Blockstream, a Bitcoin-focused financial infrastructure company, has announced the launch of a new office in Tokyo. This move aims to strengthen Bitcoin adoption in Japan and across Asia. 

The company is collaborating with Diamond Hands, a Japan-based Bitcoin consultancy, and Fulgur Ventures, an investor in Bitcoin-centric firms, to expand Bitcoin layer-2 technologies, self-custody solutions, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

Expanding Bitcoin Adoption in Japan

Japan has seen increasing regulatory developments and institutional interest in Bitcoin. Blockstream’s expansion is designed to support businesses and financial institutions in integrating Bitcoin-based solutions.

“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,” said Dr. Adam Back, Co-Founder and CEO of Blockstream. 

“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’s expansion in Japan is driven by growing institutional interest in Bitcoin, influenced by the approval of Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S.

Additionally, Japanese financial institutions are exploring Bitcoin’s Lightning and Liquid Networks for scalability, and Blockstream aims to support their adoption.

The company also plans to facilitate real-world asset (RWA) tokenization by providing infrastructure through the Liquid Network for stablecoins and digital securities.

Strategic Partnerships

Blockstream’s expansion is strengthened by partnerships with Diamond Hands and Fulgur Ventures, both key players in Bitcoin adoption in Japan.

Diamond Hands will assist in promoting Bitcoin infrastructure and self-custody solutions, including the Jade Plus hardware wallet and Green software wallet. 

Koji Higashi, CEO of Diamond Hands, will serve as Blockstream’s brand ambassador, leading efforts to expand Bitcoin adoption among Japanese enterprises.

Fulgur Ventures has also expressed its support for Blockstream’s initiatives.

“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,” said Rintaro Kawai, Representative of Fulgur LLC.

“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.”

Looking Ahead

The opening of Blockstream’s Tokyo office marks a long-term commitment to Bitcoin innovation in Japan. 

By establishing industry partnerships and expanding Bitcoin infrastructure, the company aims to contribute to the country’s evolving financial sector.

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