"Open House Group Pioneers Crypto Real Estate in Japan"

Open House Group, a leading real estate company in Japan, has announced a significant shift in its sales strategy by adopting cryptocurrency as a payment method for property transactions. This move aims to facilitate seamless global property purchases by integrating blockchain technology into the real estate industry.

The company will now accept Bitcoin and Ethereum for real estate purchases in major Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Open House Group offers a diverse range of properties, including family homes, individual residences, and business properties, along with resort and US real estate management services. By accepting cryptocurrency, the company aims to make it easier for international buyers to acquire properties in Japan.

Open House Group's decision to adopt cryptocurrency is part of a broader effort to explore the applications of Bitcoin and blockchain technology in its business operations. The company has been researching the Bitcoin Lightning Network since 2022 and has been led by Yokiko Nishimura, who has played a crucial role in forming professional associations between banks and cryptocurrency companies.

The company's decision to embrace cryptocurrency is driven by the increasing adoption of digital currencies across various industries. In 2024, Bitcoin transactions reached $19 trillion, more than doubling the activity from the previous year. The approval of a Bitcoin ETF by the SEC and the U.S. Treasury's comparison of Bitcoin to digital gold have further boosted the cryptocurrency's value and credibility.

Open House Group views cryptocurrency as more than just a tool for speculative trading. The company sees digital currencies as a more efficient method for cross-border payments and transactions between businesses. By exploring the potential of blockchain technology, Open House Group aims to develop better financial procedures using digital contracts, ultimately driving future growth in the real estate industry.

The increasing use of cryptocurrency in real estate transactions is not limited to Japan. In Australia, the owners of a property in Ballarat successfully sold their land using Bitcoin, demonstrating the growing importance of digital assets in real estate deals worldwide.

By adopting cryptocurrency as a payment method, Open House Group is positioning itself as a leader in the integration of digital assets and real estate selling practices. This move signals a significant step towards incorporating cryptocurrencies as a viable payment option in Japanese property transactions, paving the way for a more innovative and global real estate market.