Gumi Inc. Invests $6.6M in Bitcoin, Enters Blockchain Staking

Tokyo-based game studio Gumi Inc. has announced a significant investment in Bitcoin, allocating $6.6 million for the purchase of the cryptocurrency by May 2025. The company, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, aims to bolster its position in the cryptocurrency market by utilizing Bitcoin for blockchain staking.

Gumi's board of directors approved the decision as part of its strategic expansion into the blockchain node operation business. This move positions Gumi as a key player in Japan's burgeoning Web3 industry. Following this development, Gumi will become the first publicly listed Japanese company to serve as a validator in the Babylon staking protocol, enabling the company to earn rewards while contributing to blockchain security.

In a statement, Gumi emphasized that the investment would help strengthen its blockchain operations and increase its influence in the Web3 space. The company also confirmed that it would closely monitor its Bitcoin holdings and update its financial records accordingly. Gumi's stock price rose following the announcement, with shares increasing by 3.6% to reach ¥454 (about $3) after the news broke.

Gumi's decision aligns with a growing trend of Asian businesses investing in cryptocurrency. In December 2024, Japanese energy and consulting firm Remixpoint added $1.38 million worth of Bitcoin to its portfolio, increasing its total crypto holdings to $27.59 million. Meanwhile, Tokyo-listed Metaplanet saw a sharp rise in its stock value after adopting a Bitcoin standard in April 2024, with the company now aiming to acquire 21,000 BTC by 2026.

As more entities explore Bitcoin and blockchain staking, institutional interest in cryptocurrency is rising in Japan. Gumi's latest move demonstrates its confidence in Bitcoin's long-term potential and the broader Web3 industry. However, Japan is also tightening regulations on unregistered crypto exchanges, with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) urging these platforms to comply with local regulations or leave the market.