SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated, a Japan-based medical services provider, has 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 company’s decision to invest in Bitcoin aligns with its goal of establishing a robust financial foundation while adapting to evolving macroeconomic conditions.
The company’s holding company in the US will execute the purchase through Coinbase, taking into consideration accounting, tax, and cybersecurity factors before making the decision. SBC Medical views Bitcoin as a store of value with long-term appreciation potential due to its fixed supply and increasing adoption. The company stated that this purchase is 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. With headquarters in Irvine, California, and Tokyo, the company has expanded its presence in the healthcare and aesthetic services sector. The company remains committed to transparency and risk management while exploring strategic investments that align with its long-term vision.
The Bitcoin purchase is expected to be completed between February and May 2025, with updates provided on the company’s website. While corporate Bitcoin adoption has been on the rise, 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.
This trend mirrors the growing trend among corporations diversifying their assets with Bitcoin holdings, which was initially started by Strategy. In Japan, this trend is gaining momentum following the success of Tokyo-based Metaplanet, which announced its Bitcoin acquisition plans in April 2024. Initially an investor in the hotel industry, Metaplanet shifted its focus to Bitcoin in 2024 and has seen a 3,500% surge in its stock price over the past year.
Metaplanet plans to increase its Bitcoin 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. This success has inspired other companies in Japan to follow suit, such as game publisher Gumi, which also announced plans to purchase 1 billion yen worth of BTC this week.
In conclusion, SBC Medical’s decision to invest in Bitcoin reflects a growing trend among corporations seeking to diversify their assets and hedge against inflation. With the company’s commitment to transparency and risk management, this strategic investment aligns with its long-term vision for sustainable growth in the healthcare and aesthetic services sector.