TLDR
- Metaplanet issued ¥2 billion ($13.33 million) in zero-interest bonds to fund Bitcoin purchases
- Despite Bitcoin acquisition plans, Metaplanet stock crashed 9%, dropping below ¥400
- Japanese markets fell 4% as they brace for Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2nd
- Economic Policy Uncertainty Index has reached historic highs, exceeding 2008 crisis levels
- Metaplanet already holds 3,350 BTC and aims to reach 21,000 BTC by 2026
Japanese Firm Doubles Down on Bitcoin While Markets Tumble
Metaplanet, a Japanese firm, has announced the issuance of its 10th Series of Ordinary Bonds worth ¥2 billion ($13.33 million) to fund additional Bitcoin purchases. The zero-interest bonds were issued to EVO FUND and are scheduled for redemption by September 30, 2025. Each bond has a face value of ¥50 million.
This move comes as part of Metaplanet’s growing Bitcoin strategy. The company has already accumulated 3,350 BTC at an average purchase price of $83,000 per Bitcoin. Metaplanet began formally embracing Bitcoin as a core asset in 2024.
The bond issuance was overseen by Simon Gerovich, Representative Director of Metaplanet. On social media platform X, Gerovich commented on the timing with a simple message: “Buying the dip!” This suggests the company views the current market downturn as a buying opportunity.
押し目買い！
Buying the dip! https://t.co/nOIQrAveap— Simon Gerovich (@gerovich) March 31, 2025
Despite these ambitious cryptocurrency plans, Metaplanet’s stock price tumbled more than 9% today. Shares slipped below ¥400, continuing a downward trend that has seen the stock drop by 23% over the past week. This decline follows what had been a strong rally in early March.
The company has set impressive goals for its Bitcoin holdings. By 2025, Metaplanet aims to hold 10,000 Bitcoin. Their longer-term goal is to reach 21,000 Bitcoin by 2026, which would make them one of the largest corporate holders globally.
Market Turmoil and Trump’s Tariffs
The broader market context helps explain some of Metaplanet’s stock price troubles. Japanese markets fell more than 4% in early trading on Monday. This drop comes as global markets prepare for what President Trump has declared “Liberation Day” on April 2nd.
This date marks the beginning of new tariff policies from the Trump administration. The U.S. plans to impose tariffs of 20% or higher on imports from over 25 countries. These new tariffs will target goods valued at more than $1.5 trillion by the end of April.
Bitcoin also faces selling pressure in this environment. The cryptocurrency’s price dipped below $81,500 as markets brace for greater uncertainty this week. This overall market sentiment likely contributed to the selling pressure on Metaplanet stock.
The Economic Policy Uncertainty Index has surged to levels approximately 80% higher than those recorded during the 2008 financial crisis. This makes the current situation one of the most uncertain periods in modern U.S. economic history.
Corporate Strategy and Leadership
Metaplanet tracks a metric called Bitcoin Yield, which calculates the percentage growth in Bitcoin holdings compared to fully diluted shares. This metric increased by 309.8% in Q4 2024 and currently sits at 68.3% for Q1 2025.
Since beginning its Bitcoin accumulation strategy, Metaplanet’s stock has seen gains of over 3,000%. This suggests that, despite recent downturns, the overall market response to the company’s Bitcoin strategy has been positive.
The company has also been strengthening its leadership team. On March 21, Metaplanet appointed Eric Trump to its newly formed advisory board. According to CEO Gerovich, Trump will contribute business expertise to help build “one of the world’s leading Bitcoin Treasury Companies.”
Gerovich has stated that the advisory board will include key voices and thought leaders committed to promoting Bitcoin adoption and financial innovation. This move appears designed to bolster confidence in the company’s cryptocurrency strategy.
Metaplanet’s recent purchase of 150 BTC on March 24 at an average price of ¥12.57 million ($80,000) per BTC brought its total holdings to the current level of 3,350 BTC. The company has spent ¥42.22 billion ($270 million) on Bitcoin since starting its accumulation.
Other companies are making similar moves in the cryptocurrency space. Bitcoin miner Marathon Digital has announced a $2 billion stock sale to fund its own Bitcoin purchases ahead, showing that Metaplanet is not alone in this strategy.
Analysts predict an exceptionally volatile trading week ahead as markets grapple with the new tariff policies. Investors remain cautious while navigating heightened instability across financial markets. Gold prices are expected to reach $3,100 as investors seek safe-haven assets.
With its latest bond issuance and leadership updates, Metaplanet continues to push forward with its Bitcoin-focused business plan despite the market turbulence. The company appears to be taking a long-term view on cryptocurrency as a core asset for its future.
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
