Open House Group has announced it will now accept cryptocurrency payments for real estate transactions, initially supporting Bitcoin and Ethereum according to the press release.
The move aims to enhance accessibility for international buyers looking to invest in Japan’s property market.
The company, which specializes in residential and investment properties across Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, will integrate crypto payments into its one-stop service model. This approach covers property search, purchase, management, and resale consultation, streamlining transactions for global investors.
Since 2022, Open House Group has been exploring blockchain applications in real estate and finance, including sponsoring Bitcoin Lightning Network research. Yokiko Nishimura, a key figure in this initiative, has played a role in shaping cryptocurrency adoption among domestic financial institutions and exchanges since 2015.
The decision to accept Bitcoin and Ethereum aligns with broader market trends. Bitcoin’s transaction volume surged past $19 trillion in 2024, more than doubling the $8.7 trillion recorded in 2023.
The SEC’s approval of the first Bitcoin ETF that year also fueled institutional adoption. With U.S. policy shifts recognizing Bitcoin’s characteristics as digital gold, prices have reached all-time highs. Rather than viewing cryptocurrency volatility as a risk, Open House Group sees it as an opportunity to facilitate cross-border transactions and micropayments.
The company is also exploring blockchain-based services through smart contracts. Initially, cryptocurrency payments will be accepted for income-generating properties, with plans to expand based on demand. According to the press release, legal contracts and transaction details will be provided in Japanese, and buyers must adhere to their respective country’s tax and legal obligations.
In another development, Japan has warned the global blockchain industry about the increasing cyber threats posed by North Korean hackers, particularly the Lazarus Group. The group has been targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and investors to fund North Korea’s operations using advanced social engineering and malware like TraderTraitor and AppleJeus. Japan urged blockchain companies to exercise caution when hiring IT workers to avoid potential links to North Korea. The government also recommended stronger public-private collaboration through initiatives like the U.S.-based Crypto-ISAC and similar efforts in Japan and South Korea.
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