Revitalizing Sado's Heritage: International Investors Unite to Support Hojo Family Residence

In late May 2026, approximately 20 co-owners from 12 countries converged on the historically significant Hojo Family Residence in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, for a two-day event aptly named the "Hojo Family Stayover." This event is part of a groundbreaking project led by Planet Labs, a Japanese pioneer in employing a corporate-style DAO for the preservation of cultural landmarks and the operation of investment funds.

The Hojo Family Residence, a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan, has a rich history dating back about 350 years as the home of a family of physicians. The initiative aims to collectively own and restore the property's storehouse with contributions from international supporters and local residents, converting it into a space for accommodation and cultural experiences. Through this article, we explore the motivations behind the foreign investors’ commitments to preserving Japan's local heritage.

Voices from Abroad: From Consumer Tourism to Collaborative Preservation

The co-owners visiting Sado hailed from regions such as Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, and Taiwan. They weren’t mere tourists; instead, they engaged deeply with local family members and architects, participating in guided tours and workshops focused on natural experiences. Discussions surrounding future construction and experience plans were filled with enthusiasm and passion.

Wesley, an architect from Hong Kong, remarked, "This isn’t just an investment; it’s about contributing to preserving culture alongside companions who care."

Sado has a remarkable quality that encourages a slower pace of life. Wesley continued, “This investment is less about capital gain and more about camaraderie with those who wish to protect our culture. Japan is exceptional at absorbing influences from others, transforming them into a unique culture. In a world rife with uncertainty, there’s much we can learn from Japan's approach.”

Singaporean Vanessa added, "I hope that the traces of family ‘living’ are preserved, deeply embedded within the structure. The historical context provided by old appliances and bygone lifestyles is essential. We don’t need to return to the distant past to reconnect with nature; it’s about cherishing the evidence of the lives lived by our parents and ancestors."

Jefferson from the Philippines expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying, "Experiencing a space with genuine historical significance was moving. Coming from a country where colonial history has eroded much of our past, being able to directly engage with the Hojo family’s history was exceptional. Learning about local flora and immersing myself in nature made me reflect on my roots and identity."

Lessons from the Hojo Family: The True Value of Preservation

Mr. Kiyoshi Hojo, the 11th head of the Hojo family, expressed how surprised he was by the foreign investors' profound commitment to safeguarding the authentic values of their history. “We had almost resigned ourselves to letting the building fade away, but we have now found a glimmer of hope for its revival,” he shared.

Through interactions with investors, they recognized that the desire to uphold historical integrity and raw value burned stronger in these global partners than in themselves. He suggested that their ancestors would surely be pleased as he observed many co-owners earnestly discussing the future of the Hojo family residence in front of the family shrine.

Project Update: Hojo Family Residence Funding Status as of May 2026

The Hojo Family Residence project (PlanetDAO003) began its fundraising phase on September 11, 2025, and currently has entered the design and planning stage while continuing to seek investors. As of May 2026, here are the funding statistics:

- Funding Achievement Rate: 84.3% (compared to the target number of shares)
- Investor Nationality Breakdown: 12 countries

- Japan: 22
- Singapore: 8
- Taiwan: 8
- US: 5
- Hong Kong: 5
- UK: 3
- Canada: 3
- Philippines: 3
- Thailand: 2
- Germany: 2
- Egypt: 1
- Australia: 1

- Total Number of Shares: 34,325 shares (1 share priced at 1,000 yen, with a minimum investment of 400,000 yen)
- Number of Investors: 63 (individual investors in joint ownership)
- Funding Period: From January 22, 2026, to July 22, 2026 (Phase II)
- Share Issuance Date: July 29, 2026

The targeted properties are three storages of the Hojo Family Residence (a rice storehouse, miso storehouse, and household goods storehouse), which will be transformed into a center for accommodation and cultural exchange post-renovation.

Expansion of PlanetDAO

The Hojo Family Residence marks the third property under the PlanetDAO umbrella, which has seen collective ownership from individuals across 23 countries and initiatives aimed at preserving and repurposing historical properties throughout Japan. In April 2026, the project was honored with the Grand Prize in the Regional Resources category at the "Japan Tourism NFT Awards 2025".

Current PlanetDAO Locations

- PlanetDAO001: A 170-year-old temple (Nachikatsuura)
- PlanetDAO002: An old house surrounded by bamboo forests (Hayama)
- PlanetDAO003: Hojo Family Residence (Current Project/Under Funding) (Sado)
- PlanetDAO004: Old Hokkoji (Nachikatsuura)

For more details, visit the Hojo Family Residence project page: Hojo Family Residence

About Planet Labs

- Established: November 2023
- CEO: Tamaki Nishimura
- Location: 2-5-3 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Business: Providing a joint ownership framework for historical properties
- Parent Company: Gaiax Co., Ltd. (Nagoya Stock Exchange Next Market, Code 3775)
- Website: Gaiax

It should be noted that this press release by Gaiax is intended to introduce the project's overview and does not aim to solicit investments in this project.