#Japan #Sado #PlanetDAO #Hojo Residence

PlanetDAO Sado Achieves Remarkable Funding Milestone

In an impressive feat, PlanetDAO, a subsidiary of Gaiax Co., Ltd., has achieved over 28 million yen in funding applications from both domestic and international investors in just over a month. This initiative focuses on the preservation of the historical Hojo Residence in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture—a remarkable example of community and global collaboration in cultural heritage conservation.

Background of PlanetDAO

PlanetDAO is the first investment DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) structured as a corporation in Japan, specifically designed to support the preservation of historical buildings. With a remarkable investment ratio of approximately 49% from international backers—including participants from the UK, USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand—PlanetDAO stands as a beacon of innovative financial solutions in cultural heritage management.

The Hojo Residence: A Historical Treasure

The Hojo Residence has been a medical institution since the Edo period and is known for its significant cultural contributions over approximately 350 years. The main house is recognized as an Important Cultural Property, while its additional structures—a rice barn, a household storehouse, a miso storehouse, and a longhouse gate—are designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties. Despite its rich history, the residence has faced severe maintenance challenges due to the natural wear and tear caused by the elements.

According to the 11th head of the Hojo family, Noriyuki Hojo, maintaining cultural properties solely is a daunting task without governmental financial aid. “We have already spent tens of millions of yen on repairs out of our own pockets. Financially and age-wise, we are reaching our limits,” he stated, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative solutions.

A New Model for Cultural Preservation

The PlanetDAO framework allows local residents, property owners, and global investors to share voting rights and decision-making power. As Noriyuki Hojo explained during a press conference, this model enables more than just financial participation; it fosters a community of investors and stakeholders who can affect operational policies and utilization strategies without necessarily investing.

“This approach greatly motivated us to undertake this project,” he noted.

The Vision from Planet Labs

Kanaki Nishimura, CEO of Planet Labs, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts that transcend geographical limits. “PlanetDAO is about establishing a structure where local residents, experts, and worldwide investors discuss the future together,” he explained. The goal is not merely preservation but creating a sustainable system that continues to provide cultural, educational, and recreational value to future generations.

The innovative governance model presents a sustainable approach to cultural property preservation, which is often unfeasible for individual property owners.

Attracting International Investors to Japanese Heritage

Adam Fulford, Executive Director of Cool Japan Government-Private Partnership Platform, provided insights into why international investors are drawn to rural Japan. “Japan still embodies the analog transformation that values empathy and mutual assistance,” he stated. The countryside offers a rare opportunity to experience these values, providing a restorative environment that resonates with many.

The Intrinsic Value of Hojo Residence

Fulford describes the Hojo Residence not merely as a symbol of traditional Japanese culture, but as a living institution that embodies cultural practices and communal ties. “The model of co-ownership holds deeper meaning than financial backing; it empowers local communities and global supporters to make decisions together, shaping the future of cultural heritage,” he articulated. This collaborative framework extends beyond traditional tourism, inviting international visitors to engage as co-creators, contributing to the narratives born from this historic site.

Sado Island, known for its cultural heritage including the World Heritage Site of the Sado Kinzan, alongside its riches of wild plants and herbs, symbolizes a place of emotional rejuvenation—an attractive proposition for global investors.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the PlanetDAO project represents a powerful narrative of shared memories and cultural continuity at the Hojo Residence. With its unique position at the intersection of local and global collaboration, the project aspires to cultivate new pathways for cultural engagement and guardianship that extend far beyond preservation. As international and local participants unite to support this vision, Sado Island could foster a new chapter of cultural heritage that echoes through generations.

For more details, you can visit PlanetDAO Sado Hojo Residence.