# Nouns Takeover NAKO 2024

**tldr:** An opportunity for Nouns to make an unforgettable impact at NAKO 2024 by merging the kendama and web3 worlds, supporting global talent, and fostering creativity in a fun, inclusive environment.

![nako-2024-banner](https://i.ibb.co/5YhgTSY/nako-is-back-2024-banner.png)

# **Introduction**
The [North American Kendama Open (NAKO)](http://nako.world) is the premier kendama competition in North America, hosted by [Sweets Kendamas](https://sweetskendamas.com/), which brings together top players from around the world to showcase their creativity and skills to a global audience.

Kendama is more than just a toy — it’s a tool for mindfulness, community building, and self-expression. NAKO offers an ideal platform for Nouns to align its values of creativity, inclusivity, and play with a like-minded global community.

![Image-10-1-24-at-8-41-PM](https://i.ibb.co/ZNXm5cS/Image-10-1-24-at-8-41-PM.jpg)

Building on the success of our collaboration with [Mindfulness Through Play](https://www.mindfulnessthroughplay.org/) and activations at ETH Denver and the Blockchain Futurist Conference in Toronto, where we engaged crypto-savvy audiences, we now aim to introduce Nouns to the entire global kendama community. 

- [**ETH Denver Recap**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI7fQ-kCH40)
![](https://i.ibb.co/Q68zGgt/ethdenverpoap.gif)
- [**Blockchain Futurist Conference Toronto First Spikes Recap**](https://youtu.be/_fP9WYCgU20)
![](https://i.ibb.co/M9wGQRf/bfctorontopoap.gif)
- **Kendama is Nounish** [**Highlight 1**](https://youtu.be/zcJ1PGgiFOQ) and [**Highlight 2**](https://youtu.be/hqQk_zr8DA0)
![](https://i.ibb.co/RY39ZZN/DSC00529.jpg)

Nouns has a unique opportunity to onboard the kendama community into web3 in an exciting and non-intrusive way. By blending the fun of kendama with accessible blockchain technology, we can show how anyone can meaningfully contribute to Nouns, use these tools to fund public goods, and create something impactful.

This proposal outlines how a Nouns sponsorship of NAKO will:
- Introduce attendees to web3 and DAOs through engaging experiences
- Support top international kendama pros, elevating competition and excitement
- Bring in special guests to enhance Nouns’ impact and visibility in the kendama community
---
# **Overview**
NAKO 2024 will be held in Minneapolis, featuring top kendama players from around the world. As the lead sponsor, Nouns will create unforgettable experiences that not only immerse attendees in the event but also gently introduce them to web3 through fun, approachable activities. By aligning Nouns with the most exciting elements of NAKO, we will drive home our commitment to creativity, play, and community.

## **1. Main Event Sponsorship**
   By sponsoring the main event, Nouns will be front and center at NAKO 2024, ensuring maximum visibility across livestreams, social media, and event signage. This top-tier exposure firmly positions Nouns as a driving force in the kendama community.
   - Nouns branding across the event, including livestreams and signage
   - Amplifies Nouns’ presence in the kendama community and showcases our support for creativity and play
   - Free registration for Nouners and other nounish DAO members

![nako-24-ticket](https://i.ibb.co/ZLtKtwq/nako-24-ticket-1.png)

## **2. Side Event Sponsorships**
   Nouns’ involvement in side events will help us foster deeper connections within the kendama community. These smaller, intimate jams and competitions are where the most personal bonds are formed, and with Nouns' support, we can help elevate the entire experience by offering prizes and making these gatherings even more memorable.
   - Sponsorship of side events enhances engagement and deepens Nouns' impact
   - Nouns branding and support leave a lasting impression on participants, further embedding us in the kendama community
   - The list of participating brands is growing and tentatively includes:
        - [Mindfulness Through Play](https://www.mindfulnessthroughplay.org/) 
        - [Grain Theory](https://graintheory.com/) 
        - [Not For Kids Toys](https://notforkids.toys/)
        - [Sol Kendamas](https://solkendamas.com/) 
        - [Kendama Depot](https://kendamadepot.com/)
        - [BIRL](https://www.birlsubculture.com/)
        - [Da Originz](https://www.dao-ken.eu/)
        - [Catalina Kendamas](https://www.instagram.com/catalinakendamas/)
        - [Lotus Kendamas](http://lotuskendamas.com)
        - [Spiffy Toys](https://www.spiffytoys.co/)
        - [Krom Kendama](https://kromkendama.com)
        - [Kendama USA](http://kendamausa.com)
        - [Analog Kendamas](https://www.analogkendamas.com/)
        - [Quad Kendamas](https://quadkendamas.com/)
        - [OKendama](https://www.okendama.com/)
        - [Occult Kendamas](https://occultkendamas.com/)

![](https://i.ibb.co/Z1G3WGs/5-O0-A4821-Enhanced-NR-copy.png)

## **3. Nouns DAO Panel and Workshop**
   The Nouns DAO Panel and Workshop offer a unique educational experience at NAKO. The panel will provide attendees with an inside look at how blockchain technology intersects with creativity and community building, showcasing real-world examples of how this technology has improved people’s lives. The workshop creates an intimate space for deeper engagement, giving curious attendees a chance to explore the potential of DAOs and learn how they can leverage these tools to enhance their own creative projects.
   - Panel explores how web3, and Nouns in particular, can be used for creative projects and community building
   - Workshop provides hands-on learning about crypto, NFTs, and DAOs, helping participants understand how they can get directly involved

![315099983-557244923074663-2949081928208814016-n](https://i.ibb.co/HpS822s/315099983-557244923074663-2949081928208814016-n.jpg)

## **4. Onboarding Attendees with POAPs, Kendama DAO Tokens, and Prizes**
   We will introduce attendees to web3 in a simple, fun way that invites curiosity without pressure. By distributing POAPs and Kendama DAO tokens, Nouns will leave a lasting impression on attendees, giving them something tangible to take home and explore later. This non-invasive approach helps us onboard new members into the Nouns ecosystem while enhancing their experience at NAKO.
   - Attendees receive a POAP upon registration, unlocking further engagement throughout the event
   - Airdrop of Kendama DAO tokens on the final day further strengthens Nouns' connection to the community through an immediate opportunity to contribute to an onchain movement they already love
   - Prizes will be awarded in ETH and will also include NFT awards, giving winners a lasting, meaningful connection to the event

![](https://i.ibb.co/Cng2vZ8/damadao.png)

## **5. POAP Scavenger Hunt**
   Our POAP scavenger hunt will inject an element of play and discovery into the event. This activity encourages attendees to explore various areas of the venue while interacting with Nouns branding and content in a fun, hands-on way. Participants who collect all POAPs will be entered into a raffle, encouraging engagement without overwhelming them with technical jargon or crypto complexity.
   - Interactive scavenger hunt for attendees, incorporating nounish art
   - Creates excitement and deeper involvement, leading to a memorable experience associated with Nouns

![](https://i.ibb.co/CbbyZ3H/walldama.png)

## **6. Travel Sponsorships**
   Supporting the travel of top international kendama pros is a key element in elevating the competition at NAKO 2024. By helping these elite athletes attend, Nouns not only enhances the quality and prestige of the event but also demonstrates our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering inclusivity in the kendama community.
   - Travel support for international kendama pros raises the bar for competition
   - Nouns solidifies its reputation as a champion of global talent and creativity

   Featured athletes will be finalized if this proposal passes, we are currently in talks with the following players:
   - [Ryoga Kawamoto](https://www.instagram.com/ryoga_kendama?igsh=MWE4b3p1NWFrZG5kOA==), Lotus Kendamas Pro (Kendama World Cup 2024 champion)
   - [Ching Yan](https://www.instagram.com/04ching_yan?igsh=dmNpem5rNnJ1Y2R1), Su Lab Kendama Pro (Kendama World Cup 2024 female champion)
   - [Adrian Vilau](https://www.instagram.com/adrian.vilau?igsh=ZmwzNGdwOTBkY204) (European Kendama Championship 2024 Champion)
   - [Nonoka Kyoda](https://www.instagram.com/nonoka_kyodo?igsh=ZWdvMm9kZmx6MGIy), Sweets Kendamas Pro (Battle at the Border 2024 Freestyle Champion)
   - [Takuya Igarashi](https://www.instagram.com/takuya_04.17?igsh=MW5meWYyemJhYWU4cQ==), Kendama Israel Pro (3 time Kendama World Cup Champion)
   - [Yasu Chiba](https://www.instagram.com/yasu_hc?igsh=bjdnZnBjdDdyMHJl), Krom Kendama Pro and member of High Receipts (Multiple freestyle championships)
        - *Note: [High Receipts](https://www.instagram.com/high_receipt.s?igsh=MXhmOThvZ2U3M3d6Ng==) is an elite kendama group based out of Japan who is known for their performative freestyles*
   - [Soma Fujita](https://www.instagram.com/somafujita?igsh=YmN3emY0dmhlcDl4), Krom Kendama Pro and member of High Receipts 
   - [Nobu Norioka](https://www.instagram.com/nobu.nori0411?igsh=d28wb2RyeGd3a3Jn), Kendama USA Pro and member of High Receipts 
   - [Kaito Nakajima](https://www.instagram.com/kaito_nakajima?igsh=MWQ0MHZwdXloNG00Ng==), Grain Theory Pro and member of High Receipts 

![](https://i.ibb.co/XSJnXJj/sweetstrick.gif)

## **7. Special Guests**
   We’re bringing in high-profile guests, such as Bob Burnquist and a top-tier DJ, to add star power and excitement to NAKO 2024. Bob’s presence connects Nouns to creativity and innovation in more traditional communities like skateboarding, while the DJ’s performance will energize the event, making web3 more appealing to a broader audience and aligning Nouns with influential figures in both the skate and entertainment worlds.
   - Insights on innovation and web3's impact on skateboarding, which has high crossover in the kendama community
   - A top-tier DJ to elevate the atmosphere
       - Final booking is to be determined, we are currently in discussions with [Kompany](https://www.instagram.com/Kompanymusic/), [Subtronics](https://www.instagram.com/subtronics/), and [Of The Trees](https://www.instagram.com/ofthetreesmusic/)

![](https://i.ibb.co/fSpNS85/subtronics.gif)

## **8. Skate Event**
   We've also submitted [a sister proposal to Gnars](https://nouns.build/dao/base/0x880fb3cf5c6cc2d7dfc13a993e839a9411200c17/vote/44) focused on a skate event to happen alongside NAKO, aiming to merge the worlds of kendama, extreme sports, and web3. By combining our efforts, Nouns and Gnars will create a holistic experience that engages both communities, highlights creativity, and showcases the positive impact of DAOs and blockchain technology while also demonstrating the collaborative nature of Nouns.
   - [Ryan Yost](https://www.instagram.com/skateyost/), [Tom Rohrer](https://www.instagram.com/toms_tutorials/), and [Sweets Mob](https://sweetskendamas.com/pages/the-sweets-mob) pros will lead a fun, interactive skate event
   - Prizes and catering enhance the experience, reflecting Nouns’ commitment to community and collaboration

![](https://i.ibb.co/w0M58Dv/i-shgcdn.jpg)

---

## Team
- [Kendama DAO](https://nouns.build/dao/base/0xd7d40e5afceabc923b70dd299206155fb330f5ff)
    - [Satori](https://warpcast.com/0xsatori)
    - [Gabriel Klemm](https://warpcast.com/gksweets) - CEO of [Sweets Kendamas](https://sweetskendamas.com/)
    - [Joshua Grove](https://warpcast.com/joshuaflowgrove) - Founder of [Mindfulness Through Play](https://www.mindfulnessthroughplay.org/), [Sweets Kendamas](https://sweetskendamas.com/) Pro
    - [Poox](https://warpcast.com/poox) - Designer at [Sweets Kendamas](https://sweetskendamas.com/)

![damanoun](https://i.ibb.co/ZGHpcgS/damanoun-nobg-LARGE.png)

## **Budget**
- Main Event Sponsorship: $22,000 USDC
    - Venue costs and event production
    - Competition prizes
    - Marketing and materials (pre-, during, and post-event)
- Professional Videographer and Content Creation: $5,000 USDC
- Nounish merch: $7,500 USDC
    - Noggles, shirts, hats, pins, Nounish friends mini-figures, stickers, etc.
- Side Event Sponsorships: $7,500 USDC
    - Side events held by 10+ brands and growing
- Travel Sponsorships: $27,000 USDC
    - International flights and lodging for 10 elite kendama players
    - Domestic flights and lodging for high-profile guests
- Project Management: $7,500 USDC
- Contingency: $5,000 USDC
- **Total: $81,500 USDC**

---

## **Conclusion**
Partnering with NAKO 2024 is an opportunity for Nouns to make a *massive* impact in a new community that shares our values of creativity, play, and collaboration. By blending kendama and web3 in a fun, approachable way, we can onboard new members into the Nouns ecosystem and leave a lasting legacy of support for global talent. Nouns' presence at NAKO will advance our mission to fund public goods that strengthen global communities and inspire creative new forms of innovation and collaboration.

![Image-10-1-24-at-8-46-PM](https://i.ibb.co/68v1jNz/Image-10-1-24-at-8-46-PM.jpg)

Outcome: DEFEATED