Total Target Fundraising: ¥20,000,000
DAYS LEFT
Phase I Fundraising Schedule
Application Period: December 3, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Payment Window: December 3, 2025 – January 18, 2026
About location
Shimotsui - a Port Town of the Kitamaebune Era
Facing the Seto Inland Sea at the southern tip of Kurashiki City, Shimotsui flourished from the Edo through Meiji periods as a key port for Kitamaebune — merchant ships that once connected Hokkaido and western Japan.
The town’s rhythm was guided by the wind and tide. Merchants and sailors gathered here, leaving stories that still echo through its narrow streets lined with tiled roofs and namako walls.
Today, Shimotsui preserves the quiet charm of a historic port while embracing new life through community-led revitalization. Visitors can enjoy the sea’s bounty, the folk song Shimotsui Bushi, and sweeping views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge and Mount Washu.
The Nakanishi Residence in Shimotsui
The Nakanishi Residence is a 120-year-old merchant home located within the preserved townscape of Shimotsui. Once serving as a shipping wholesaler, it reflects the prosperity of the port during the Meiji period, when maritime trade through the Seto Inland Sea connected communities across Japan.
The estate is composed of four main buildings: the main house, a two-story house, a herring storehouse, and a single-story house. Together they form a graceful composition typical of a Meiji merchant estate, with passage gardens, latticework, and white plaster namako walls still beautifully intact.
Each structure carries the spirit of Shimotsui’s craftsmanship and tells the story of a town where architecture and daily life have long existed in harmony with the sea.
Restoring a Merchant Legacy Together
Support for this project will go toward restoring two of the estate’s four buildings: the two-story house and the storehouse. These spaces will be transformed into an accommodation and a cultural exchange area that share the story of Shimotsui’s maritime heritage with guests from around the world.
The renovation will preserve the historic character of the buildings while introducing thoughtful design for comfort and accessibility. Each detail will be handled with care, respecting the townscape and the spirit of the people who have protected it for generations.
Through this collective effort, the Nakanishi Residence will once again serve as a place where culture, community, and daily life come together.
The Community
The Community
The Nakanishi Residence is supported by a community rooted in Shimotsui’s history and spirit of cooperation. Local residents, preservation specialists, and craftsmen are working together to restore the estate and share its story with new generations.
Led by Akatsuki Inc. and the newly formed Shimotsui Future Labs Inc., the project brings together experts such as folk song performers, architects, and cultural coordinators who help preserve the town’s traditions while guiding its renewal. Each step is driven by the shared vision of co-creating Shimotsui for the next 300 years.
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Activities in the Area
Cotton and Textile Experience
Discover the roots of Kurashiki’s textile heritage by joining seasonal cotton activities such as planting, harvesting, and crafting small fabric items.
Tea Experience
Learn the art of Japanese tea culture through kimono dressing, tea hospitality, and the graceful practice of serving tea.
Sea Experience
Experience the calm beauty of the Seto Inland Sea through local cruises, fishing, or visits to nearby islands that reveal the rhythm of port life.
Town Exploration
Join guided walks through Shimotsui’s preserved streets and the surrounding area, including Jeans Street and the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
About the Support Program
Support for this project will be used to restore and operate the Nakanishi Residence, starting with Phase I. The first phase focuses on renovating the two-story house and the storehouse to create an accommodation and cultural exchange space.
Restoration will be led by Namba Heritage Carpentry Works Co., Ltd., a long-established construction firm in Shimotsui, ensuring the estate’s history and craftsmanship are preserved. Daily operations will be managed by Shimotsui Future Labs Inc., a new joint venture led by Akatsuki Inc. and local partners.
PlanetDAO supports the project through global outreach and fundraising, connecting supporters to the shared mission of preserving Shimotsui’s heritage.
Investor Rights & Benefits
By joining the support program, participants help preserve Shimotsui’s heritage while enjoying exclusive experiences that celebrate its culture and community.
Supporter Plan
¥10,000 – ¥99,999
- Participation certificate
- Quarterly project update via email
Friend Plan
¥100,000 – ¥299,999
- Participation certificate
- Quarterly project update via email
- 1-night complimentary stay* (excluding New Year holidays, Golden Week, and the Obon period)
Explorer Plan
¥300,000 – ¥499,999
- Participation certificate
- Quarterly project update via email
- 1-night complimentary stay* with lunch & dinner for up to 4 guests, plus one activity of your choice** (valid even during peak season)
Heritage Plan
¥500,000 and above
- Participation certificate
- Quarterly project update via email
- 1-night complimentary stay* with lunch & dinner for up to 4 guests, plus one activity of your choice** (valid even during peak season)
- Additional one complimentary night per year within five years of the property’s opening, with only cleaning and amenity fees required.
All supporters receive regular updates and invitations to future events both locally and online. * Complimentary stays can be redeemed within five years of the property’s opening. **Extra guests may join with an additional payment for meals and activities.
Meet our community of investors co-owning PlanetDAO properties to preserve Japan’s cultural treasures. By owning shares, they support sustainability and cultural preservation, going beyond traditional property investment.
Help revitalize Shimotsui’s heritage by joining the restoration of the Nakanishi Residence
Get the full project overview, renovation plans and details of the support program.
Have questions? Speak directly with our team and explore if this project is right for you.
None of the information on our website (“Site”) should be construed as investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Information on the Site has been prepared by Planet Labs Inc. (“PlanetDAO”) and reviewed by Akatsuki Inc. (“Akatsuki”) for general informational purposes only. This project is part of the “Supported by PlanetDAO” initiative, through which Planet Labs provides marketing and fundraising support to local partners. It does not involve the sale of securities or the issuance of shares. Support contributions are non-refundable and do not grant ownership rights or profit participation. Please refer to both PlanetDAO’s Terms of Service and Akatsuki’s Terms of Service for details on each organization’s respective responsibilities.