Blockstream, the firm focused on Bitcoin-powered financial infrastructure, is expanding its footprint with the opening of a Tokyo office, marking an advance in Bitcoin’s evolution in Japan and across Asian markets.
Partnering with Diamond Hands, Japan’s Bitcoin strategic consultancy, and Fulgur Ventures, an investor in “Bitcoin-first” companies, Blockstream aims to drive “adoption of Bitcoin layer-2 and self-custody technologies, as well as real-world asset (RWA) tokenization in one of the world’s most technologically advanced markets.”
Dr. Adam Back, Co-Founder and CEO of Blockstream said:
“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, By working alongside trusted partners Fulgur Ventures and Diamond Hands, 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.”
Blockstream says that it is entering the Japanese market to capitalize on critical developments driving Bitcoin’s “next phase of growth in the region.”
Increased interest in Bitcoin by domestic companies:
Following the approval of Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S., interest in and demand for Bitcoin in Japan and worldwide “have surged, with some of Japan’s leading firms such as Metaplanet, Inc. having already made strategic Bitcoin allocations.”
Blockstream stands ready to further support businesses “looking to participate in the Bitcoin economy—whether through treasury strategies, payments infrastructure, or custody solutions.”
- Growing adoption of Bitcoin lLayer-2 technologies: With some of Japan’s top exchanges and enterprises already embracing the efficiency and scalability of the Lightning and Liquid Networks, Blockstream will work directly with local financial institutions, payment providers, and fintech innovators looking to further explore and implement these technologies.
- Rising demand for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization: With growing interest in stablecoins, digital securities, and other tokenized assets, Japan is exploring new ways to leverage Bitcoin’s security and liquidity. By tapping into the Liquid Network’s Bitcoin-native infrastructure, Blockstream will enable local issuers to bring compliant, tokenized assets to market, opening new opportunities for enterprises, investors, and financial institutions.
Blockstream’s expansion into Japan is “strengthened by its collaboration with Diamond Hands and Fulgur Ventures, both instrumental in advancing Bitcoin adoption in the region.”
By leveraging Diamond Hands’ local know-how and expertise, Blockstream aims to bring its Bitcoin layer-2 solutions—Lightning and Liquid—as well as self-custodial offerings such “as the all-new Jade Plus hardware wallet and its signature software wallet Green to a broader Japanese audience.”
Koji Higashi, CEO of Diamond Hands, will serve “as Blockstream’s brand ambassador in Japan, leading efforts to expand Bitcoin’s presence and forge new partnerships with domestic enterprises.”
Koji Higashi, CEO of Diamond Hands and brand ambassador for Blockstream in Japan.
“Through this collaboration, we can better support Japanese companies eager to integrate Bitcoin into their offerings, whether for payments, infrastructure, or future asset tokenization. We’re excited to provide the support, resources, and expertise needed to accelerate Bitcoin adoption throughout the country.”
Fulgur Ventures, which to date has played a pivotal role in “supporting Blockstream’s global growth, sees the company’s expansion as a turning point for Japan’s institutional Bitcoin adoption.”
Rintaro Kawai, Representative of Fulgur LLC said:
“With the growing momentum for Bitcoin and blockchain technologies in Japan, we are delighted to partner with Diamond Hands, a pioneer in the local Bitcoin community, to support Blockstream’s domestic initiatives. The success of the recent Bitcoin Tokyo 2024 event, co-hosted alongside Diamond Hands, reflects Japan’s surging interest in Bitcoin. We are confident that Blockstream’s expansion in Japan will build on this momentum and be a resounding success.”
Blockstream’s Tokyo office marks the beginning of “a long-term commitment to Japan’s Bitcoin ecosystem.”
By combining Bitcoin infrastructure, local partnerships, as well as a focus on innovation, Blockstream says it is poised to play “a pivotal role” in making Japan a key player in the Bitcoin-powered “financial economy.”