#Japan #Sado #Gaiax #PlanetDAO #Hojo House

Innovative Preservation through Collective Investment

The PlanetDAO Sado project, an endeavor by Planet Labs—a subsidiary of Gaiax Co., Ltd.—is reshaping the approach to cultural heritage preservation in Japan. Located in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, this project focuses on the preservation of the historic Hojo House, which has been home to a medical family for over 350 years. Within just two months of its launch, the project has successfully attracted over 28 million yen in investment from both domestic and international sources, solidifying its status as a pioneering model in collaborative cultural preservation.

The Historic Hojo House

The Hojo House is classified as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, along with additional structures such as rice granaries and storehouses that are registered as Tangible Cultural Properties. Despite its historical significance, the house has suffered from natural elements over the years, making preservation increasingly challenging. The 11th head of the Hojo family, Noriyuki Hojo, expressed the urgency of the situation, highlighting the burden of maintenance costs that fall entirely on the family. He stated that after spending millions of yen on repairs, they reached a critical limit—both financially and personally.

In light of this, Noriyuki discovered the PlanetDAO mechanism, presenting a new way to safeguard cultural assets through joint ownership with community members and global investors.

A Democratic Governance Model

The PlanetDAO initiative grants decision-making rights to cultural asset owners, local residents, and worldwide investors, thus creating a unique corporate structure known as an Investment DAO. Noriyuki Hojo emphasized during a press briefing that this setup facilitated meaningful participation beyond mere ownership transfer. Investors can acquire shares with voting rights, enabling them to contribute to operational policies and future plans without necessarily having to invest directly.

Kanki Nishimura, the CEO of Planet Labs, elaborated on the project’s vision:

“This is a collective effort across geographical and national borders to protect our cultural heritage. At PlanetDAO, stakeholders can openly discuss the future in a collaborative structure.”

The goal is to ensure continuous value through education, accommodation, and community activities, transmitting this heritage to future generations. This democratic governance approach, which integrates local resources with technological advancements, represents a sustainable model for cultural preservation that was once difficult to achieve through individual ownership.

Attractiveness to Overseas Investors

Adapting to changing global perspectives, foreign investors—particularly from Asia—are increasingly interested in the project. The investment ratio indicates that about 60% of the funding originates from overseas, with significant contributions coming from countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Malaysia, collectively accounting for 41% of the funding.

Adam Fulford, an executive director at Japan’s Cool Japan Initiative, shared insights into why international investors are drawn to Japan's rural areas:

“Japanese rural communities still cultivate a culture of compassion and mutual aid. These areas are among the few places where such values can be learned, serving as sanctuaries for emotional rejuvenation.”

He highlighted the coexistence of nature and traditional lifestyles in Sado Island as symbolic of this healing process. Investors see the Hojo House not merely as a cultural artifact but a site that perpetuates the practices of Japanese culture.

Investing in a Shared Future

Fulford elaborated on the importance of the joint ownership model:

“The Hojo House embodies Japan’s enduring cultural practices, allowing community members and global supporters to collaboratively shape its future. This shared experience goes beyond tourism; it fosters a cycle of learning and emotional renewal.”

As a hub of cultural heritage, the Hojo House epitomizes a new social contract. International supporters and visitors can engage as co-creators, aiming to craft the next chapter of this historic site together.

As the project continues to progress, it signifies not only a novel method for cultural asset protection but also a community-driven approach rich in shared responsibility. The PlanetDAO Sado project stands as a testament to the power of cooperative endeavors in preserving and revitalizing Japan's cultural heritage for generations to come.

Engagement and Further Information

For those interested in becoming part of this transformative initiative, the funding phase is currently open. Details regarding investment schedules and opportunities can be found on the PlanetDAO website.

With a fundraising deadline set for January 21, 2026, and share issuance occurring shortly after, potential investors can contribute to a cause that blends tradition and innovation while leaving a lasting impact on cultural preservation.