Since 2024, PlanetDAO has been providing a unique fundraising mechanism for historical properties. Following the successful funding of a 170-year-old temple in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama and a traditional house in Hayama, Kanagawa, each raising approximately 40 million yen from over 100 investors, the project has expanded. With about 200 investors from 23 countries participating in the preservation of these cultural assets, a new project to revitalize “temples without resident priests” (unstaffed temples) in Sado (Niigata) and Nachikatsuura (Wakayama) was launched in autumn 2025.
In southern Wakayama, a groundbreaking initiative is underway to maintain and repurpose local temples using a system known as a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization).
This initiative was featured in several NHK broadcasts:
- NHK Osaka: “Ohayo Kansai” (Morning Regional News for the Kansai Area), aired Dec 1, 2024
- NHK Wakayama: “Gyugyu-to Wakayama” (Evening Local News for Wakayama Prefecture), aired Dec 3, 2024
- NHK General TV: “Retto News” (Nationwide News Coverage), aired Dec 19, 2024
The programs highlighted how temples struggling due to depopulation and a lack of successors are being protected and passed on to the next generation through a DAO, involving both domestic and international supporters. Below is an overview of the initiative based on the broadcasts and public information.
* NHK is Japan’s sole public broadcaster, equivalent to the BBC in the UK. Known for its strict impartiality and high journalistic standards, an 7-minute feature on NHK signifies the project’s high social credibility and public interest.
The Reality of Cultural Asset Preservation Using a DAO
Hokoji Temple, located in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama was founded in the Edo period and has long served as a spiritual and communal hub for the local people. However, the shortage of priests, a declining number of parishioners and ongoing depopulation have made it increasingly difficult for the local community to maintain the temple on its own.
The Burden of Maintenance Costs
Mr. Nishiyama, who manages the temple, speaks about the financial challenges: “Even minor repairs can cost millions of yen. It is incredibly difficult for the local community to bear these costs alone.”
A Vision to Repurpose Temples as “Lodgings”
Mr. Nishiyama is exploring ways to increase the number of people involved by transforming temples into accommodation facilities. This idea stems from his experience at another temple, Daitaiji, where he renovated an unused shukubo (temple lodging) into a facility for the general public. That facility has been highly rated, particularly by international visitors seeking authentic Japanese cultural experiences like Zen meditation.
(Image：Temple Hotel Daitaiji）
Supported by All, Decided by All: The DAO Mechanism
To revitalize the aging Hokoji Temple, extensive renovations are required. To secure funding and establish an operational structure, Mr. Nishiyama introduced the Stock-company-type DAO.
Establishment: A stock company is established to own the temple property.
Fundraising: Supporters from Japan and abroad who wish to protect the temple are recruited as investors.
Renovation & Operation: The raised capital is used for repairs and ongoing management.
Benefits & Governance: Investors receive dividends and as co-owners can vote on the temple’s operational policies and usage.
Community Voices: Even local residents who are not investors can provide input on how the temple is run.
Expanding Global Support
Within just one month of calling for investment in October, over 9.7 million yen was raised toward the 34-million-yen goal for Hokoji’s renovation and operation. Notably, investors span more than 10 countries with approximately 80% participating from overseas.
Julio Marques de Barros, an investor from Portugal, shared his motivation: “I felt it was important to do something for Japanese culture and the local regions. This isn’t just a simple investment; I believe it has significant social meaning.”
Another prospective investor added: “The appeal lies in the fact that it’s not just about profit; the project truly considers the local area and proceeds hand-in-hand with the community.”
A New Model for the Future
Mr. Nishiyama believes that to protect temples, it is vital not to keep the burden within the local community but to connect with a wider network of people. “By uniting local residents and international supporters, we can pass these cultural assets to the future. I want many people to visit and ensure this legacy remains for the next generation.”
Hirokazu Murai
Head of the Tourism Planning Division, Nachikatsuura Town
We recognize the continuity of cultural asset protection as a serious challenge due to labor shortages and declining parishioner numbers. We have high expectations for PlanetDAO’s ‘unstaffed temple’ revitalization project as a new model that balances preservation with regional revitalization. It is highly significant for local culture to be re-evaluated through an external lens, which will lead to long-term heritage preservation.
Detailed Information: What is PlanetDAO?
PlanetDAO is a project dedicated to revitalizing and operating historical Japanese buildings, such as shrines and temples, as accommodation facilities to ensure their sustainable preservation. The project utilizes a unique mechanism known as a “Stock-company-type DAO”.
Key features of this initiative include:
- Global Micro-investment: It raises small-lot funds from both domestic and international investors.
- Beyond Financial Returns: Participants do not only earn revenue from the operations but also actively participate in business decision-making.
- Democratic Preservation: A defining characteristic of this model is that it enables investors to contribute to the protection of cultural heritage in a democratic and transparent manner.
As Featured In:
- National Recognition – NHK (Japan’s National Public Broadcaster)
Nationwide and Regional News Features (Dec 2024) Special segments on “Retto News” (National), “Ohayo Kansai” (Regional) and “Gyugyu-to Wakayama” (Local) highlighting the social impact of temple revitalization. - Business & Investment – Forbes JAPAN
1,000 Shares of an ‘Empty Temple’ Sold Out: Why 80% are International Investors?” (Jan 13, 2025) An in-depth look at PlanetDAO’s successful micro-investment model and its global appeal.
Press Releases:
- Kumano Kodo Temple Revitalization: 80% of Investors from Overseas” (Dec 1, 2025)
- PlanetDAO Launches Temple Restoration Project in Nachi-Katsuura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Area” (Oct 29, 2025)
- Japan’s First Launch: Micro-Investment Project for Historic Properties via Corporate DAO Structure” (May 15, 2024)
Awards & Recognition
- Finalist, Japan Tourism NFT Awards 2025 (Dec 2025) (Recognized for excellence in digital innovation within the tourism sector)
- Finalist, POTLUCK AWARD 2025 (Oct 2025) (One of Japan’s largest festivals celebrating regional economic revitalization)
- Finalist, XTC (Extreme Tech Challenge) JAPAN 2023 (Apr 2023) (Part of the world’s largest startup competition for entrepreneurs addressing global challenges through technology)