Capital Group Becomes Largest Shareholder in Japan’s Bitcoin-Backed Metaplanet

Capital Group’s Strategic Acquisition in Metaplanet

Capital Group, one of the largest asset management firms in the United States, has become the primary shareholder of Japan-based Bitcoin-focused financial strategy firm Metaplanet. This milestone was confirmed on September 25, 2025, through a disclosure on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, as reported by Cryptonews.

The disclosure revealed that Capital Group, acting through its subsidiary Capital Research and Management, purchased an 11.45% equity stake in Metaplanet. This acquisition, valued at approximately $500 million (700 billion Japanese yen), elevated Capital Group’s voting rights from 8.31% to 11.45%, overtaking National Financial Services as the top shareholder.

Metaplanet itself has been intensifying its commitment to Bitcoin accumulation. The company recently acquired an impressive 5,419 BTC, a purchase worth approximately $633 million (889 billion yen). Following this acquisition, its Bitcoin reserves now total roughly 25,500 BTC, cementing its position as the fifth-largest public company globally by Bitcoin holdings.

Capital Group’s Expanding Bitcoin Exposure

Capital Group has systematically increased its exposure to Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency economy over several years. While the firm does not directly hold Bitcoin or manage any Bitcoin ETFs, it has employed an indirect investment approach by funneling capital into companies with significant Bitcoin reserves. Metaplanet represents the latest step in this broader Bitcoin-related investment strategy.

One of the most notable examples of Capital Group's cryptocurrency exposure is its position in MicroStrategy, which is widely regarded as the largest corporate Bitcoin holder. Back in 2021, Capital Group acquired a 12.3% stake in MicroStrategy worth approximately $500 million (702.3 billion yen). This investment has grown exponentially; the firm’s current 7.89% stake in MicroStrategy now holds a valuation of roughly $6.2 billion (8.7 trillion yen), benefiting from considerable gains in MicroStrategy’s share price over recent years.

Capital Group is a financial powerhouse with nearly a century of industry experience and over $2.3 trillion (3,230 trillion yen) in assets under management. Despite its increasing focus on Bitcoin-centric enterprises, the company has opted for strategic indirect investments, avoiding direct Bitcoin ownership and exchange-traded funds centered around the cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin’s Recent Price Decline Reflects Market Challenges

As of September 25, Bitcoin was trading close to $111,000, marking a 4.5% drop in value over the preceding week. This downward trend mirrors broader headwinds faced by the digital asset market, which has struggled to sustain the upward momentum observed in previous months. Market analysts attribute this weakening to a generalized cooling-off period across cryptocurrencies following recent rallies.

The Implications of Capital Group’s Bitcoin Strategy

Capital Group's calculated approach to Bitcoin investment signals a growing institutional interest in the cryptocurrency sector without committing to direct asset ownership. By strategically targeting firms like MicroStrategy and Metaplanet, Capital Group diversifies its exposure to Bitcoin, balancing risk with opportunity.

In Metaplanet’s case, Capital Group’s increased voting rights provide additional influence in one of the most prominent corporate holders of Bitcoin globally. For Metaplanet, the acquisition further validates its business model, emphasizing Bitcoin-centric financial strategies amid increasing institutional recognition.

Overall, the relationship between Capital Group and Bitcoin underscores the broader maturation of the cryptocurrency market. The involvement of legacy financial institutions like Capital Group suggests that Bitcoin, despite intermittent price volatility, holds undeniable appeal as a long-term asset in the portfolios of the world’s most seasoned investors.

Conclusion

Capital Group’s acquisition of a dominant stake in Metaplanet marks another critical step in the institutional adoption of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency investments. While Bitcoin’s market performance remains subject to volatility, Capital Group’s indirect strategy highlights the evolving role of cryptocurrencies as a cornerstone of modern financial portfolios. As financial markets continue to embrace blockchain technologies and digital assets, moves like these suggest that institutional players are betting on a future where Bitcoin can no longer be ignored.