TLDR
- Metaplanet, dubbed “Asia’s MicroStrategy,” purchased $26.3 million in Bitcoin, acquiring 319 BTC at $82,549 per coin
- The company now holds 4,525 BTC total and plans to reach 10,000 BTC by year-end (a 470% increase)
- The purchase comes amid market uncertainty related to U.S. trade tariffs with China
- Metaplanet appointed Eric Trump to its Strategic Advisory Board last month
- The company uses stock rights and bonds to fund its Bitcoin accumulation strategy
Metaplanet, the Tokyo-listed firm often called “Asia’s MicroStrategy,” has added another $26.3 million (3.78 billion yen) in Bitcoin to its treasury. The purchase of 319 BTC at an average price of 12,849,780 yen ($82,549) per coin brings the company’s total holdings to 4,525 BTC, according to an April 14 announcement.
The move comes amid growing market uncertainty triggered by U.S. trade policies. Bitcoin dropped more than 2% on Sunday during Asia trading hours, sliding to $83,482 as investors processed mixed signals from Washington regarding potential tariffs on Chinese goods.
The Japanese company plans to boost its Bitcoin holdings by 470% to reach a target of 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025. This aggressive accumulation mirrors the strategy of U.S.-based MicroStrategy, which has become known for converting large portions of its treasury into Bitcoin.
Funding the Bitcoin Strategy
Metaplanet is using various financial tools to support its Bitcoin purchases. The company has issued stock acquisition rights and bonds to fund its accumulation strategy, which it describes as “accretive to shareholders.”
CEO Simon Gerovich emphasized this approach in a recent statement. “Last year was transformational, as we broke records, expanded our Bitcoin treasury, and reinforced our position as Asia’s leading Bitcoin Treasury Company,” Gerovich tweeted on Saturday.
Gerovich added that Metaplanet will continue expanding its BTC holdings by “utilizing the most accretive capital market tools available.” This suggests the company plans to leverage financial instruments rather than just using cash reserves for future Bitcoin acquisitions.
The company’s stock (JP:3350) rose 3.71% following the announcement. According to market data, Metaplanet has a current market capitalization of 167.7 billion yen with an average trading volume of 45,525,583 shares.
Market Reactions and U.S. Policy Uncertainty
The timing of Metaplanet’s purchase coincides with a period of uncertainty in crypto markets. While Bitcoin recovered slightly to $84,990 by Monday, according to CoinGecko data, investors remain cautious due to evolving U.S. trade policies.
Traditional markets showed resilience despite the policy uncertainty. Nasdaq 100 futures rose over 1% in early trading, while S&P 500 futures climbed 0.7%.
The Trump administration has sent mixed signals about its trade strategy. While smartphones and semiconductors were temporarily excluded from a proposed 10% “reciprocal” tariff, President Trump later clarified on Truth Social that these products would still face a separate 20% national security levy.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that additional sector-specific tariffs are expected within the next two months. This policy uncertainty has contributed to market volatility across both traditional and crypto markets.
Strategic Moves Beyond Bitcoin
Last month, Metaplanet appointed Eric Trump, son of U.S. President Donald Trump, to its newly formed Strategic Advisory Board. The company cited his “business expertise and passion for Bitcoin” as key factors in the appointment.
This move came as the Trump administration launched two separate crypto initiatives: a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which holds seized BTC as a permanent national asset, and a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile that includes other confiscated cryptocurrencies.
The Japanese company’s year-to-date price performance stands at 0.57%, according to market data, with technical sentiment signals showing a “Strong Sell” despite its continued Bitcoin accumulation.
Metaplanet’s focus on Bitcoin as its core treasury asset places it among a growing number of publicly listed firms adopting cryptocurrency as a reserve asset. The company’s technical sentiment indicator may reflect broader market concerns rather than company-specific factors.
By Monday, 1 a.m. ET, Bitcoin was trading at $84,990, up 0.4% over the previous 24 hours. Ether was up 1.8% to $1,638 during the same period, with most top cryptocurrencies showing slight gains or holding steady.
Stay Ahead of the Market with Benzinga Pro!
Want to trade like a pro? Benzinga Pro gives you the edge you need in today's fast-paced markets. Get real-time news, exclusive insights, and powerful tools trusted by professional traders:
- Breaking market-moving stories before they hit mainstream media
- Live audio squawk for hands-free market updates
- Advanced stock scanner to spot promising trades
- Expert trade ideas and on-demand support
