In the vibrant district of Shinjuku, Tokyo Bitcoin Base has emerged as a hub for Bitcoin enthusiasts and curious newcomers. Situated in a pristine four-story building near Yotsuya Station, this shared workspace and event venue offers a respite from the hectic pace of Tokyo’s streets. It stands as a pivotal gathering place, fostering discussions and learning about Bitcoin in a country where skepticism towards cryptocurrencies still lingers.
One of the key players in promoting Bitcoin as a legitimate investment in Japan is Metaplanet, a Japanese Bitcoin treasury company. The firm has successfully drawn substantial attendance to its events, evidenced by over 3,000 guests at its recent extraordinary general meeting. However, there remains a significant gap in educating the populace about the technological intricacies of Bitcoin and its distinct characteristics compared to other monetary forms.
To bridge this gap, Rintaro Kawai, CEO of Fulgur Ventures Japan, recognized the need for a dedicated physical space. “People want to ask questions about Bitcoin, but they don’t know where to ask, and they want to learn about Bitcoin, but they don’t know where to learn,” Kawai explained in a recent interview at the Tokyo Bitcoin Base.
With a vision set in motion in mid-2024, Fulgur Ventures quickly initiated plans for Tokyo Bitcoin Base. The announcement came during Bitcoin Tokyo 2024, the nation’s first Bitcoin conference, where team member Teruko Neriki unveiled the project. Following some renovations to an already existing co-working space, Tokyo Bitcoin Base opened its doors on April 25, 2025. The grand opening welcomed around 100 attendees, including Bitcoin builders, investors, and entrepreneurs, alongside the unveiling of a statue of Satoshi Nakamoto—one of only three such statues worldwide.
Historically, Japan was once a leader in the Bitcoin trading scene, with the now-defunct Mt. Gox exchange handling over 70% of Bitcoin transactions between 2010 and 2014. However, a catastrophic hack in early 2014 led to the loss of hundreds of thousands of Bitcoins, resulting in widespread mistrust towards cryptocurrencies among the Japanese public. Many former Mt. Gox creditors either distanced themselves from Bitcoin or pivoted to other technologies.
Neriki aims to reconnect with those disillusioned by past events, focusing on underrepresented groups such as women and Gen Z, and demonstrating to them that Bitcoin is not inherently “criminal or shady,” as often portrayed in Japanese media. She believes that the professional appearance of Tokyo Bitcoin Base helps elevate the legitimacy of Bitcoin discussions in Japan.
The venue currently hosts a variety of events, including beginner-friendly Bitcoin meetups, monthly social gatherings, and networking functions known as “TBB Connections.” These events feature prominent figures from the Bitcoin community, such as developer Jimmy Song and Bitcoin Policy Institute co-founder David Zell. Additionally, Tokyo Bitcoin Base collaborates with the Plan ₿ Network and Thailand’s BOB Space to share resources and best practices for educational initiatives.
Looking ahead, Tokyo Bitcoin Base plans to support a residency program for Bitcoin developers and will also host the BUIDL @ Tokyo Bitcoin Base conference, aimed at promoting collaboration in Bitcoin technology. This initiative will form part of Bitcoin Japan 2025, signaling a commitment to nurturing innovation in the Bitcoin space.
As the vision for Tokyo Bitcoin Base expands, Kawai expresses a desire for the venue to serve as an accelerator for Japanese Bitcoin startups. He also envisions the eventual establishment of additional physical spaces, likening future developments in Yotsuya to El Salvador’s Bitcoin Beach. Recent acquisitions by Fulgur Ventures, including a nearby hotel and residential buildings, indicate a long-term commitment to creating a comprehensive network for Bitcoin enthusiasts in Tokyo.
Kawai reflects on Japan’s former status as a powerhouse in the Bitcoin arena, expressing a desire to reclaim that lost standing. “Japan used to be the Bitcoin country, but now it’s not. Actually, Japan is among the countries with the least Bitcoin adoption. We want to do our part to make Japan a great Bitcoin nation again,” he asserts. With the establishment of Tokyo Bitcoin Base, there’s renewed hope for a renaissance of Bitcoin interest and education in Japan.
