Interview with PlanetDAO: Transforming Heritage Sites Through Global Investors

Though millions of tourists are flocking to Japan, not all of its regions are feeling the merits. In many of Japan’s underrated destinations, in the midst of rustic villages and untouched natural landscapes, countless properties lay abandoned. These cultural landmarks come steeped in the history of the place and the people around them, now under threat of being forgotten forever.

That’s where PlanetDAO comes in. With a unique approach that combines tradition with innovation, PlanetDAO gives people worldwide the chance to own a piece of this precious history and directly contribute to the preservation of Japan’s unique cultural heritage. Let’s see how they do this through an exclusive interview:

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to speak with us! First of all, can you please introduce yourself (your name, your role at PlanetDAO, where you’re from, your background, etc.)?

Thank you for having me! My name is Monika Sadkiewicz, and I’m the Community Manager at PlanetDAO. I was born in Bydgoszcz, Poland, but I’ve spent half my life in Japan, fully immersing myself in its culture and heritage. I arrived as a teenager with no knowledge of Japanese and not much interest in Japanese culture, but I was determined to adapt and grow. I started by teaching sports in English; then I became a full-time English teacher. In 2017, I had the opportunity to work with an inbound tourism agency on a project under Gaiax, which is where I met Tamaki, the founder of PlanetDAO. She saw potential in me beyond teaching and encouraged me to use my skills to serve Japan in a new way. That’s how I found myself here, connecting people from around the world to the preservation of Japan’s cultural heritage with PlanetDAO.

Can you also introduce PlanetDAO to our readers? Particularly how PlanetDAO was established, the vision behind it, and what you’re doing now to fulfill it.

PlanetDAO was born out of the realization that many of Japan’s historical properties, some dating back centuries, are at risk of being abandoned due to shifting demographics and urban migration. Our vision is to revitalize these spaces by transforming them into sustainable vacation rentals that preserve their original character while benefiting both local communities and a global network of travelers and investors.

What makes us unique is our decentralized funding model, which allows people from around the world to take part in preserving Japan’s cultural heritage by being involved in decision-making. Currently, we are in the renovation phase of our first property, a 170-year-old temple, carefully restoring it while ensuring it remains relevant for future generations. At the same time, we are fundraising for our second property, the Bamboo Forest House, which is surrounded by nearly 7,000 m² of bamboo forest with an air raid shelter from WWII and a piece of tanada rice field.

Beyond these, we are actively sourcing and researching our next two (or possibly three!) properties. By the end of 2025, our goal is to expand our portfolio to 10 properties, each uniquely tied to Japan’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

Inviting global investors to help preserve local traditions certainly makes PlanetDAO unique from other preservation projects! But what made you think of doing this in the first place, and how can a global rather than a completely local network better contribute to your mission?

The inbound tourism agency didn’t survive COVID-19, and that’s when our founder, Tamaki Nishimura, was exposed to the concept of DAO. She saw potential in utilizing this structure to provide solutions to multiple layers of issues that Japan is struggling with. Tamaki recognized that preservation efforts often require significant financial and logistical support, which can be difficult to sustain locally alone. Also, there are many foreign people interested in investing and supporting Japan, but they might struggle with communication and language barriers, different laws in Japan, and more, making it difficult for them to contribute. That’s where we step in. Also, others want to have a second home in Japan and really connect with the culture and local communities, bond, and have a place to come back to every year. By bringing in a global network of investors who are passionate about Japanese culture, we ensure that these properties don’t just survive but thrive. A diverse investor base also means a diversity of ideas, skills, and resources that can enhance our approach to restoration and community engagement. Ultimately, we see PlanetDAO as more than a preservation project. It’s a bridge connecting cultures and fostering shared responsibility for heritage.

How do you find these properties, and how do you go about negotiating with the local community in obtaining them?

Finding the right property is an extensive process that involves deep research, travel, and building strong connections with local governments, organizations, and community leaders. We often receive recommendations from individuals and companies who resonate with our mission, which helps us discover properties that might otherwise go unnoticed. We look for properties that have cultural and historical significance but are also local communities in need. It’s all about building trust with the locals and ensuring that our vision aligns with their needs. We don’t just acquire properties; we care about the stories of these properties and the wishes of the local community. We become a part of the community that surrounds them. The ongoing conversation and transparency are essential.

These properties have been around for decades and are involved in the lives of countless local residents. What is the most memorable story you’ve heard about your property from a local?

There are so many memorable stories as we focus on renovating temples and historic buildings like kominkas, many of which were built before the 1950s. But one that stands out is from our first property, a 170-year-old temple in Nachi Katsuura, Wakayama.

This temple has only four local supporters, and its main caretaker, who is nearly 90 years old, still climbs the steep steps to the top of the hill where the temple stands, always with a smile. He told us that his biggest wish is to see the temple from his childhood come to life again “before he closes his eyes for good.” That deep sense of devotion and love for the place is truly inspiring and motivates us even more to preserve it.

In general, the local community has been incredibly welcoming. One of the first questions they asked me wasn’t about where I’m from or how long I’ve been in Japan, but simply, “Is there anything you can’t eat?” That moment really touched me because food is an expression of love, and their first instinct was to care for me rather than question my background. When I asked more about their perspective, they told me, ‘We see each visitor as a potential friend,’ which perfectly reflects the warmth and kindness of this community. I also met a local who has been gradually building his American cottage home for over 28 years (ordered and shipped from the U.S.) by hand, step by step, in this small, remote village. Nothing can surprise me anymore!

Your first property has reached its fundraising goal by mid-2024 and is now onto the renovation stage. A belated congratulations. Can you perhaps share with us how renovations are coming along?

Thank you! We worked closely with the local community to identify over 10 architects interested in the project. After careful evaluation, we narrowed it down to three and asked them to submit detailed proposals. These proposals were then translated, and the architects presented live via Zoom to our investors. Together with the local community, we voted on the most suitable architect and construction company for the job.

Our goal is to complete the renovation by spring 2026. There are many exciting ideas on how to create communal spaces and make the most of the stunning view overlooking the entire village, but I won’t spoil any details just yet! Everything is still in the process of discussion and exploration, and we’re committed to making thoughtful, sustainable choices that honor the temple’s history while giving it new life.

In relation to that, how are your renovations transforming your properties into sustainable spaces that endure for more generations to come?

Japan has nearly 9 million abandoned properties, many of which have been left behind due to an aging society, high renovation costs, the lack of successors or heirs, and rural depopulation as people migrate to urban centers. These challenges make it difficult for historical properties to be preserved without external support.

That’s why our approach is different. By involving both local and global communities, we create a sustainable model that ensures these places don’t just survive but prosper for generations to come. We work closely with local experts, sourcing materials from the region and collaborating with architects, construction companies, and designers from the area. This not only helps preserve traditional techniques but also stimulates the local economy, reinforcing the connection between the property and its surroundings. Our goal is to create a lasting impact, one that respects history while embracing the future. Also, the local communities get the opportunity to share their traditions, stories, and crafts with the younger generations of travelers and property owners.

To give a sneak peek to our readers, who might want to stay at these vacation rentals once they open, can you explain the charms of each of your properties? What unique activity and/or experience might they have from staying in each of them?

Each PlanetDAO property offers a unique, immersive experience deeply connected to its surroundings. Our first property, a 170-year-old temple registered as a Tangible Cultural Property, will allow guests to experience a stay with access to traditional workshops such as local crafts, Zazen meditation, organic food, and cultural activities rooted in the local way of life.
Another property, the Bamboo Forest House, is surrounded by a stunning bamboo grove and will feature an outdoor sauna and baths with breathtaking views of nature. But what truly sets our model apart is the connection between visitors and the local community. Guests become a part of the story and the property’s history. Whether someone is interested in farming, learning traditional crafts, or simply experiencing the rhythm of local life, we make those opportunities possible.

It’s about creating a second home, somewhere people want to return to, not just for the place itself but to reconnect with the locals they’ve met. Even for our investors, whom we like to call co-owners or simply owners, there’s a strong networking aspect. They’re not just supporting these projects financially; they’re becoming part of a global community that shares a passion for preservation, culture, and meaningful connections.

Your properties are located in some of Japan’s hidden gems, each with stunning natural beauty and unique cuisine made from local, organic ingredients. Can you recommend a sightseeing spot and a must-try local food whilst you’re in the area?

Absolutely! In Nachi Katsuura, Wakayama, I highly recommend visiting Nachi Falls, one of Japan’s most breathtaking waterfalls with the longest single drop (133 meters) and a stunning pagoda backdrop. Also, walking through Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage route was a very interesting experience as it’s the World Heritage UNESCO site where three religions connect: Kumano, Shinto, and Buddhism. As for food, you can’t leave without trying mehari-zushi, a local specialty of rice wrapped in pickled mustard leaves. It’s simple yet incredibly flavorful, with a deep connection to the region’s history. Also, fresh tuna in any form! Once I tried Nachi tuna, I couldn’t enjoy tuna in Tokyo anymore. They even have tuna auctions there.

It seems you’re already scouting your next two properties. It might be too early to ask, but can you give us a hint about your possible next project? (the prefectures you’re currently looking at, the kind of location like seaside, mountain, etc., that you hope to acquire a property at)

While we can’t reveal too much yet, we are actively looking at properties with interesting history, local traditions, and welcoming locals. Our founders have been traveling back and forth and across Japan these days, and I’m impressed with their stamina!

What I can mention is that our founders have visited Akita, where they met an interesting 91-year-old individual with a collection of 500,000 antique items gathered over the past 70 years. With this case, we could start with the story and attach a neglected property. According to our founder, Tamaki Nishimura, “Over 500,000 pieces in his collection are stored in a facility that he rents by himself.” They were previously housed in an unused school building in Akita, with support from the city. However, when a new company was brought in to repurpose the school, he was forced to vacate and find a new place to store his vast collection. He has repeatedly proposed that the local government preserve some of the items in a museum, but his requests have been rejected multiple times. The reason? According to the official standards set by the Japanese government, everyday tools used by ordinary people hold no recognized cultural or historical value.” This is another case where we might step in to help and find a solution and a way to preserve.

Thank you very much for sharing all about PlanetDAO’s projects! We hope all your properties henceforth will reach their fundraising goals, and we look forward to the transformation of your properties into the even more breathtaking, sustainable versions of themselves!

Check out PlanetDAO at the following:

Website: https://planetdao.world/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/planetdao/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planetdao_world

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558781800532

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@planetdao_world

Substack: https://substack.com/@planetdaoworld

Featured Photo Credit: PlanetDAO

PlanetDAO’s properties are a great way to experience Japan as a local. To see more of Japan’s local side, reach out to our team of travel specialists to build a super local, hidden gem itinerary for your perfect trip!