Web3

To Increase Its Bitcoin Holdings, Japan’s Metaplanet Issues $25 Million In Bonds

May 16 (News On Japan) - Metaplanet, a Tokyo-based investment firm, recently issued $24.7 million worth of ordinary bonds to raise money to expand its Bitcoin accumulation strategy.

Often referred to as Asia’s MicroStrategy, Metaplanet incorporates BTC into its balance sheet as an investment and store of value, sparking a wave of curiosity and potential action among corporate peers. The issuance of zero-interest bonds has been allocated via the company’s EVO FUND, and investors can cash their bonds for their entire value by October 31, 2025. It’s the 12th round of bonds issued to support Metaplanet’s Bitcoin acquisition strategy.

A few years ago, the idea that an enterprise might buy Bitcoin for its reserves was considered absurd. The original and (for now) the biggest cryptocurrency by market capitalization was regarded as a bit too volatile to be embraced by any serious business. These days, major institutional investors play a critical role in shaping the crypto market, bringing legitimacy and capital that could drive the Bitcoin price to new heights. Analysts remain divided on the BTC price prediction, with some expecting it will break above the $80,000 level, while others warning of a potential correction.

Metaplanet Wants To Expand Its Bitcoin Holdings To 10,000 BTC By 2025

The total amount of coins held by Metaplanet amounts to 5,000 BTC, and the year-to-date accumulation strategy has led to a BTC Yield of 121.1% in 2025. The Tokyo-based investment firm is among the top 10 corporate Bitcoin holders worldwide, using digital assets to enhance shareholder value. BTC acquisitions are supported by dynamic market capital activity, comprising bond issuances and stock acquisition rights. Metaplanet has publicly confirmed its goal is to accumulate 10,000 coins by the end of the year, a strategy that mirrors that of MicroStrategy, a prominent corporate Bitcoin holder.

Metaplanet Adopts MicroStrategy’s Metric To Improve Shareholder Transparency

According to Michael Saylor, the former CEO of MicroStrategy, Bitcoin is a dependable store of value and an attractive investment with a mid to long-range time horizon. Put simply, it can work well for investors who want to increase their wealth over time without overextending their risk tolerance. Saylor referred to BTC as a historical breakthrough similar to the invention of electricity and radio waves. No doubt, he’s a fervent supporter of Bitcoin, and his take on cryptocurrency comes from a status quo perspective.

By enacting a Bitcoin treasury strategy akin to MicroStrategy, Metaplanet seeks to benefit from BTC’s upside while mitigating risk. As mentioned earlier, the corporation deploys the BTC Yield, which monitors the percentage change in the proportion of overall Bitcoin assets compared to the total number of fully diluted shares. It provides a more transparent means of establishing whether Bitcoin purchases enhance shareholder value. The question now is: Where does the money come from? Supply and demand. BTC’s value surges when demand exceeds the known limited supply.

To Advance Bitcoin Accumulation Efforts, Metaplanet Has Set Up A Subsidiary In Florida

One of the world’s largest corporate holders of Bitcoin established a subsidiary in Florida called Metaplanet Treasury Corp., which will be capitalized with up to $250 million and serve as its dedicated U.S. vehicle for treasury operations. Simon Gerovich, CEO of Metaplanet, explained that Florida was chosen as the entity’s base due to its reputation as a tech-friendly state, attracting blockchain companies and investors. The Tokyo-based investment firm has enlisted the expertise of David Bailey, the co-founder and chief executive of BTC Inc., a Bitcoin and blockchain media company. This provides Metaplanet with rich insights.

Investing In Bitcoin As A Business: Practical Considerations

More and more companies worldwide are using Bitcoin (and other digital assets) for investment, operational, and transactional purposes since it presents a host of opportunities. Still, as with any new frontier, there are both strong incentives and unforeseen perils, so enterprises must evaluate what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, and where accomplishing it takes them.

The reasons why corporate treasurers may look to invest in Bitcoin are:

Increased regulation: Bitcoin is slowly but surely being accepted by governments around the globe, which has given investors more confidence and fueled crypto market growth. Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) intends to introduce a crypto bill by 2026 to reclassify digital assets as financial products.
BTC price performance over time: There’s a downward trend in volatility for Bitcoin over time, meaning it’s developing excellent utility. Though a company could face short-term earnings volatility, its long-term financial performance would significantly improve, notably during periods of great inflation.
First mover advantage: By investing as early as possible, first movers have more time than later entrants to accumulate wealth. They build a bigger portfolio at a fraction of a cost. By becoming one of Japan’s first publicly traded companies to adopt Bitcoin, Metaplanet emerges as a thought leader, helping break down barriers.

Needless to say, executives must ensure communication is consistent, reinforcing the message across all touchpoints. Adding BTC to a corporate treasury can be a complex endeavor, even if the potential for diversification and increased liquidity is attractive.

Metaplanet’s Stock On The Tokyo Exchange Rose By 10.4%

Metaplanet is listed on the Standard Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange with the ticker code 3350. The Tokyo-based investment firm, originally a hotel developer, transitioned to a Bitcoin-first strategy in early 2024 following the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced it to close several of its properties. At present, its stock outperforms every other Japanese equity, attracting an ever-increasing number of investors seeking exposure to BTC. The market has responded positively to Metaplanet’s Bitcoin acquisitions, with its stock rising now a total of 10.4% to 435 Japanese yen.

Concluding Remarks

With 5,000 BTC, Metaplanet has reached half of its 2025 target, becoming one of the most prominent corporate holders of Bitcoin. The redemption of bonds will be financed via the exercise of stock acquisition rights. With the help of David Bailey, the Tokyo-based investment firm could redefine the crypto landscape in Japan and drive a paradigm shift in institutional Bitcoin investment. Its aggressive BTC accumulation strategy could influence other corporations to follow suit.

Trump Doubles Tariffs While Calling Nippon Steel’s $14 Billion US Deal Historic

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on May 30th that his administration plans to double the current tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to 50 percent. Speaking at a plant owned by major American steelmaker U.S. Steel, Trump declared that the existing 25 percent tariff on steel imports would be raised to 50 percent starting June 4th. The same rate will also apply to aluminum products, with the measure expected to affect exporters globally.

Japan’s Healthcare in Crisis, Doctors Overworked as Research Time Dwindles

Amid mounting financial strain and work reform policies, Japan’s university hospitals are struggling to maintain the quality of their medical research, threatening the future of healthcare in the country. A recent survey of approximately 3,000 physicians working in university hospitals revealed that 60% spend less than five hours a week on research, with 22% reporting zero research time. The main reason: they are simply too busy with clinical duties to conduct research.

Former Princess Mako Komuro Has First Child in U.S.

Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of the Akishino family and now living in the United States, has given birth to her first child, the Imperial Household Agency announced on May 30th. The agency stated that the birth was disclosed during a press conference after some media reports surfaced, despite their intention to allow Komuro to live in a quiet environment following her departure from the Imperial family.

Akie Abe Moved to Tears During Kremlin Visit with Putin

Akie Abe, widow of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, visited the Kremlin on May 29th and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the meeting, Akie was seen tearfully listening to Putin’s words, reflecting the emotional nature of their exchange. Following the conversation, she was invited to ride in Putin’s official limousine to the Bolshoi Theatre, where the two attended a ballet performance together.

Cylinder Marked November 1964 Found at Site of Tokyo Explosion

A gas cylinder recovered from the scene of an explosion in Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward bore a stamp indicating it was manufactured in November 1964, according to investigative sources. The blast, which occurred on May 27th at a construction site, injured 10 people.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

Sharp Unveils New AQUOS Smartphones with Generative AI Features

Sharp announced on May 29th that it will release new models of its AQUOS smartphone series equipped with generative AI, with sales beginning in late June or later. The lineup will include both high-end and basic models.

As a leader in the cloud mining investment space, WinnerMining is committed to revolutionizing the way people mine cloud mining while helping them improve their cryptocurrency knowledge.

Now, as Ripple's legal dispute eases and more institutions join in, people have new hopes for the XRP token to hit new highs.

Japan Enacts First Law to Promote AI

Japan’s first law dedicated specifically to artificial intelligence has been passed by the Upper House of the Diet, with the so-called AI Promotion Law formally enacted in May.

Mercari Introduces AI Measures as Disputes Surge on Flea Market Apps

Mercari, a major player in Japan’s flea market app industry, announced new countermeasures this week to address the growing number of disputes occurring between buyers and sellers as more people turn to secondhand marketplaces.

Audrey Tang Discusses AI and Democracy at Tokyo Event

Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s first Digital Minister known for advancing civic participation through technology, visited Japan to share insights on digital democracy. At a Tokyo event, Tang joined University of Tokyo professor Yutaka Matsuo, a leading expert in artificial intelligence, and Katsuya Uenoyama, CEO of AI developer PKSHA Technology, for a wide-ranging discussion on how AI can reshape democratic systems.