One Tokyo-listed firm, dubbed “Asia’s MicroStrategy,” has taken the plunge. Just recently, they increased their Bitcoin reserves by buying up 3.78 billion yen, or $26.3 million worth. This announcement is made even as concerns continue to rise about the potential introduction of trade tariffs in the U.S. and their destabilizing effect on the global economy. Beyond that, the purchase highlights Metaplanet’s other pledge to Bitcoin, which sees the asset treated as a primary treasury asset.
Cryptocurrency Market Overview
Among the top ten cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, the cryptocurrency market has gained minimal value or stabilized. Bitcoin fell back amid volatility, falling over 2% on Sunday during Asia trading hours to around $83,482. That drop came as investors were inundated with mixed messages from Washington on the trajectory of U.S. trade policy with China. By Monday, however, Bitcoin had recovered slightly, trading at $84,990, up 0.4% over the previous 24 hours, according to CoinGecko. Ether followed suit, rising 1.8% to $1,638 in the same period.
US Digital Asset Initiatives and Trade Policy
The Biden administration, like the one that preceded it, has released two separate but overlapping initiatives on digital assets. The first proposal is for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. It will be funded by BTC seized in law enforcement operations, and it will act as a permanent national asset. The second element is a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile. Specifically, it includes trillions in confiscated cryptocurrencies that should be fully liquidated or intelligently reinvested.
Even though the Trump administration has again threatened new tariffs on Chinese electronics, causing a sell-off last summer, traditional markets have held strong. At first smartphones and semiconductors were left out of a proposed 10% “reciprocal” tariff. Then President Trump made it clear that these products would still be subject to a separate 20% national security tariff. According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, more sector-specific tariffs are coming in the next two months. Nasdaq 100 futures jumped more than 1% in early trading, and S&P 500 futures gained 0.7%.
Metaplanet's Bitcoin Strategy
So far Metaplanet has purchased 319 BTC at an average price of 12,849,780 yen (~$82,549) per coin. With this latest purchase, their total holdings now total 4,525 BTC. The company is on track to increase its Bitcoin reserves by an incredible 470%. Currently just over halfway there, by the year’s end, they want to get a balance of 10,000 BTC. This aggressive strategy serves to underscore Metaplanet’s seismic bullishness on Bitcoin’s long-term value.
