Blockstream, the pioneering Bitcoin infrastructure company co-founded by legendary developer Adam Back, is making a major expansion into Japan.
In an effort to increase its worldwide footprint and promote the use of Bitcoin’s Layer-2 solutions and self-custody technology in the area, the business said on Wednesday that it will be opening a new office in Tokyo.
Bringing Bitcoin Layer-2 and RWA Tokenization to Japan
To achieve its goals, Blockstream has partnered with Diamond Hands, Japan’s leading Bitcoin strategic consultancy, and Fulgur Ventures, a prominent investment firm.
The move comes at a time when Japanese corporations are showing an increased appetite for Bitcoin investments and blockchain-based financial solutions.
Blockstream aims to support local businesses and enterprises that want to integrate Bitcoin into their financial strategies. The company plans to offer solutions in treasury management, payments infrastructure, and secure custody services for firms looking to enter the Bitcoin economy.
A key focus of the expansion is the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), a growing trend in the financial sector where traditional assets like real estate, stocks, and commodities are digitized on the Bitcoin blockchain.
This technology can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and open new investment opportunities in the Japanese market.
Japan’s Increasing Interest in Bitcoin
Japanese institutional interest in Bitcoin is on the rise. Recently, Metaplanet (3350), a well-known hotel investment firm, made headlines by announcing the largest capital raise in Asian equity market history to buy Bitcoin.
Recognizing this shift, Adam Back, CEO and co-founder of Blockstream, emphasized the importance of the company’s expansion into Japan.
“With increased regulatory clarity and rising institutional interest in Bitcoin, now is the moment for Blockstream to establish a direct presence in Japan, one of our most important markets,” said Back.
“We look forward to empowering Japanese enterprises and individuals to fully harness Bitcoin as the foundation for a financial future that’s secure, scalable, and decentralized.”
Also Read: Japan’s Govt Cautious on Bitcoin Reserves Amid Uncertainty, Prioritizes Safety and Liquidity
Blockstream’s Investment in Bitcoin and Custody Solutions
Blockstream has been actively investing in Bitcoin-related businesses. Its investment arm, Blockstream Capital, recently allocated $75 million in Bitcoin to Komainu, a crypto custody joint venture backed by Nomura, Ledger, and CoinShares.
This investment highlights Blockstream’s commitment to enhancing institutional Bitcoin security and driving mainstream adoption.
Following years of crypto industry scandals, such as the high-profile collapse of FTX, Blockstream is betting on a resurgence of institutional Bitcoin investment strategies.
Many deep-pocketed investors are now reconsidering Bitcoin as a long-term asset, especially solutions that offer passive income without compromising on security.
Blockstream’s Move into Asset Management
Beyond its core Bitcoin infrastructure business, Blockstream is expanding into asset management through its newly launched Blockstream Asset Management (BAM) division, Forbes reported.
The company is developing a set of funds tailored for institutions and high-net-worth individuals looking to gain secure exposure to Bitcoin investments. With its Tokyo expansion, Blockstream is strategically positioning itself at the heart of Asia’s growing Bitcoin economy.
Also Read: 22 U.S. States Push for Bitcoin and Digital Asset Regulations Amid Growing Crypto Adoption