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The Tokyo-headquartered real estate firm Open House Group Co. Ltd. is now accepting cryptocurrency payments from global customers looking to purchase Japanese real estate.

In a press statement, the company said it has been exploring the application of cryptocurrencies and blockchain in business operations since 2022, including the sponsorship of a research group on Bitcoin’s Lightning Network. The company is initially supporting Bitcoin and Ethereum for buyers focused on its residential and commercial property portfolio that is primarily centered in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka.

“Open House Group views these cryptocurrency price fluctuations not as speculative movements, but as opportunities for practical application,” said the company in its statement. “The company is particularly focused on harnessing the strengths of cryptocurrencies in cross-border transactions and micropayments to offer enhanced financial services. The company is also exploring the implementation of blockchain-based services utilizing smart contracts. As an initial step, Bitcoin and Ethereum payment options are being introduced starting today.”