Metaplanet to Launch Bitcoin Magazine in Japan by Q1 2025
Asia's MicroStrategy, Metaplanet, is expanding in the cryptocurrency sector by launching a localized version of Bitcoin Magazine in Japan. The announcement was made on November 25, with plans for a full launch in the first quarter of 2025.
Metaplanet secured an exclusive licensing deal with BTC Media Inc, enabling it to introduce Bitcoin Magazine Japan. This agreement also includes an investment from UTXO Management, part of BTC Inc. The publication aims to enhance connections between financial institutions, regulators, and the crypto community in Japan.
Investment Details
The licensing agreement, signed in July, remains largely undisclosed. Metaplanet emphasizes Japan's significance in global finance and technology as a key market for Bitcoin adoption through this new publication.
Bitcoin Magazine, established in 2012, has faced competition from other media outlets. Data shows that it attracted 1.27 million visits over three months leading up to October, compared to Decrypt (3.8 million), The Block (3.2 million), and CoinDesk (12 million). In Japan, Bitcoin Magazine will compete with local versions of Coindesk and Cointelegraph, along with domestic platforms like CoinPost.
Bitcoin Adoption Strategy
Metaplanet entered the crypto space in April 2024, adopting Bitcoin as a corporate reserve, inspired by MicroStrategy's strategy. Labeling itself “Asia’s MicroStrategy,” the firm began accumulating Bitcoin to mitigate Japan's inflation, debt, and currency depreciation. Since its inception in 1999, Metaplanet has acquired over 1,142 BTC, valued at approximately $111.5 million with Bitcoin trading at $97,600.
The company has invested around ¥11.372 billion ($74 million) into Bitcoin, making its largest purchase in October 2024, which included three acquisitions totaling ¥3 billion. By the end of October, Metaplanet became Asia’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder, surpassing competitors like Nexon and Meitu.
In October, Metaplanet completed its 11th stock acquisition rights offering, raising ¥10 billion ($66.2 million) to further increase its Bitcoin reserves. Recently, the company announced plans for additional debt sales aimed at acquiring more Bitcoin.