CR1-0694
The main visual of this collection was also exhibited at Crypto Art Fes 2023 held June 23-26 at Shibuya Hikarie 8th floor.

◾️ Collaborating to Strengthen Global Outreach
TAKUROMAN has partnered with the new marketplace Grabbit, a platform boasting a user-friendly interface and excellent customer service team. This collaboration aims to expand the reach of "Hernia & Peace" and create a global impact. The partnership originated when TAKUROMAN met Grabbit’s director at NFTNYC2023 in New York in April 2023 where he was a speaker.

◾️ The Future of the Collection
"Hernia & Peace" is an NFT collection themed around hernia, which affects about 1% of the global population. Based on blockchain technology, NFTs are an innovative tool that transcends borders to connect people worldwide. Through NFTs, it becomes possible to form communities of hernia sufferers globally and facilitate exchange of information. Being only 1% of the population, hernia sufferers can be considered a social minority. While individuals in a minority may be weak alone, gathered together they have strength. If "Hernia & Peace" gains wide support and connects people worldwide through NFT power, it could enable the creation of many minority communities around the world and contribute to a better world.

◾️ Contact Information
For inquiries about this article, please contact:
TAKUROMAN
Inquiry Form:
https://www.takuroman.com/contact