Metaplanet Surges 3,600% in 12 Months, Becoming Japan’s Fastest-Rising Stock with Bold Bitcoin Strategy

Metaplanet Inc. has become the hottest stock in Japan, surging an astonishing 3,600% over the past year. The company’s meteoric rise follows its strategic pivot to Bitcoin as part of a broader shift in Japan's investment landscape, positioning itself as Asia’s leading Bitcoin play.

Once a hotel development company, Metaplanet made a bold move in early 2024, transitioning to a Bitcoin-first strategy after pandemic-related challenges forced it to close most of its hotel properties. This pivot has paid off, with the company’s stock outpacing all other Japanese equities and attracting a wave of retail investors eager for exposure to the digital currency.

A Global Bitcoin Surge Fuels Metaplanet’s Growth

Metaplanet's success mirrors the broader rise in Bitcoin’s popularity. Bitcoin’s price reached an all-time high of $109,000 on January 20, coinciding with the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Although Bitcoin has since pulled back to around $97,000 as of February 10, Metaplanet’s stock has continued to climb, reflecting the growing appeal of Bitcoin as both a store of value and investment vehicle.

CEO Simon Gerovich, a former Goldman Sachs equity derivatives trader, has drawn comparisons to Michael Saylor, the founder of MicroStrategy, which holds over $45 billion in Bitcoin. Inspired by Saylor’s approach, Gerovich rebranded Metaplanet as Japan’s version of MicroStrategy, betting on Bitcoin’s long-term potential and positioning the company as a Bitcoin proxy in Asia.

Metaplanet’s Transformation and Retail Investor Surge

Metaplanet’s transformation has led to a massive influx of investors. In 2024 alone, its shareholder base grew by 500%, reaching nearly 50,000 investors, according to the company’s data. While institutional investors like Capital Group, which also holds shares in MicroStrategy, have taken positions in Metaplanet, the majority of its investors are retail traders, many of whom have limited experience in the cryptocurrency markets.

A significant factor contributing to this surge is Japan’s revamped Nippon Individual Savings Account (NISA) program, introduced in early 2024. The new program encourages long-term investment by offering Japanese citizens the ability to invest in stocks tax-free. This makes Metaplanet an attractive alternative to directly purchasing Bitcoin, which is subject to capital gains taxes of up to 55%.

Metaplanet’s Bold Bitcoin Holdings Strategy

As of the latest reports, Metaplanet holds 1,762 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $171 million at the current Bitcoin price. The company has set ambitious goals to grow its holdings, aiming for 10,000 Bitcoin by the end of 2025 and 21,000 Bitcoin by the end of 2026.

To meet these goals, Metaplanet plans to issue 21 million shares, aiming to raise approximately $750 million — potentially making this the largest equity capital raise for Bitcoin in Asia to date. The company’s aggressive Bitcoin accumulation strategy positions it as one of the key players in the region’s growing crypto economy.

Integrating Bitcoin Into Every Aspect of the Business

Beyond Bitcoin accumulation, Metaplanet is also reimagining its remaining hotel business. Later this year, the company plans to rebrand its last operational property, the Royal Oak Hotel in Tokyo’s Gotanda district, as “The Bitcoin Hotel.” This new concept will serve as a hub for Bitcoin seminars, investor events, and crypto-related activities, further aligning the company with Japan’s expanding cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Challenges and Risks Ahead

Despite its remarkable growth, Metaplanet faces several risks. The company has posted six consecutive years of losses, though it is expected to report a profit in its upcoming fourth-quarter earnings. Analysts caution that the company’s stock is highly sensitive to Bitcoin’s price fluctuations, and any sharp decline in Bitcoin’s value could lead to a significant reversal in Metaplanet’s stock price.

However, for now, the company’s bold strategy is paying off, and Metaplanet’s stock has cemented its place as the fastest-rising stock in Japan.

Looking Ahead

Metaplanet’s pivot to Bitcoin has not only made it Japan’s hottest stock but also positions it as one of the leading crypto companies in Asia. As the company continues to expand its Bitcoin holdings and integrate its business with the crypto ecosystem, it remains to be seen whether this growth can be sustained in the long term. With its ambitious plans and growing investor base, Metaplanet is one to watch in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency.