The integration of cryptocurrency into traditional financial systems continues to gain momentum—and one of Japan’s top real estate companies is leading the charge. Open House Group Co., Ltd., a top-five real estate firm in Japan by revenue, now accepts XRP as a valid payment method for property purchases. This landmark move signals growing confidence in digital assets for high-value transactions and opens new doors for international investors.
Emi Yoshikawa, former Vice President of Strategy Initiatives at Ripple, confirmed the development on social media, highlighting that Open House Group has expanded its crypto payment options to include XRP, SOL (Solana), and DOGE (Dogecoin)—in addition to the previously accepted Bitcoin and Ethereum. This brings the total number of supported cryptocurrencies to five, making Japan an increasingly crypto-friendly destination for real estate investment.
👉 Discover how digital currencies are transforming property investment today.
From Bitcoin-Only to Multi-Crypto Adoption
On January 31, 2025, Open House Group first introduced cryptocurrency payments by accepting Bitcoin at its Tokyo headquarters. At the time, Bitcoin and Ethereum were the dominant digital currencies used in mainstream commerce. However, the company didn’t stop there.
By March 2025, Open House had broadened its digital payment infrastructure to include three additional major cryptocurrencies:
- XRP (Ripple)
- SOL (Solana)
- DOGE (Dogecoin)
This strategic expansion reflects a deeper industry shift toward embracing diverse blockchain networks—not just the most established ones. Customers can now choose from five different digital assets when purchasing residential or commercial properties across Japan.
“Open House now supports cryptocurrency payments including XRP, SOL, and DOGE. A new Chinese-language site has also launched to serve global clients.”
— Emi Yoshikawa (@emy_wng), March 21, 2025
With this update, Open House Group isn't just adapting to technological change—it's actively shaping the future of cross-border real estate transactions.
Empowering International Property Buyers
One of the most significant benefits of this move is the increased accessibility for foreign investors. International buyers can now use their preferred cryptocurrency to purchase property in Japan, provided the transaction complies with their home country’s regulations.
Open House Group owns, develops, and manages a wide range of properties—including homes, office spaces, and studio condominiums—in major urban centers such as:
- Tokyo
- Osaka
- Fukuoka
- Nagoya
The company offers end-to-end services, from property acquisition and development to sales and ongoing management. This “one-stop solution” model simplifies the process for overseas clients unfamiliar with Japan’s real estate landscape.
Using cryptocurrencies like XRP eliminates many traditional hurdles associated with international wire transfers—such as high fees, long processing times, and complex currency exchange procedures. For global investors, this means faster settlements and greater financial flexibility.
👉 See how blockchain payments are streamlining international real estate deals.
Why XRP Stands Out in Real Estate Transactions
XRP has long been recognized for its speed, low transaction cost, and scalability—qualities that make it ideal for large-scale payments. Currently trading around $2.40, XRP ranks as the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, behind Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Binance Coin.
According to data from BitPay, a leading crypto payment processor, XRP transaction volumes surged by 40% in 2023—making it one of the most widely used digital currencies for commercial payments worldwide.
Now, with Open House Group accepting XRP for multi-million-dollar property deals, the cryptocurrency gains further legitimacy as a tool for real-world financial applications.
Key Advantages of Using XRP in Real Estate:
- Fast settlement: Transactions settle in 3–5 seconds.
- Low fees: Minimal costs compared to traditional banking networks.
- High liquidity: Easily convertible to fiat or other digital assets.
- Global accessibility: Enables seamless cross-border payments.
These features are particularly valuable in real estate, where large sums are transferred across jurisdictions and delays can jeopardize deals.
A Signal of Broader Industry Transformation
Open House Group’s decision reflects a growing trend: businesses across sectors are recognizing cryptocurrencies not just as speculative assets, but as practical tools for commerce. Real estate—historically slow to adopt new technologies—is now emerging as a frontier for blockchain innovation.
Large transactions involving international parties often require multiple intermediaries, extensive documentation, and days (or even weeks) to clear. Cryptocurrency payments streamline this process by enabling peer-to-peer value transfer without relying on legacy banking systems.
For buyers, paying with crypto can mean:
- Faster closing times
- Reduced intermediary fees
- Greater privacy and control over funds
- Simplified compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) protocols when verified through regulated platforms
As more real estate firms follow Open House’s lead, we may see a future where digital wallets replace wire transfer forms in property closings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can any foreign buyer use XRP to purchase property in Japan?
A: Yes, provided the transaction complies with both Japanese regulations and the buyer’s local laws regarding cryptocurrency use and capital controls.
Q: Are there tax implications when buying property with XRP?
A: Yes. In most jurisdictions, exchanging cryptocurrency for property is considered a taxable event. Buyers should consult a tax professional before completing such transactions.
Q: Is XRP the most popular crypto used in real estate?
A: While Bitcoin remains the most widely accepted cryptocurrency in real estate, XRP is gaining traction due to its speed and low cost—especially in international transactions.
Q: Does Open House convert XRP to yen immediately?
A: Most companies accepting crypto payments either convert them instantly to fiat or hold them as part of treasury reserves. Specifics depend on internal financial policies.
Q: Can I use partial crypto and partial fiat payment?
A: Many firms allow hybrid payment models. Interested buyers should contact Open House directly to discuss payment structure options.
Q: How secure are crypto-based property transactions?
A: When conducted through verified platforms and compliant gateways, these transactions are highly secure. Smart contracts and blockchain immutability add additional layers of trust.
👉 Learn how secure and efficient crypto transactions are reshaping modern finance.
The Road Ahead for Crypto in Real Estate
Open House Group’s adoption of XRP and other cryptocurrencies marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of blockchain technology and traditional finance. As one of Japan’s most influential real estate firms, its endorsement lends credibility to digital currencies as viable instruments for major asset purchases.
With rising institutional interest, improved regulatory clarity, and increasing consumer demand for financial innovation, the use of XRP, SOL, and other digital assets in real estate is likely to expand beyond Japan.
For investors, this means new opportunities to diversify portfolios using crypto while accessing global markets with fewer barriers than ever before.
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The fusion of blockchain efficiency with real-world assets like real estate is no longer theoretical—it's happening now. And Japan’s latest move could be just the beginning.