Bakkt Acquires 30% Stake in Japan’s Marusho Hotta

Bakkt Holdings announced on August 6, 2025, its acquisition of a 30% stake in Japan’s Marusho Hotta Co., Ltd., initiating a bitcoin-focused rebranding as bitcoin.jp.

The move signifies a shift in corporate strategy toward bitcoin treasury, possibly influencing Japanese institutional bitcoin demand. Market reactions remain speculative as official statements from executives and Japanese regulators are not yet available.

Bakkt’s Strategic 30% Acquisition of Marusho Hotta

Bakkt Holdings has announced a significant purchase of approximately 30% of Marusho Hotta Co., Ltd. shares. This move marks the start of Bakkt’s strategic Bitcoin-focused initiative.

Bakkt, a U.S.-based digital asset platform, aims to convert Marusho Hotta’s treasury into bitcoin. The strategy involves rebranding Marusho Hotta as bitcoin.jp.

Rising Japanese Institutional Bitcoin Demand Expected

The market anticipates growth in Japanese institutional demand for Bitcoin due to this transaction. Analysts predict a potential influence on Bitcoin’s market dynamics.

While the financial specifics of Bakkt’s stake acquisition remain undisclosed, this move is expected to diversify and strengthen Bakkt’s digital asset holdings.

Bakkt Mirrors MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Treasury Strategy

This pursuit mirrors MicroStrategy’s strategy, which initiated in 2020. The approach involves corporate treasury allocations to Bitcoin, setting precedents for public companies.

“Bakkt Holdings, Inc. … has entered into a share purchase agreement with RIZAP Group, Inc. to acquire approximately 30% of the outstanding shares of Marusho Hotta Co., Ltd. (MHT), as part of the Company’s multinational bitcoin treasury strategy.” – SEC Filing, August 6, 2025

Experts forecast that Bakkt’s approach could lead to increased adoption of Bitcoin among institutional players. Historical trends suggest potential for market expansion due to this integration.