SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated announced plans to purchase Bitcoin (BTC) worth 1 billion yen ($6.7 million) as part of a long-term strategy aimed at asset diversification and inflation hedging.
The Japan-based medical services provider said investing in Bitcoin aligns with its goal of establishing a robust financial foundation while adapting to evolving macroeconomic conditions.
Bitcoin strategy
SBC Medical’s holding company in the US will execute the purchase through Coinbase. The firm said it carefully considered accounting, tax, and cybersecurity factors before making the decision.
The company described Bitcoin as a store of value with long-term appreciation potential due to its fixed supply and increasing adoption.
According to SBC Medical:
“This purchase is positioned as a critical step toward establishing a financial structure that can flexibly adapt to various economic environments and support sustainable growth.”
SBC Medical provides management services to cosmetic treatment centers, including advertising, franchise operations, and IT solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, and Tokyo, the company has expanded its presence in the healthcare and aesthetic services sector.
The company said it remains committed to transparency and risk management while continuing to explore strategic investments that align with its long-term vision.
SBC Medical plans to complete the Bitcoin purchase between February and May 2025 and will provide updates on its website. The company did not disclose whether additional crypto acquisitions are planned.
While corporate Bitcoin adoption has gained momentum in recent years, the healthcare sector has seen limited participation in the trend. SBC Medical’s move follows similar investments by technology firms and asset management companies seeking alternative stores of value amid global economic uncertainty.
Growing trend
This move mirrors a growing trend among corporations diversifying their assets with Bitcoin holdings, which was initially started by Strategy.
It is starting to gain steam in Japan after the success of Tokyo-based Metaplanet, which first announced its Bitcoin acquisition plans in April 2024.
Initially a hotel industry investor, Metaplanet transformed its strategy in 2024 to focus on Bitcoin. The company accumulated 1,762 BTC, valued at over $185 million, leading to a 3,500% surge in its stock price over the past year.
Metaplanet plans to increase its holdings to 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025 and 21,000 BTC by 2026, aiming to become one of the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holders.
The firm’s success has inspired others in the country to follow suit, including Japanese game publisher Gumi, which also announced plans to purchase 1 billion yen worth of BTC this week.
