Metaplanet, a small Japanese company, is making big headlines. Why? Because it’s buying Bitcoin non-stop and turning it into a full-blown business model. In this post, we’ll explore what Metaplanet is, why it’s buying so much Bitcoin, how its business works now, and what it means for investors.

Let’s dive into this fascinating crypto-powered transformation! 💱🪙

🏨 From Hotels to HODLing Bitcoin

Metaplanet wasn’t always a Bitcoin company. In fact, it used to run budget hotels in Tokyo under the name Red Planet Japan. But after the COVID-19 pandemic hurt the tourism industry, the company needed a new path.

In 2024, under CEO Simon Gerovich, Metaplanet made a bold pivot:
👉 Turn the company into a Bitcoin treasury.

Inspired by U.S. firm MicroStrategy, Gerovich believed that holding Bitcoin could protect against inflation and a weak Japanese yen. So instead of running hotels, Metaplanet started accumulating Bitcoin as its main strategy.

💡 Why Bitcoin?

Here’s why Metaplanet thinks Bitcoin is the way forward:

  • 📉 Weak yen: The Japanese yen has been losing value. Bitcoin may offer a better store of value.
  • 🪙 Digital gold: Like gold, Bitcoin is limited in supply and not controlled by any government.
  • 📈 Inflation hedge: With global inflation rising, Bitcoin may help protect company assets.
  • 💸 Retail interest: Japanese investors can buy Metaplanet shares and gain indirect exposure to Bitcoin tax-free (via the NISA system).

It’s a big bet, but one that’s gaining attention.

💼 How Does Metaplanet Make Money Now?

Metaplanet is no longer focused on hotel income. Here’s how its new Bitcoin-based business model works:

1. 📊 Accumulate Bitcoin

The company regularly buys Bitcoin using money from issuing bonds or shares. As of mid-2025, Metaplanet holds over 15,000 BTC, making it one of the largest corporate holders globally.

2. 💰 Use Bonds to Fund Purchases

Metaplanet issues 0% interest bonds (yes, zero!) to raise cash and buy Bitcoin. Investors lend money hoping Metaplanet’s stock or Bitcoin holdings will grow.

3. 🧠 Options and Trading

The company also sells Bitcoin put options, a clever way to earn income if Bitcoin doesn’t fall below a certain price.

4. 🏦 Bitcoin Collateral

Future plans include using Bitcoin as collateral to buy other companies, like digital banks. This means Bitcoin becomes a tool for expansion, not just investment.

🏢 The “Bitcoin Hotel” Project

Even though Metaplanet has exited the hotel business almost entirely, it still owns one Tokyo property. But it’s not your typical hotel…

They’re rebranding it as “The Bitcoin Hotel” — a venue for crypto meetups, seminars, and community events. 🎉

This connects their roots with their new identity and builds a crypto-friendly brand in Japan.

👨‍💼 Leadership Vision: Inspired by MicroStrategy

CEO Simon Gerovich used to work at Goldman Sachs and is a fan of Michael Saylor (CEO of MicroStrategy). Like Saylor, he believes that:

“Holding Bitcoin is better than holding cash in a bank.”

Gerovich has said he wants Metaplanet to accumulate as much Bitcoin as possible to reach “escape velocity” — a point where the company becomes untouchable thanks to its Bitcoin holdings.

📈 What Do Investors Think?

Metaplanet’s bold strategy has created excitement in the market:

  • 📊 Stock price surged over 4,000% in one year (2024–2025).
  • 👥 Shareholder count increased rapidly, especially among retail investors using NISA accounts.
  • 🎯 Many investors treat Metaplanet stock as a Bitcoin ETF alternative.

But there are risks:

  • ❗ Bitcoin is volatile — if it crashes, Metaplanet’s value may drop fast.
  • 📉 The company’s valuation is very high compared to its traditional revenues.
  • 🤔 Some analysts are skeptical and say the business model depends entirely on Bitcoin’s success.

Still, Gerovich stands firm, even encouraging doubters to short the stock if they don’t believe.

🔮 What’s Next for Metaplanet?

The next phase of Metaplanet’s strategy is ambitious:

  • ✅ Grow Bitcoin reserves to over 21,000 BTC (1% of all Bitcoin).
  • 🏦 Acquire companies (like fintechs or banks) using Bitcoin-backed loans.
  • 🏗️ Build a Bitcoin-based ecosystem in Japan — including physical spaces like the Bitcoin Hotel.

By combining digital assets and real-world businesses, Metaplanet wants to become more than just a Bitcoin holder — it aims to be a new kind of financial company.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Metaplanet is not your typical Japanese company. It’s bold, crypto-forward, and willing to challenge traditional business models. 🚀

Whether this strategy will pay off in the long term depends heavily on Bitcoin’s price and investor confidence. But for now, Metaplanet has turned itself from a struggling hotel operator into a major player in the Bitcoin world.

📌 If you’re interested in Bitcoin, crypto investing, or innovative business models, keep an eye on Metaplanet. They might just change how companies think about money in Japan and beyond.