Metaplanet Inc. Surges 4,000% in a Year: How a Bitcoin-First Strategy Transformed the Japanese Stock Leader

On February 10, data compiled by Bloomberg revealed that Metaplanet Inc. has experienced an astounding growth of over 4,000% in its stock price over the past year, positioning it as Japan’s top-performing stock and a notable player in the global market. This remarkable transformation can be attributed to CEO Simon Gerovich, a former trader from Goldman Sachs, who pivoted the company’s strategy towards cryptocurrency after being inspired by Michael Saylor’s podcast insights. Originally established as Red Planet Japan Inc., the firm focused on hotel development until the pandemic severely impacted its operations, leading to the closure of most establishments. In 2024, Gerovich implemented a “Bitcoin-first strategy” that has attracted a burgeoning base of nearly 50,000 shareholders, marking a growth of 500% within the year. Despite a challenging history of consecutive losses, expectations are high for the forthcoming fourth-quarter earnings report, which could herald the company’s first-ever profit.