According to CryptoPotato, Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has significantly increased its Bitcoin holdings, recently adding 21.877 BTC to its portfolio. This brings the company's total Bitcoin holdings to 225.611 BTC, valued at nearly $14.8 million at current prices. The Tokyo-listed firm has seen a substantial rise in its share price, which surged 60% to ¥145 over the past five days, with a 16% increase in the last 24 hours alone. Year-to-date, Metaplanet's shares have gained over 800%, largely attributed to its strategic decision to hold Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset, first announced in May this year. However, data from Bitcointreasuries.net indicates that Metaplanet's initial Bitcoin purchase occurred on April 23rd, when it acquired 97.85 BTC. Subsequent acquisitions included 19.87 BTC on May 10th, 23.351 BTC on June 11th, 20.195 BTC on July 1st, 42.46 BTC on July 8th, and the latest 21.877 BTC on July 16th. Metaplanet's aggressive Bitcoin accumulation strategy has drawn comparisons to MicroStrategy, earning it the nickname “Asia’s MicroStrategy.” The firm finances its Bitcoin purchases through bond sales, reflecting a growing trend of institutional Bitcoin adoption. Japan's economic challenges, such as significant government debt, negative real interest rates, and a weakened yen, have influenced Metaplanet's decision to invest in Bitcoin. The company views Bitcoin as a fundamentally superior asset compared to traditional currencies, stores of value, and other crypto assets. Metaplanet has emphasized Bitcoin's unique characteristics, including its absolute scarcity and decentralized nature, which distinguish it from other monetary metals and centralized crypto projects. The firm believes that Bitcoin's rigid monetary policy, set in stone until 2140, sets it apart from other assets. Metaplanet's strategic pivot to Bitcoin has not only bolstered its financial position but also highlighted the increasing institutional interest in cryptocurrency as a viable investment option.