A wave of Japanese companies has begun adopting Bitcoin as a core treasury asset, cementing Japan’s renewed role in shaping the global crypto economy.
This move reflects growing concerns over inflation, currency devaluation, and the need for diversified financial strategies.
Japanese Companies Load Up on Bitcoin
Tokyo-based Metaplanet Inc. leads this trend. The company converted most of its balance sheet into Bitcoin. As of August 4, 2025, it holds 17,595 BTC, ranking seventh globally among public firms.
Metaplanet’s “555 Million Plan” targets 100,000 BTC by 2026, and 210,000 BTC by 2027. This shows a long-term commitment to the Bitcoin strategy.
Beauty salon operator Convano also joined the movement. It aims to collect 21,000 BTC by March 2027. The company launched a Bitcoin Strategy Office in July 2025.
Convano invested $2.7 million in BTC. This marked a big shift in Japanese corporate finance. Other companies are following this lead.
Apparel retailer Mac-House will rebrand as Gyet Co., Ltd. in September. The change reflects its shift from clothing to crypto. The company plans to invest $160 million in BTC buying and mining.
Kitabo, a 70-year-old textile manufacturer producing synthetic fiber yarns and healthcare products, purchased 3.32 BTC and launched daily $13.5 thousand Bitcoin purchases under an $5.4 million budget.
Toho Remac, a Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed company, approved a one-year plan to acquire up to ¥1 billion ($6.8 million) in Bitcoin and Ethereum. The company completed its first purchase on August 6 with 1.4475 BTC and 45.6581 ETH.
“Market expectations have pushed valuations to three or four times the BTC value,” said Ken Kawai. He advises the Japan Cryptoasset Business Association. “This could signal a bubble and should be watched carefully.”
New Rules Could Unlock Bitcoin ETFs
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) started a new working group in July. It examines changing crypto assets from “payment methods” to “financial products.” This legal shift would enable Japan’s first public crypto ETFs.
SBI Holdings proposed two ETF products. One combines gold and digital assets. The other holds spot Bitcoin and XRP.
Currently, investors must buy crypto through exchanges. Gains get taxed as miscellaneous income—up to 55%. The legal change would place ETFs under different tax rules. They would likely qualify for 20% capital gains tax, like stocks.
This tax reform could unlock institutional money. Japan’s complex legal structure has held back pension funds and asset managers. They may soon add crypto to their portfolios.
Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato supports this change. He said crypto assets should be recognized as investment products, not just payments. Discussions began in 2025 to shift rules from the Payment Services Act to the Financial Instruments Act.
SBI is expanding its Web3 strategy through stablecoins. The firm is rolling out USDC, Ripple’s RLUSD, and yen-based stablecoins. This builds an integrated financial infrastructure linking securities, banking, and digital assets.
Mining Operations Go Green
Japanese companies are also expanding into Bitcoin mining. Convano plans to start mining in October 2025. It will use renewable energy at data centers in Texas and Georgia.
The company will use demand-response systems. These support local grid stability, which aligns with environmental goals and with crypto strategy.
Gyet Co., Ltd. is also entering mining. The company plans to invest over ¥10 billion in mining equipment. It will use its data centers to cut costs.
By mining Bitcoin themselves, firms can self-fund their treasury goals. This blends sustainability with financial innovation: Japanese companies aren’t just buying Bitcoin—they’re joining its ecosystem.
Japan Reclaims Crypto Leadership
Japan’s crypto momentum is drawing global attention. In 2014, Tokyo-based Mt. Gox handled over 70% of Bitcoin trades worldwide. The exchange collapsed, but Japan learned from this.
Japan became the first country to license crypto exchanges. This set the tone for global regulation. The country now maintains strong oversight while supporting innovation.
“Japan is a pioneer in Web3 regulation,” said Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao in 2023. He spoke when Binance re-entered Japan. “We’re pleased to offer services in a clear, robust regulatory environment.”
Today, Japan has over 12 million crypto trading accounts. It manages ¥5 trillion, i.e. $34 billion in crypto assets, according to industry data. About one in ten citizens now holds crypto.
Globally, ETFs drive Bitcoin’s mainstream appeal. BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale launched US spot BTC ETFs in 2024. Standard Chartered estimates institutions made 3% of Bitcoin purchases that year.
If Japan approves yen-denominated Bitcoin ETFs, it could boost global liquidity. Japanese investors would get an FX-hedged way into digital assets. Analysts expect this to strengthen long-term demand while reducing entry barriers.
Still, broader adoption brings risks. The FSA balances innovation with investor protection, while it also seeks transparency, clear disclosures, and safeguards against excessive volatility.
If trends continue, Japan may reclaim its status as a crypto powerhouse. This time, with both institutional strength and regulatory credibility.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
