Japanese fashion company ANAP Inc. has acquired 10 billion yen (approximately $70 million) worth of Bitcoin as part of its revised investment strategy, the firm announced in a press release this week.
The company said the decision was approved by its Board of Directors and reflects a shift toward holding Bitcoin as a strategic asset. ANAP cited increasing global acceptance of Bitcoin as a long-term store of value alongside traditional assets such as the U.S. dollar and gold.
Bitcoin Seen as Strategic Hedge
In its statement, ANAP said it views the adoption of Bitcoin as a global financial asset as “irreversible,” adding that it expects the cryptocurrency’s presence to grow over the medium to long term. The company pointed to what it described as “room for appreciation” in Bitcoin’s value against the Japanese yen, which has experienced prolonged weakness in recent months.
While the Tokyo-based retailer did not disclose the exact timing of its Bitcoin purchase, it emphasized that the move is aligned with broader efforts to strengthen its balance sheet through diversified asset allocation.
Institutional Bitcoin Holdings Continue to Grow
ANAP’s announcement follows a growing trend among publicly listed companies in Japan and beyond adopting Bitcoin as part of their treasury strategy. On April 16, Tokyo-based MetaPlanet said it would raise $10 million through zero-interest bonds to fund further Bitcoin acquisitions. The firm has maintained a Bitcoin-forward investment approach for several quarters.
The trend has also remained strong in the United States, where enterprise software firm Strategy continues to lead in corporate Bitcoin holdings. The company, led by Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, recently purchased 3,459 BTC for $285 million, increasing its total holdings to 531,644 coins. Strategy’s cumulative investment now stands at approximately $35.92 billion, acquired at an average price of $67,556 per Bitcoin.
Market Implications
While ANAP’s purchase may not match the scale of Strategy’s holdings, analysts note it contributes to growing institutional participation in the crypto market. Some observers suggest such moves may add upward pressure on Bitcoin’s price, especially during periods of rising demand and limited supply.
Bitcoin has traded within a volatile range in recent weeks, with price movements influenced by global economic conditions, regulatory developments, and shifting investor sentiment.
ANAP, best known for its retail fashion operations in Japan, did not indicate whether it plans to make additional Bitcoin purchases in the near future.
