The ripple effects of US President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto agenda are fueling a surge in Bitcoin demand in Japan, with one company’s pivot to cryptocurrency stockpiling delivering eye-watering returns for shareholders.
Metaplanet Inc., trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the symbol 7207, has seen its shares skyrocket by more than 4,000% over the past 12 months, making it the top-performing Japanese stock in that period and one of the highest globally. This astronomical rise comes as Bitcoin itself hit a record high of $109,241 on January 20, 2025, coinciding with Trump’s second-term inauguration.
The company’s transformation from a struggling hotel developer to a Bitcoin powerhouse began in early 2024 when CEO Simon Gerovich, a former Goldman Sachs trader, shifted to a ‘Bitcoin-first strategy’ after pandemic-related closures forced the shutdown of all but one of Metaplanet’s hotels. Inspired by Michael Saylor’s Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), Gerovich has positioned Metaplanet as Japan’s answer to the American Bitcoin proxy.
Currently holding 1,762 BTC, Metaplanet has set an ambitious target of accumulating 21,000 BTC, establishing itself as Asia’s premier Bitcoin play. This strategy has attracted a flood of retail investors seeking exposure to the cryptocurrency market, with Metaplanet’s shareholder base expanding by 500% in 2024 alone.
The surge in Bitcoin demand is not limited to Metaplanet. Trump’s cryptocurrency stance has ignited interest across Japan, with investors eyeing substantial returns. This trend is further amplified by the ongoing depreciation of the Japanese yen, driving more investors towards Bitcoin as a potential hedge.
Trump’s pro-crypto agenda, outlined in his executive order “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,” aims to support the responsible growth and use of digital assets across all sectors of the economy. Key aspects of this policy include protecting citizens’ ability to access and use public blockchain networks, promoting dollar-backed stablecoins, and providing regulatory clarity for the digital asset industry.
The administration’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation is expected to focus on stablecoins as a means to cement US dollar supremacy in the digital age. With about 98% of stablecoins tied to the US dollar and accounting for over two-thirds of global cryptocurrency transactions, this strategy could have far-reaching implications for the global financial landscape.
As the crypto market evolves under this new regulatory environment, companies like Metaplanet are positioning themselves to capitalize on the growing mainstream acceptance of digital assets. However, the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies and the potential impact of global trade policies on market stability remain significant factors for investors to consider.
