Japanese investment powerhouse Metaplanet recently made waves in the crypto space by executing its second-largest Bitcoin acquisition ever, adding an impressive 1,004 BTC to its portfolio. This significant purchase took place as Bitcoin surged close to its all-time high, with prices hovering just 3% below the peak.
Announced on May 19, Metaplanet disclosed that this latest buy cost them approximately 15.2 billion yen, or about $104.6 million USD. This move brings their total Bitcoin stash to a substantial 7,800 BTC, which at current market valuations is worth over $800 million. This aggressive accumulation not only solidifies Metaplanet’s standing as a major institutional player in Asia but also ranks them as one of the top Bitcoin-holding public companies worldwide.
To put things in perspective, their previous largest single purchase was 1,241 BTC bought earlier in May for $129 million. That earlier buy had already vaulted them past El Salvador’s Bitcoin holdings, putting Metaplanet in the spotlight as Asia’s largest public corporate Bitcoin holder and the tenth largest globally, according to data from BiTBO. With these figures, the firm is rapidly closing in on some of the most prominent institutional Bitcoin holders.
The company’s recent performance also shows impressive returns. In Q1 of this year, Metaplanet reported a Bitcoin Yield of 95.6%, a measure reflecting how much their Bitcoin holdings have increased relative to fully diluted shares. This momentum has continued into Q2 with a 47.8% yield so far, signaling strong growth and effective asset management in the volatile crypto market.
Interestingly, Metaplanet is on track to surpass Galaxy Digital Holdings, which currently holds 8,100 BTC and ranks ninth among public companies for Bitcoin holdings. If Metaplanet secures another 301 BTC, they will claim that ninth spot, further cementing their place among the top institutional Bitcoin holders.
For broader context, Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy remains the uncontested leader in corporate Bitcoin ownership, boasting a staggering 568,840 BTC worth nearly $59 billion. Saylor’s strategy and bullish stance on Bitcoin continue to influence institutional interest and confidence in the cryptocurrency market.
Metaplanet’s recent activity shows a clear pattern of aggressive accumulation. So far in May alone, they have purchased around 2,800 BTC across multiple transactions. April saw four purchases totaling 794 BTC, while March included six buys amounting to 1,655 BTC. This steady buying spree indicates a long-term conviction in Bitcoin’s value and its potential as a store of wealth.
On a related note, Michael Saylor recently hinted at yet another upcoming purchase through a tweet featuring the “Saylor tracker,” a tool that monitors MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin portfolio. His comment, “Never short a man who buys orange ink by the barrel,” reinforces his unwavering commitment to Bitcoin and signals that further accumulation could be on the horizon.
Data from BTC investment firm River underscores this trend, revealing that corporations and businesses are currently the largest net buyers of Bitcoin this year. They are outpacing traditional retail investors, governments, and even exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in their Bitcoin acquisitions, highlighting the increasing institutional confidence in digital assets as part of diversified portfolios.
In summary, Metaplanet’s recent Bitcoin purchases not only reflect their strategic focus on digital assets but also exemplify the broader institutional trend of embracing Bitcoin as a key financial instrument. Their rapid accumulation and rising holdings position them as a formidable player in the crypto space, while the larger institutional movement signals growing maturity and acceptance of cryptocurrencies in mainstream finance.