Crypto Journalist

Anas Hassan

Crypto Journalist

Anas Hassan

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Anas is a crypto native journalist and SEO writer with over five years of writing experience covering blockchain, crypto, DeFi, and emerging tech.

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August 30, 2025

Japanese nail salon operator Convano has officially launched its Bitcoin (BTC) acquisition strategy, following its ambitious plan to raise approximately ¥434 billion ($3 billion) to purchase 21,000 Bitcoin, equivalent to 0.1% of the total supply.

According to an August 30 Bloomberg report, the Tokyo-listed nail salon company plans to become one of the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holders.

In response, Taiyo Azuma, Director of Convano’s BTC Holding Strategy Office, outlined a three-phase Bitcoin acquisition plan, with a target of 2,000 BTC by the end of 2025.

The portfolio is expected to reach 10,000 BTC by August 2026, as Azuma stated, “Our goal is clear. By March 2027, we aim to acquire 21,000 BTC and become one of the world’s leading Bitcoin-holding companies.“

Convano Bitcoin Acquisition Strategy Is a Response to Japan’s Economic Pressures

Convano frames its BTC pivot as a strategic response to macroeconomic challenges.

A prolonged decline in the yen, approximately 21% weaker against the dollar over the past decade, has increased costs for wages and raw materials in its consumer services business.

“We started to think about Bitcoin because of persistent yen depreciation and geopolitical risks,” Azuma told Bloomberg. “Bitcoin is a long-term store of value.”

Of the funds Convano has raised to date, ¥4.5 billion came from corporate bonds, and it has acquired 365 Bitcoin with it.

The Bitcoin acquisition announcement has driven Convano’s stock higher, with shares climbing 223.27% in the past month and surging 1,414.68% YTD.

Japan has become an unexpected hub for Bitcoin accumulation through publicly listed companies.

Metaplanet Inc., a former hotel operator, now holds nearly 19,000 Bitcoin, ranking among the top 10 global holders.

According to Bitcoin Treasuries, seven Japanese companies now rank among the top 100 public firms holding BTC.

However, the sustainability of crypto treasury strategies remains a topic of debate.

Bitcoin acquisition leaders like StrategyB (formerly MicroStrategy) face challenges as MSTR stock has declined 15.35% over the past 30 days while Bitcoin trades 12.85% below its two-week high of $124,457.

If StrategyB could face this risk, a heavy drop in Convani stock means its financing model can collapse.

When asked about concerns regarding Bitcoin price volatility, Azuma believes the perceived risk is actually beneficial.

According to him, Convano welcomes Bitcoin price drops for four reasons.

First, lower prices allow the company to acquire more Bitcoin. Secondly, higher volatility increases the company’s revenue.

He added that the combination of “low rates and high volatility” creates optimal conditions for reaching the 21,000 BTC goal. Lastly, the company can effectively manage associated risks.

Experts Warn Bitcoin Acquisition Strategy Built on “Shaky Ground”

However, experts like VanEck’s head of digital assets research Matthew Sigel argue that Bitcoin treasury strategies adopted by public companies rest on “shaky ground”, with rising risks that could wipe away shareholder value.

According to Sigel, when stocks trade significantly above their Bitcoin net asset value (NAV), issuing new equity generates premiums.

However, once stock prices approach parity with the value of Bitcoin holdings, dilution occurs.

“That is not capital formation. It is erosion,” Sigel wrote.

He suggests that companies using Bitcoin as a treasury asset should implement safeguards, such as pausing ATM programs and prioritizing stock buybacks while premiums exist.

Glassnode lead analyst James Check shared similar concerns about the longevity of corporate Bitcoin treasury strategies.

“My instinct is the Bitcoin treasury strategy has a far shorter lifespan than most expect,” Check posted on X in July.

Check argued that while early adopters, such as MicroStrategy, which holds nearly 600,000 BTC, have established their dominance, newer treasury firms face steeper challenges.

“Nobody wants the 50th treasury company,” he noted, warning that investors increasingly demand clear differentiation rather than another firm simply adding Bitcoin to its balance sheet.

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Ripple has teamed up with Japan’s Web3 Salon to back blockchain startups with real money and real support. According to Ripple, each project can tap up to $200,000 in grant funding over the next year. There’s also a 1 Billion XRP commitment aimed at helping builders on the XRP Ledger grow their ventures.

Grant Funding Aimed At Growth

Based on a post on X, the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund will pick early-stage teams in Japan that work on DeFi, tokenized real assets and digital payments. Winners will get as much as $200,000 per project. There’s clear focus on projects that show promise through strong tech and plans to scale. Ripple says funding decisions will hinge on growth potential and how well each team aligns with its goals.

Ripple and @Web3Salon, supported by JETRO, are launching a new partnership for Japan-based Web3 startups: https://t.co/TfcOf62srY

Open to early-stage teams building on the XRP Ledger with a focus on DeFi, tokenization, and payments.

Learn how this program will fuel the next…

— RippleX (@RippleXDev) June 9, 2025

Mentorship And Workshops For Founders

According to the Web3 Salon project, founders won’t just get money. They’ll also join hands-on workshops and one-on-one coaching. Mentors include seasoned entrepreneurs and policy experts. That means help with business plans. It means guidance on dealing with Japan’s rules. It also offers chances to sit at roundtables with regulators and potential backers.

Community Events Line Up Through 2026

Ripple and Web3 Salon will co-host four big events between now and March 2026. Each gathering will put the spotlight on standout teams. There’ll be pitch sessions. There’ll be panels with voices from both inside Japan and abroad. Investor meet-ups will give startups a chance to find more funding. And workshops will cover token rules and cross-border work.

Regulatory Support From JETRO

Japan External Trade Organization, or JETRO, is on board to smooth the path. Reports say JETRO will help connect fintech startups with government bodies. That’s key in Japan’s tightly regulated market. According to JETRO, this move aims to make it easier for new blockchain ideas to pass compliance checks and move forward without getting stuck in red tape.

Bringing Global Partners Together

Beyond cash and coaching, Ripple will open its global network to these startups. Based on statements from Christina Chan, Senior Director of Developer Growth at RippleX, teams will get access to Ripple’s customers and experts. That can speed up testing in foreign markets. It can also spark cross-border payment pilots or token launches with big names.

Why Japan Is In The Spotlight

Japan is known for strong rules and top technical talent. But its strict setup can slow innovation. According to Asia Web3 Alliance Japan President Hinza Asif, this tie-up aims to cut through complexity. It’s about giving founders the tools they need. It’s also about making sure blockchain projects fit local rules and global standards.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

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