Blockstream, a Bitcoin-based financial infrastructure firm co-founded by Adam Back, announced on Wednesday it has expanded its international presence with the launch of a new office in Tokyo.
Partnering with Diamond Hands, a well-known Bitcoin consultancy in Japan, and Fulgur Ventures, a major investor in Bitcoin-first companies, Blockstream said it intends to drive adoption of Bitcoin layer-2 technologies, self-custody, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization in one of the world’s most tech-forward economies.
Expanding Bitcoin’s Reach in Japan
The timing of Blockstream’s expansion aligns with key trends shaping Bitcoin’s future in Japan. For example, institutional interest has been rising.
The approval of Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. has triggered demand for Bitcoin worldwide, including Japan.
Japanese firms like Metaplanet, Inc. have been making Bitcoin investments, and Blockstream said it is ready to support businesses looking to integrate Bitcoin into their treasury strategies, payments infrastructure, and custody solutions.
Strategic Partnerships to Drive Bitcoin Adoption in Tokyo
Blockstream’s Tokyo expansion is backed by its collaboration with Diamond Hands and Fulgur Ventures, two key players in Japan’s Bitcoin space.
With Diamond Hands’ expertise in the local market, Blockstream said it plans to introduce its advanced Bitcoin layer-2 solutions, including the Lightning and Liquid Networks, along with self-custodial products like the Jade Plus hardware wallet and the Green software wallet, to a wider Japanese audience.
Diamond Hands CEO to Be Blockstream’s Ambassador in Japan
Koji Higashi, CEO of Diamond Hands, will serve as Blockstream’s brand ambassador in Japan, leading efforts to expand Bitcoin adoption among domestic enterprises.
“We are excited to support Japanese companies looking to integrate Bitcoin into their business models,” said Higashi. “This partnership will provide the necessary resources and expertise to accelerate Bitcoin adoption across the country.”
Fulgur Ventures, a longtime supporter of Blockstream, sees the company’s expansion as a major step for institutional Bitcoin adoption in Japan.
“With increasing momentum for Bitcoin and blockchain in Japan, we’re thrilled to partner with Diamond Hands to support Blockstream’s initiatives,” said Rintaro Kawai, Representative of Fulgur LLC.
“The success of Bitcoin Tokyo 2024 highlights Japan’s growing interest in Bitcoin, and Blockstream’s presence will further strengthen this movement,” added Kawai.
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