TLDR
- Metaplanet has acquired 555 Bitcoin for $49.6 million, bringing its holdings to 5,555 BTC ($480+ million)
- The company plans to issue zero-coupon bonds to raise $25 million for future Bitcoin purchases
- US-China trade talks are scheduled for May 9-12 in Switzerland after months of tension
- Metaplanet’s stock jumped 12% following the announcement, now up 33% year-to-date
- Bitcoin trades near $96,500 as investors watch for potential break above $100,000
Metaplanet, a Tokyo-listed company building a reputation as “Japan’s MicroStrategy,” has expanded its Bitcoin treasury with a purchase of 555 Bitcoin. The firm spent approximately $49.6 million (¥7.67 billion) on this latest acquisition, which brings its total Bitcoin holdings to an eye-catching 5,555 BTC.
The timing of this purchase aligns with improving US-China relations, as the two economic powers prepare to resume trade talks. This development comes after months of heightened tensions following President Trump’s reimposition of tariffs on Chinese goods.
China has confirmed that Vice Premier He Lifeng will meet with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Switzerland. The meetings are scheduled for May 9-12 and represent the first formal economic dialogue between the nations since the tariff increases.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce indicated that the talks follow “repeated” outreach from senior US officials. They emphasized that any negotiations must proceed on the basis of mutual respect.
“China will never agree” to negotiations if “the US says one thing but does another,” according to a statement released through state media. Beijing also warned against using talks “as a pretext to continue coercive and blackmailing tactics.”
Bitcoin Accumulation Strategy
Metaplanet has been pursuing an aggressive Bitcoin acquisition plan since early 2024. The company has raised over ¥35 billion through its partnership with EVO FUND by issuing zero-coupon bonds and stock acquisition rights.
The proceeds from these financial instruments have gone directly toward Bitcoin purchases. CEO Simon Gerovich disclosed that the company’s latest acquisition of 555 BTC was made at an average price of $96,134 per coin.
This brings the firm’s total holdings to 5,555 BTC with an average purchase price of $86,672 per Bitcoin. At current market rates, the company’s Bitcoin treasury is worth more than $480 million.
Metaplanet recently announced plans to issue its 13th Series of Ordinary Bonds to raise $25 million earmarked specifically for further Bitcoin purchases. The company stated that redemption of these bonds will be funded through proceeds generated from the exercise of stock acquisition rights.
The Tokyo-based firm has demonstrated strong performance with its Bitcoin-focused strategy. Its BTC Yield metric has shown growth across three consecutive quarters: 309.8% in Q4 2024, 95.6% in Q1 2025, and 21% in the current quarter.
Metaplanet is expanding beyond Japan with the recent establishment of a Miami-based subsidiary. Metaplanet Treasury Corp aims to raise up to $250 million to further accelerate the company’s Bitcoin holdings.
CEO Gerovich explained that this move will help the firm access American capital markets and expand its global liquidity options. The company appears to be on track toward its stated goal of accumulating 10,000 BTC by the end of 2026.
Market Response
The announcement of Metaplanet’s latest Bitcoin purchase triggered a 12% jump in its stock price. The company’s shares have performed well in 2025, with a 33% increase since the beginning of the year.
Bitcoin has maintained strength amid these developments, trading above $96,000 as news of the US-China trade talks emerged. The cryptocurrency is currently trading at approximately $96,500, representing a 2.1% increase over the past 24 hours.
Data from Santiment shows that Bitcoin ETF inflows have reached $5.13 million over the past three weeks. The BlackRock Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) has been particularly active, recording 16 consecutive days of positive inflows.
ETF Store president Nate Geraci commented on this trend, noting that skeptics had doubted whether all spot Bitcoin ETFs combined would reach $5 billion in total inflows. He pointed out that IBIT alone has achieved this milestone “in a few weeks more than a year after launch.”
Market participants are now watching for a potential breakthrough above the $100,000 level, which could open the door to new all-time highs for Bitcoin. This technical analysis comes against a backdrop of mixed news and regulatory uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, robust ETF inflows and sustained institutional buying continue to provide strong support for Bitcoin’s price. The cryptocurrency has held close to its February highs over the past 24 hours.
The upcoming trade talks between Vice Premier He Lifeng and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be closely monitored by investors watching for signals that might impact Bitcoin and broader financial markets.
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