Key Takeaways:
- MetaPlanet’s Bitcoin-backed stock offers 9–10% annual yields, a massive jump from Japan’s sub-1.5% bond market.
- The product is yen-denominated, avoiding foreign currency risks while leveraging Bitcoin’s inflation-hedging properties.
- MetaPlanet plans to use proceeds to accumulate up to 210,000 BTC, enhancing collateral and lowering capital costs.
Japanese-listed firm MetaPlanet is set to disrupt traditional finance with the launch of a Bitcoin-backed preferred stock, a first of its kind in the country. Targeted at domestic investors weary of low interest rates and rising inflation, the new financial product will offer high annual yields of 9% to 10%, denominated in Japanese yen and backed by Bitcoin reserves.
The Savings Crisis in Japan: Low Rates vs Rising Inflation
Japan’s financial landscape has long been defined by low interest rates. According to crypto expert Adam Livingston, households in Japan hold over ¥2,200 trillion in financial assets, much of it sitting idle in cash or deposits yielding less than 0.23%. Meanwhile, the inflation rate has hovered between 3.6% and 3.7% in recent months—peaking at 4% in January 2025—meaning most savers are seeing their money erode in real terms.
Why Metaplanet’s Bitcoin Backed Preferred Stock Will Dominate the Fixed Income Market
— Adam Livingston (@AdamBLiv) July 3, 2025
There’s ¥2,200 trillion in Japanese household financial assets…just sitting there.
Half of it marinating in cash and deposits earning less than a rounding error: 0.23%.
That’s not yield,… pic.twitter.com/UYKxkRFM4o
Government bond yields offer little relief. Japan’s 10-year bond yield currently stands at just 1.45%, well below inflation. Life insurers managing ¥390 trillion are now actively seeking higher-yielding, yen-denominated instruments that don’t expose them to foreign currency risk.
MetaPlanet’s Innovative Solution: Bitcoin as Collateral
To tackle this yield gap, MetaPlanet is launching a new class of preferred stock backed by Bitcoin. Unlike traditional bonds, these securities will use Bitcoin’s long-term appreciation as collateral while offering stable, yen-denominated payouts of up to 10% annually.
Bitcoin, often seen as a hedge against inflation, adds a layer of financial innovation to Japan’s conservative capital market. Regulators are reportedly supportive, seeking new domestic options for higher-yield investments without increasing foreign exchange exposure.
Growth Strategy: Raise Capital, Buy More Bitcoin
MetaPlanet currently holds 13,350 BTC—valued at over $1.45 billion—and aims to increase this significantly. Livingston explains that the company plans to use funds from the preferred stock issuance to acquire more Bitcoin. As the Bitcoin collateral base grows, MetaPlanet could lower future coupon rates, reducing capital costs while expanding its long-term holdings.
The company’s ambitious target? Accumulating 210,000 BTC, roughly 1% of the total global Bitcoin supply.
More than just another investment vehicle, MetaPlanet’s Bitcoin-backed preferred stock could signal a new era for Japan’s financial ecosystem. With its yen denomination, high returns, and inflation-resistant backing, this product addresses key investor concerns while introducing a modern asset class to the conservative Japanese market.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
