Metaplanet Climbs 4,000% in 12 Months, Japan’s Fastest-Rising Stock

Highlights:

• Metaplanet’s stock surged 4,000% in a year after adopting a Bitcoin-first strategy.
• The company plans to raise $750 million to expand Bitcoin holdings to 21,000 BTC. 
• Metaplanet rebrands its last hotel as ‘The Bitcoin Hotel’ to host crypto events.

Japanese publicly traded company Metaplanet Inc. has seen its stock price soar by more than 4,000% over the past year, making it Japan’s top-performing stock and one of the best performers globally, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. This dramatic surge came after the company adopted a “Bitcoin-first strategy” last year.

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The surge aligns with a broader shift in market sentiment, as Bitcoin reached $109,241 on January 20 during Trump’s second inauguration. However, it later declined amid economic uncertainty driven by his trade policies.

The ripple effects of Trump’s pro-crypto agenda are fueling a surge in Bitcoin demand in Japan, with shares of Metaplanet up more than 4,000% over the past 12 months https://t.co/hqvTWWO5OX pic.twitter.com/pxledVvKd1

— Bloomberg Crypto (@crypto) February 10, 2025

Metaplanet Shifts Focus from Hotels to Bitcoin

Metaplanet seeks to replicate the success of Michael Saylor’s Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, which has become a major Bitcoin proxy after amassing over $45 billion ($71.72 billion) in cryptocurrency. CEO Simon Gerovich, a former Goldman Sachs equity derivatives trader, spearheaded this strategic pivot, drawing inspiration from Saylor’s approach. 

Previously known as Red Planet Japan, Metaplanet operated as a hotel development company under Gerovich’s leadership since 2013. However, the pandemic-driven downturn led to the closure of most of its hotels, prompting a decisive shift toward a “Bitcoin-first strategy” in early 2024.

Metaplanet’s shareholder base has grown to nearly 50,000 last year, a 500% increase. Investors include Capital Group, which also backs MicroStrategy, but most are retail investors with little experience in volatile crypto markets.

Rhiannon Ewart-White, Managing Director of UK-based Storm Research, highlighted a key concern. She stressed that Metaplanet must ensure its shareholders fully understand its strategy. This is crucial because the company has a high exposure to retail investors. Many of them may not be familiar with the risks of a volatile market.

Bitcoin Expansion Plan

Metaplanet currently holds 1,762 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $171 million. The company has set a bold target of increasing its holdings to 10,000 Bitcoin by the end of this year and reaching 21,000 by the end of 2026.

Metaplanet plans to issue 21 million shares to raise around $745 million to achieve this goal. This marks the largest Bitcoin-focused equity capital raise in Asia to date.

*Metaplanet Issues 21 Million Shares of 0% Discount Moving Strike Warrants, Proceeds To Raise Approximately ¥116 Billion to Purchase Additional $BTC; Largest Capital Raise in Asian Equity Markets History to Buy BTC* pic.twitter.com/DHI5ft4iKI

— Metaplanet Inc. (@Metaplanet_JP) January 28, 2025

Despite its rapid growth, Metaplanet remains exposed to risks. The company has recorded losses for six straight years but is anticipated to turn a profit in its upcoming fourth-quarter earnings.

Metaplanet Turns Final Hotel into a Bitcoin Hub

In addition to ramping up its Bitcoin holdings, Metaplanet is aligning its remaining hotel business with its crypto-focused vision. Later this year, the company plans to rebrand its final property—the Royal Oak in Tokyo’s Gotanda district—as “The Bitcoin Hotel.” This rebranded venue will host Bitcoin seminars and investor events, further cementing Metaplanet’s role at the heart of Japan’s crypto economy.

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