TLDR
- Metaplanet will join the MSCI Japan index on February 28, 2025, alongside major Japanese corporations, marking its emergence as a leading Bitcoin treasury company
- The company has raised ¥4 billion ($26.32 million) through zero-interest bonds, initially planned for Bitcoin purchases but redirected to bond repayments
- Metaplanet currently holds 1,762 BTC worth $137 million and aims to acquire 21,000 BTC by 2026 to become Asia’s largest Bitcoin holder
- The company’s stock has surged over 3,600% since early 2024, making it Japan’s fastest-rising equity
- Their shareholder base expanded by 500% in 2024 to 50,000 investors, partly driven by Japan’s tax-free stock investment program
Metaplanet, Asia’s second-largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, has secured a place in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Japan Index, effective February 28, 2025. The company will join the benchmark index alongside established Japanese corporations including McDonald’s Holdings Japan, Tokyo Electric Power Co., Kokusai Electric, and Mitsui Chemicals.
CEO Simon Gerovich shared the news on February 13 through social media platform X, describing it as a key achievement that strengthens Metaplanet’s position as Japan’s primary Bitcoin Treasury company. The inclusion is expected to increase the company’s visibility among institutional investors and lead to greater stock demand and price stability.
Metaplanet Joins the MSCI Japan Index!
We’re excited to share that Metaplanet will be included in the MSCI Japan Index as of the close on February 28, 2025.
What is MSCI?
MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International) is one of the world’s leading providers of stock market… pic.twitter.com/wt3hk7Ww4p— Simon Gerovich (@gerovich) February 13, 2025
The company’s journey began with a strategic pivot in early 2024, transforming from a hotel developer into a Bitcoin-focused investment firm. This change has yielded remarkable results, with the company’s stock value increasing by over 3,600% in the past year, making it the fastest-rising equity in Japan.
In a recent financial move, Metaplanet raised ¥4 billion ($26.32 million) through the issuance of zero-interest bonds. While initially intended for Bitcoin purchases, the company adjusted its strategy and directed these funds toward bond repayments, demonstrating financial flexibility while maintaining its commitment to Bitcoin investment.
The firm currently holds 1,762 Bitcoin in its treasury, acquired at a total cost of $137 million. Metaplanet has set ambitious targets for its Bitcoin holdings, aiming to reach 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025 and 21,000 BTC by the end of 2026, which would establish it as the largest Bitcoin holder in Asia.
Investor interest in Metaplanet has grown substantially, with its shareholder count increasing by 500% to reach 50,000 in 2024. This growth has been partly driven by Japan’s Nippon Individual Savings Account program, which offers tax-free stock investment opportunities, making Metaplanet’s shares an attractive alternative to direct Bitcoin purchases that face high capital gains taxes.
*Metaplanet Completes Raise of 4.0 Billion JPY in 0% Unsecured, Unguaranteed Ordinary Bonds to Purchase Additional $BTC* pic.twitter.com/9BIH6fmLqs
— Metaplanet Inc. (@Metaplanet_JP) February 13, 2025
The company’s performance has drawn attention from industry leaders, including MicroStrategy’s executive chairman Michael Saylor. Metaplanet’s stock price has risen from under ¥1,000 in October 2024 to over ¥6,650, representing a 4,000% increase that has attracted both cryptocurrency and traditional investors.
Metaplanet’s strategy mirrors that of MicroStrategy, which recently joined the Nasdaq-100 index. Both companies have successfully leveraged low interest rates to accumulate Bitcoin holdings, with MicroStrategy doubling its stock price over five years using this approach.
The Japanese company’s growth comes at a time when Bitcoin trades at $96,226, with a market capitalization of $1.90 trillion. Japan’s low interest rate environment has enabled Metaplanet to secure favorable borrowing terms for its Bitcoin acquisition strategy.
The company’s market performance reflects broader changes in Japan’s investment landscape, where traditional financial institutions are increasingly engaging with cryptocurrency-related investments. This shift has created new opportunities for companies like Metaplanet that bridge the gap between conventional finance and digital assets.
Metaplanet’s inclusion in the MSCI Japan Index places it alongside some of Japan’s largest publicly traded companies. This development means that index-tracking funds and ETFs will now include Metaplanet in their portfolios automatically.
The company’s growth trajectory has been supported by its ability to secure zero-interest financing, a feature of Japan’s monetary policy environment. This financial structure has allowed Metaplanet to pursue its Bitcoin acquisition strategy while managing costs effectively.
Current market conditions, including Bitcoin’s price levels and trading volumes, have provided a favorable environment for Metaplanet’s expansion. The company has demonstrated its ability to execute large-scale Bitcoin purchases while maintaining market confidence.
As of February 2025, Metaplanet continues to implement its Bitcoin treasury strategy, focusing on systematic acquisition and portfolio management. The company maintains its position as a leading institutional Bitcoin holder in the Asian market.
The latest data shows Metaplanet’s stock trading at ¥6,650, reflecting market confidence in its business model and Bitcoin treasury strategy. This price level represents a sustained increase from its previous valuations.
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