From Bitcoin to Tokyo Real Estate": How Trader Mao Zong Connects Digital and Physical Assets

By Mary Liu（BitpushNews）

Translated and Edited by Cheryl L. and Carine W.

For cryptocurrency traders, converting their digital assets into tangible investments remains a key challenge. In recent years, innovative solutions have emerged to address this demand. One entrepreneur making strides in this area is "猫总" (Mao Zong, @catmangox) , who provides pathways for clients to use cryptocurrencies like USDT to purchase real estate in Japan. With a combination of professional investment knowledge, blockchain insights, and a pragmatic approach, Mao Zong is offering new possibilities for asset conversion.

From Traditional Finance to Crypto and Real Estate

Mao Zong’s career began in traditional finance. He earned a degree in finance and completed a master’s program at a French business school, later working in banking, brokerage, and wealth management. In 2016, he started investing in Bitcoin and attempted to transition into the crypto industry in 2017. Despite submitting resumes to major exchanges like Binance and Gate.io, he did not secure opportunities. That same year, regulatory restrictions on cryptocurrency exchanges in China slowed the industry’s growth.

Although it seems that he missed the first wave of the crypto boom, Mao Zong shifted his focus to a niche area: converting crypto assets into physical investments. While many in the industry pursued trends like DeFi and NFTs, he began developing a business model that allowed clients to use USDT to purchase properties in Tokyo.

Increasing Interest in Japanese Real Estate Among Crypto Investors

In recent years, Japanese real estate has attracted foreign buyers for reasons such as asset diversification, residency, and lifestyle preferences. Statistics indicate that in 2022, Chinese buyers accounted for 80% of foreign property purchases in Tokyo, with transactions increasing by 50% compared to 2021 and surging 120% in just one month between October and November.

Many of these buyers are crypto investors seeking to convert their digital wealth into physical assets. Japanese properties are valued for their stability, returns, and transparent legal structures, making them an appealing option for crypto funds.

Mao Zong identifies several advantages of using cryptocurrencies to purchase Japanese properties:

• Efficient Cross-Border Payments: Transactions bypass traditional banking systems, enabling faster and simpler processes.

• Tax Flexibility: Crypto assets are treated differently across jurisdictions, which can offer benefits in certain cases.

• Market Alignment: Crypto investors, often younger, may find Japanese real estate appealing for asset allocation and lifestyle considerations.

However, navigating Japan’s property market can be challenging for crypto investors unfamiliar with local processes. Additionally, many Japanese real estate professionals are unfamiliar with digital currencies, creating a gap that Mao Zong aims to bridge.

Building a Business in Japan

Mao Zong’s interest in Japanese real estate began in 2018. Then, during a business trip to Osaka, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly extended his stay in Japan, presenting new opportunities. Recognizing the potential in this sector, he developed a systematic process for crypto-to-real estate transactions.

He notes that while others had explored this niche before him, he was among the first to provide a detailed guide on the topic. His blog post, “A Practical Guide to Using Cryptocurrencies for Japanese Real Estate Transactions,” covers essential steps, including exchange pathways, payment methods, and potential challenges.

The Role of Twitter in Client Acquisition

Since entering the crypto industry, Mao Zong has focused on building his personal brand. He is active on X, where his “Mao Zong” persona and signature cat-head mask have become recognizable symbols. He estimates that 90% of his clients come from Twitter.

An accidental viral tweet featuring a trash-filled ATM in Osaka helped boost his visibility. This experience led him to adopt a more balanced approach to discussing Japan’s real estate market, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.

Overcoming Challenges in Crypto-to-Real Estate Transactions

“Trust is the hardest part,” Mao Zong explains. Crypto investors are naturally cautious about intermediaries, while traditional Japanese property sellers often distrust crypto buyers. This mismatch can limit available properties and complicate transactions.

Early challenges included high transaction fees and reliance on limited clearing channels. The 2022 LUNA crash further disrupted operations, as some clients lost their UST holdings, leading to temporary delays in clearing activities.

Considering all these obstacles, Mao Zong decided to focus on building trust through one-on-one transactions and prioritizing genuine property deals.

Future Prospects: Real Estate and Blockchain Integration

Mao Zong remains cautious about the integration of real estate with blockchain-based solutions like Real World Assets (RWA). He notes that Japan’s property market still relies on traditional processes, such as fax machines, which may delay the adoption of smart contracts and automated transactions.

He believes that greater digitalization and platformization in real estate are inevitable. But for now, his focus is on refining the existing crypto-to-property model rather than pursuing tokenization or blockchain automation.