The birth of the Japanese version of MicroStrategy!?

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Metaplanet, an investment and consulting company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, has announced that it will position Bitcoin as the company's main financial asset. The company bought bitcoins worth about 1 billion yen in April,The representative stated that they plan to continue to buy more bitcoins in the futureI'm doing it. This move is due to a strategic decision that avoids currency risks associated with the depreciation of the yen and looks ahead to the further spread of Bitcoin.Metaplanet expands investment in BitcoinBy doing so, we aim to be a leader in the digital asset field in the Japanese financial industry 📈

Cointelegraph JP: Are you aiming for an “Asian version of Microstrategy”?

Mr Gerović: Metaplanet has changed its strategy to focus on accumulating bitcoins over the long term. This is because I believe this is the most valuable thing for shareholders (of MetaPlanet). To that end, we will explore various options for acquiring additional bitcoins.

It can be said that the hurdle for becoming the Japanese version of the microstrategy is high, but I want to provide an opportunity for Japanese investors to come into contact with Bitcoin investments with a strategy similar to that of the company. This is because the tax rate is lower if you buy and sell bitcoins indirectly through metaplanet stocks rather than buying and selling bitcoins on virtual currency exchanges.

Cointelegraph JP: Up to now, we have purchased approximately 1 billion yen worth of bitcoins. How much more bitcoins will I buy from now on?

Mr Gerović: I plan to continue buying bitcoins regardless of short-term price fluctuations. Recently, an additional 200 million yen worth of bitcoins were purchased, and 1.2 billion yen has been spent on Bitcoin purchases so far. In the future, I want Bitcoin to take up the majority of the balance sheet.

Cointelegraph JP: Is it possible to buy digital assets other than bitcoins?

Mr Gerović: Bitcoin only. This is because I think of Bitcoin as the only truly decentralized digital asset. The consensus (consensus building) mechanism called “proof of work” (used when mining bitcoins) is often depicted as a weakness depending on supporters of other crypto assets and securities, but in reality it is one of its greatest strengths. The fact that it is directly connected to the physical world through electricity input makes Bitcoin stand out as a rare digital asset.

Cointelegraph JP: Metaplanet has now raised funds from multiple overseas venture capital firms.

Mr Gerović: Strategic investors who participated in the most recent procurement round include Solaventures, UTXO Management, and Morgan Creek Capital founder Mark Usco. They are investors who each have an extensive network in the digital asset world. As Metaplanet, we expect their strategic advice and support when implementing the Bitcoin strategy. The company plans to invite some of its new shareholders to MetaPlanet's board of directors.

Cointelegraph JP: When Bitcoin ETFs appear in Japan, how will they be differentiated?

Mr Gerović: There are currently no Bitcoin ETFs in Japan. In other words, since there is no advantageous way for Japanese investors to access bitcoins through securities accounts, MetaPlanet aims to fill that gap.

Also, unlike ETFs, MetaPlanet can access the capital market as a business company and raise funds on favorable terms for shareholders.

As the first listed company in Japan that strongly supports the adoption of bitcoins, it is also an advantage of being able to disseminate and develop businesses so that bitcoins are widely accepted as global currency assets.

Cointelegraph JP: Other than buying bitcoins, where does Metaplanet's growth come from?

Mr Gerović: Microstrategy stocks are traded at a premium of 1.75 times the company's Bitcoin holdings. I think that if Bitcoin per share is maximized at MetaPlanet, a similar premium can be enjoyed. The plan is also to explore opportunities to generate additional revenue by developing businesses within the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Cointelegraph JP: What is the plan to “hedge” against changes in Bitcoin prices.

Mr Gerović: We will consider all methods, but basically we plan to invest and hold bitcoins for a long time. They are unfazed by price fluctuations. Volatility is viewed not only as a “risk” in the traditional sense, but rather as an opportunity.

Cointelegraph JP: MicroStrategy Inc. is prominent in posting on SNS. Metaplanet is also planning to strengthen its presence on SNS.

Mr Gerović: Metaplanet aims to spread the word about the positive role Bitcoin should play to people at home and abroad. Microstrategy, led by Michael Saylor, is known as an enterprise that never bends its beliefs, and MetaPlanet similarly intends to convey it not only through words but also through actions.

After graduating from the Harvard University School of Applied Mathematics, he started a business at the US investment bank Goldman Sachs after working as a stock derivatives trader, etc. After being involved in various businesses, such as founding Evolution Capital listed in Thailand, he managed Red Planet Japan, a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Currently, we are focusing on Japan's first listed company “MetaPlanet,” which focuses on Bitcoin.