Metaplanet expands its influence with the launch of Bitcoin Magazine Japan, targeting a pivotal market for Bitcoin adoption.
Asia’s MicroStrategy, Metaplanet, is expanding its footprint in the cryptocurrency sector. On Monday, November 25, the company announced plans to launch a localized edition of Bitcoin Magazine in Japan.
According to an official announcement, the company confirmed it has secured an exclusive licensing deal with BTC Media Inc, a subsidiary of BTC Inc, granting Metaplanet the rights to introduce Bitcoin Magazine Japan. The publication is slated for a full launch in the first quarter of 2025.
Metaplanet Secures Investment from UTXO Management
The agreement, initially signed in July, also marks an investment in Metaplanet by UTXO Management, the venture capital division of BTC Inc. While details of the licensing agreement between BTC Inc and Metaplanet remain undisclosed, the company said in a statement that the upcoming launch of Bitcoin Magazine in Japan aims to bridge the gap between financial institutions, regulators and the crypto community in the region.
“Japan holds a pivotal position in global finance and technology, making it a key market for Bitcoin adoption. Through Bitcoin Magazine Japan, Metaplanet aims to bridge the gap between Japan’s financial institutions, regulators, and the Bitcoin community.”
As one of the oldest crypto media outlets, Bitcoin Magazine was founded in 2012, with Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin serving as its lead writer in its early years.
However, the outlet faces stiff competition. Data from Similarweb indicates that in the three months leading up to October, Bitcoin Magazine attracted 1.27 million visits, significantly lower than rivals such as Decrypt (3.8 million), The Block (3.2 million), and CoinDesk (12 million).
In Japan, Bitcoin Magazine will enter a crowded media landscape, competing with localized versions of Coindesk and Cointelegraph as well as homegrown platforms like CoinPost.
Metaplanet’s Bitcoin Adoption Strategy
Metaplanet first ventured into crypto in April 2024, announcing its decision to adopt Bitcoin as a corporate reserve, a move inspired by MicroStrategy, the American firm renowned as the largest corporate Bitcoin holder globally.
Positioning itself as “Asia’s MicroStrategy”, Metaplanet began accumulating Bitcoin to hedge against Japan’s rising inflation, escalating debt, and the depreciating yen. Since its inception in 1999, the firm has acquired over 1,142 BTC BTC $87 553 24h volatility: 1.6% Market cap: $1.75 T Vol. 24h: $51.28 B , currently valued at approximately $111.5 million with Bitcoin trading at $97,600.
Metaplanet has invested around ¥11.372 billion ($74 million) into Bitcoin, making its largest purchase in October 2024. During that month, the company made three separate acquisitions, totaling ¥3 billion. By the end of October, Metaplanet had surpassed competitors like Nexon and Meitu to become Asia’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder.
That same month, the company completed its 11th stock acquisition rights offering, raising ¥10 billion ($66.2 million) from individual and institutional investors. The company plans to channel the proceeds toward bolstering its Bitcoin reserves, further solidifying its position in the crypto market.
Last week, Metaplanet announced plans for additional debt sales for Bitcoin acquisition.
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