A wave of Japanese companies has begun accepting Bitcoin as a core treasury asset, consolidating Japan's new role in shaping the global cryptocurrency economy.
This move reflects growing concerns about inflation, currency depreciation, and the need for diverse financial strategies.
Japanese Companies Accumulating Bitcoin
Tokyo-based Metaplanet Inc. is leading this trend. The company has converted most of its balance sheet to Bitcoin. As of August 4, 2025, the company holds 17,595 BTC, ranking seventh globally among public companies.
Metaplanet's "555 Million Plan" aims to reach 100,000 BTC by 2026 and 210,000 BTC by 2027. This demonstrates a long-term commitment to the Bitcoin strategy.
Beauty salon operator Convano is also joining this movement. The company aims to collect 21,000 BTC by March 2027. The company established a Bitcoin Strategy Office in July 2025.
Convano has invested 2.7 million USD in BTC. This represents a significant change in Japanese corporate finance. Other companies are following suit.
Fashion retailer Mac-House will rename itself Gyet Co., Ltd. in September. This change reflects a shift from clothing to cryptocurrency. The company plans to invest 160 million USD in BTC purchasing and mining.
Kitabo, a 70-year-old textile manufacturer specializing in synthetic fibers and health care products, has purchased 3.32 BTC and started buying 13,500 USD worth of Bitcoin daily under a 5.4 million USD budget.
Toho Remac, a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, has approved a one-year plan to purchase up to 1 billion yen (6.8 million USD) 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 the value up three or four times the BTC value," Ken Kawai said. He advises the Japan Cryptoasset Business Association. "This could signal a bubble and needs to be carefully monitored."
New Regulations May Unlock Bitcoin ETFs
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) has started a new working group in July. The group is examining changing cryptoassets from a "payment method" to a "financial product". This legal change will allow Japan to have its first public cryptocurrency ETFs.
SBI Holdings proposed two ETF products. One product combines gold and digital assets. The other holds spot Bitcoin and XRP.
Currently, investors must buy cryptocurrencies through exchanges. Profits are taxed as other income, up to 55%. The legal change will place ETFs under different tax rules. They may qualify for a 20% capital gains tax, similar to stocks.
This tax reform could unlock institutional funds. Japan's complex legal structure has hindered pension funds and asset managers. They may soon add cryptocurrencies to their investment portfolios.
Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato. Source: Ministry of Finance, JapanJapanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato supports this change. He stated that cryptoassets should be recognized as investment products, not just payment methods. Discussions began in 2025 to transfer rules from the Payment Services Act to the Financial Instruments Act.
SBI is expanding its Web3 strategy through stablecoin. The company is deploying USDC, Ripple's RLUSD, and yen-based stablecoin. This builds an integrated financial infrastructure connecting securities, banking, and digital assets.
Mining Activities Shift to Green
Japanese companies are also expanding into Bitcoin mining. Convano plans to start mining in October 2025. The company will use renewable energy at data centers in Texas and Georgia.
The company will use demand response systems. These systems support local grid stability, aligning with environmental goals and cryptocurrency strategies.
Gyet Co., Ltd. is also entering mining. The company plans to invest over 10 billion yen in mining equipment. The company will use its data centers to reduce costs.
By self-mining Bitcoin, companies can self-fund their treasury goals. This combines sustainability with financial innovation: Japanese companies are not just buying Bitcoin but participating in its ecosystem.
Japan Reclaims Cryptocurrency Leadership
Japan's cryptocurrency development is attracting global attention. In 2014, Tokyo-based Mt. Gox processed over 70% of global Bitcoin transactions. The exchange collapsed, but Japan learned from this.
Japan became the first country to license cryptocurrency exchanges. This set the standard for global regulation. Currently, the country maintains strict oversight while supporting innovation.
"Japan is a Web3 regulation pioneer," Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao said in 2023. He spoke when Binance returned to Japan. "We are delighted to provide services in a clear and robust regulatory environment."
Currently, Japan has over 12 million cryptocurrency trading accounts. Industry data shows the country manages 5 trillion yen, or 34 billion USD in cryptoassets. About one in ten citizens now hold cryptocurrency.
Globally, ETFs are driving Bitcoin's mainstream appeal. BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale launched spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US in 2024. Standard Chartered estimates institutions made 3% of Bitcoin purchases that year.
If Japan approves Bitcoin ETFs priced in yen, this could enhance global liquidation. Japanese investors will have a way to access cryptoassets protected from exchange rate risks. Analysts expect this will consolidate long-term demand while reducing entry barriers.
However, broader adoption also brings risks. Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) balances innovation and investor protection, while seeking transparency, clear disclosure, and measures against excessive volatility.
If the trend continues, Japan could regain its position as a cryptocurrency powerhouse. This time, with strength from institutions and regulatory credibility.
