TOP OWNERS
PlanetDAO owners
Meet the diverse community of investors who co-own our heritage properties. Each owner shares our vision of preserving Japanese cultural treasures while creating sustainable futures for these unique places. Through share ownership in our properties, they contribute to our mission of cultural preservation, becoming part of something bigger than traditional property investment.
Melvin H. Balberde
Catarman, Philippines
Secondary Public School Teacher
PROFILE
I am a professional teacher and a licensed nurse, passionate about sharing knowledge and caring for others. My love for nature and the environment fuels my advocacy for preservation and sustainable living. I strive to make a positive impact through kindness, compassion, and a self-driven attitude. Every day, I aim to inspire others and contribute meaningfully to the world around me.
Paulina Szyzdek
San Francisco, California
VC Investor
PROFILE
Paulina is a VC and an active angel investor focused on deep tech, frontier tech, and industrial markets. She explores how technology will shape the future of humanity, and she is an avid book reader and traveler, having lived in Poland, Switzerland, Belgium, the UK, and the US. Paulina is particularly interested in longevity, biotech, and humanoid robotics, and she writes about these topics in her newsletter, HardTechVC.
Kathleen Boucher
Canada, Alberta
Small Business Owner
PROFILE
Kathleen Boucher is a multifaceted entrepreneur, self-published author, and professional singer. She also works as a standardized patient and actor in the healthcare system, blending creativity and empathy to inspire and connect with others in her diverse roles.
Tamaki Nishimura
Japan, Kanagawa
PlanetDAO founder
PROFILE
I am the Founder and CEO of PlanetLabs and a co-founder of PlanetDAO. I am also an investor in PlanetDAO with other co-owners. 🙂
Koji Takao
Japan, Tokyo
Investor
Unlike crowdfunding or other real estate funds, PlanetDAO is the unique way to have an ownership in irreplaceable properties and preserve Japanese culture and heritage for future generations.
PROFILE
As I’ve been spending my 20+ years of my career in investment, I’m now keen to think about what tangible or intangible assets I can leave and inherit for future generations by way of investment.
Steve Beauchamp & Kylie Ransom
USA, New Mexico
Engineers & Authors
Saw an opportunity to help preserve a piece of history and were inspired by the mission of PlanetDAO.
PROFILE
Adventurers, authors, engineers, lovers of nature and natural beauty, we enjoy spending time away from big city centers and tourist traps
Sho Tsuneki
Spain, Barcelona
Student / Entrepreneur
I am curious about being part of a community with a strong interest in authentic Japanese culture. At the same time, I expect at least a market-rate return on investments. I am also intrigued by the future potential of DAO’s business model, particularly in terms of leveraging decentralized finance through the tokenization of property. This approach can create liquidity and foster a new type of borderless community.
PROFILE
An entrepreneur with 10+ years of global business experience across 20+ countries, pursuing projects by leveraging Japanese cultural strengths for well-being. Skilled in business development/strategic planning/operational excellence, happy to promote Japan’s unique value propositions worldwide.
Asami Oyama
Netherlands, Rotterdam
Mom
The reason for my investment is that I believe I can contribute to a new way of preserving Japan’s precious cultural heritage while passing on the thoughts and feelings of the people living there, as well as the legacy that has been inherited over time.
PROFILE
As a working mom of two, I’m passionate about balancing life and career while creating meaningful value. Originally from Japan and now in Rotterdam, I enjoy solving challenges, building connections, and driving growth through collaboration, creativity, and sustainability.
Donatas Koerfer
Japan, Fukuoka
Fine Dining Chef
The purpose to renovate and bring new life to historical places around Japan had me intrigued and I wanted to be a part of it.
PROFILE
I am a Lithuanian National who grew up in Germany. I moved to Fukuoka, Japan in October 2024. My goal is to learn Japanese cuisine, the language and culture. I have worked in multiple Michelin Star Restaurants with 1 star and 2 stars. My goal is to have my own restaurant to spread my knowledge of taste mixed with French, German and Japanese cuisine. I love Kendo and it has become a big part of my life. I hope to learn about Japanese cuisine and Kendo! I hope to travel and learn about rural parts of Japan too.
Charles Kwan
China, Hong Kong
Architect
Would love to see how the process of preserving these storied properties into something that can be of contribution to the community and shared to more people.
PROFILE
Charles is a US-registered architect based in Hong Kong with a passion for uncovering the layers of different cultures. Having called Hong Kong, Toronto, and New York City home, he thrives on experiencing new places and the stories they tell, always chasing inspiration around the world.
Claudia Karolina Hofmaier
Singapore
Wellness Entrepreneur
I chose to invest in this project because it aligns with my values and feels deeply meaningful to me, prioritizing ethics and positive impact to the community and the greater good. It also interested me because I love to travel and hope to visit the place soon.
PROFILE
Claudia Hofmaier is an intuitive healer, certified style coach, and wellness entrepreneur. With 17+ years of experience travelling around the world and teaching self-healing with essential oils and entrepreneurial wisdom. She empowers women to navigate menopause and transform their lives with self care, mindfulness and lifestyle tips. In my free time I love to spent time outdoors, travel and read.
Julio Marques de Barros
UK, Birmingham
Automation Engineer
I studied abroad in Japan during my school years. When I stayed at an old house in Nara during my honeymoon, I saw many abandoned temples and vacant houses around. I really want to preserve Japan's wonderful customs and culture.
PROFILE
Originally from Portugal but have been living in the UK for over 10 years now.
Greatly interested in Japan since a young age and therefore committed to help preserve it’s unique culture and identity.
Daniel Low
Singapore
Life Coach
An affordable and meaningful initiative — a chance to support the local community, preserve Japanese cultural heritage, and help breathe new life into a countryside village.
PROFILE
I’m a Singaporean Life Coach recently relocated to Kochi Prefecture with my wife and three teenagers. We chose to leave city life behind to embrace a slower, more intentional lifestyle in the countryside. I support individuals seeking greater authenticity and personal power through life coaching, mindfulness, and culturally immersive retreats here in Kochi. My work also extends to contributing to the local community.
Abeer Amro
USA, Texas
Telecom Design Professional
In my home country, people and buildings were lost due to war. While I couldn't save my own culture, I want to help preserve Japan's culture, which I deeply respect.
PROFILE
I am a Palestinian American who recently graduated with an engineering degree from the University of Texas. Passionate about art, travel, and gardening, I draw inspiration from diverse cultures and the beauty of nature’s growth.