
"Okuribito" is a uniquely Japanese term for individuals whose net worth exceeds 100 million yen through investment or speculation in stocks, FX, or crypto assets. The word gained widespread recognition during the cryptocurrency market’s rapid growth era and has since become a symbolic goal for many retail investors seeking significant asset accumulation.
Beyond representing a financial achievement, the term implies that with the right strategy, patience, and market insight, this level of wealth is attainable. In particular, "Okuribito" has become an aspirational figure in Bitcoin-focused crypto investing.
The answer: it’s never too late. However, simply buying a small amount of Bitcoin won’t automatically make you an Okuribito.
The key is strategy: how much to invest, for how long, and by what method. For example, using Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)—investing a fixed amount in Bitcoin monthly (learn more about DCA)—allows steady asset growth while mitigating price fluctuation risk.
Looking at Bitcoin’s historical growth, long-term investment remains promising for attractive returns. Still, as the market matures, explosive early-stage growth is less likely, making realistic goal-setting and sound strategy essential.
If you start Bitcoin investing with a small sum, reaching Okuribito status is challenging. Investing just tens of thousands of yen, even with substantial price increases, yields limited valuation. Still, it’s a critical starting point—a "market entry ticket"—for understanding the space and gaining experience.
The benefit of small-scale investing is learning market dynamics with minimal risk. Becoming comfortable with price swings and discovering your investment style lays a valuable foundation for larger decisions down the road.
Investing several hundred thousand to one million yen opens the possibility for returns of several times—or even ten times—your principal over time. If Bitcoin’s price surges, your holdings could grow to millions or tens of millions of yen.
For medium-sized investments, combining lump-sum purchases with DCA is effective. During market downturns, additional buying can lower your average cost, maximizing future returns.
With investments in the ten-million-yen range, Okuribito status becomes a realistic goal. If Bitcoin’s price appreciates considerably, your assets could reach the hundred-million-yen mark.
However, large-scale investing involves substantial risk. Sharp market declines can result in significant unrealized losses, so careful risk assessment is essential. Diversify: allocate only part of your assets to Bitcoin, and the rest to traditional asset classes (stocks, bonds, real estate) to manage portfolio risk.
DCA-based accumulation—regular, fixed monthly investments—is a well-regarded approach for steady asset growth with reduced psychological stress. By investing consistently, you buy less when prices are high and more when they’re low, smoothing out your average cost.
For example, investing tens of thousands of yen monthly over ten years adds up to several million yen. If Bitcoin’s historical growth repeats, your holdings could reach tens of millions of yen. This method is sustainable and well suited to long-term wealth building.
Major financial institutions and investors have issued bullish long-term price forecasts for Bitcoin. These outlooks are based on factors like institutional entry, ETF adoption, and inflation-driven moves away from fiat currency.
Large financial institutions and investment funds expect Bitcoin’s long-term growth. These projections assume Bitcoin will secure its place as "digital gold" and be recognized alongside traditional financial assets.
Some forecasts see Bitcoin reaching hundreds of thousands—or even one million—dollars. If realized, long-term holders could see substantial returns.
Several common factors drive these bullish projections:
Institutional Adoption and ETF Expansion: Institutional Bitcoin holdings are increasing, enhancing market liquidity and trust. ETF approval enables access through conventional financial channels, lowering barriers for new investors.
Inflation and Financial Instability: Global inflation and mistrust in financial systems are fueling demand for Bitcoin as a store of value. In emerging markets, Bitcoin is increasingly used to hedge against currency depreciation.
Tightening Supply and Demand: Each Bitcoin halving reduces mining rewards, limiting new supply. As demand rises, this tightening balance drives upward price pressure.
Digital Gold Demand Growth: Bitcoin is establishing itself as "digital gold," a scarce store of value. With total supply capped at 21 million BTC, scarcity underpins its market value.
Bitcoin’s history demonstrates the strength of long-term holding. Average annual returns have far outpaced traditional assets like gold and other precious metals.
Notably, holding for more than four years has always produced positive returns. This underscores the importance of a long-term perspective, rather than reacting to short-term price movements.
Long-term Bitcoin investment leverages compounding: each price increase raises your asset value, providing a foundation for further growth.
Holding long-term is also tax-advantaged in many jurisdictions, where profits from extended holding periods are taxed at lower rates than short-term gains—maximizing your after-tax returns.
Bitcoin tends to follow a four-year market cycle, driven by the "halving" of mining rewards.
Effective long-term holding means understanding these cycles and staying invested even during downturns. Historical data shows investors who buy near cycle lows and hold through the next peak earn significant returns.
Many retail investors try to rapidly multiply their assets via leverage or futures trading. In reality, these are extremely risky, and many lose their funds.
Leverage trading magnifies exposure, allowing trades at several to dozens of times your own capital. At 10x leverage, a 10% price move wipes out your entire position. Bitcoin’s volatility means even small adverse moves can trigger forced liquidations (margin calls).
The CEO of a crypto analytics firm warns, "Never use leverage above 2x." Leverage trading is challenging even for professionals—it’s especially high-risk for retail investors.
Futures trading is similarly risky. Betting on future prices, a mistaken prediction can mean major losses. Futures have expiration dates, requiring positions to be closed, sometimes at unfavorable prices.
Compared to high-risk trading, holding Bitcoin spot is the safest strategy. With spot holdings, you’re not subject to forced liquidation during price declines and can wait for recovery. Long-term holding is historically likely to yield positive returns.
The number of long-term holders (LTH: Long-Term Holders) is rising, reflecting market maturity and Bitcoin’s transition from speculative to investment asset.
Spot Bitcoin ETF approvals in major markets have transformed the landscape. ETFs enable access through traditional brokerage accounts, dramatically lowering barriers for both institutions and individuals.
ETF inflows stabilize and boost Bitcoin’s price. Their existence signals official recognition as a financial product, increasing market reliability.
Institutional Bitcoin holdings are growing. Hedge funds, pension funds, and insurers increasingly allocate Bitcoin in their portfolios.
Institutional participation raises liquidity and price stability. Institutions’ long-term investment horizon strengthens market resilience to short-term swings.
Japan’s crypto exchanges now offer robust infrastructure, providing retail investors with a safer environment. Regulatory tightening has enhanced security, transparency, and investor protection.
Tax rules for crypto assets have been clarified, helping investors manage tax obligations appropriately. These improvements make Bitcoin investing more accessible for Japanese individuals.
On-chain data shows long-term holders now own the majority of circulating Bitcoin. This indicates that investors increasingly view Bitcoin as a long-term store of value, not just a speculative asset.
This growth stabilizes the market: short-term trading pressure decreases, price swings moderate, and Bitcoin becomes a more attractive investment.
Bitcoin’s market is maturing. While early explosive rallies are less likely, asset class stability and reliability have improved.
Maturity is a positive for investors: price swings are milder, long-term planning is easier, and transparency aids informed decision-making.
Bitcoin still offers higher growth potential than traditional assets. With disciplined risk management, attractive returns are achievable.
Small investments: Tens of thousands of yen won’t realistically make you an Okuribito, but offer valuable market experience and skill-building. The goal is to get used to volatility and discover your style.
Medium-scale investments: Investing hundreds of thousands to one million yen can realistically multiply your assets several to ten times over the long term. Combining DCA and lump-sum strategies helps balance risk and maximize returns.
Large-scale investments: With ten million yen or more, Okuribito becomes attainable. Avoid allocating everything to Bitcoin—diversify for portfolio stability and consider risk tolerance and asset balance for sustainable growth.
Continued accumulation: Regular monthly DCA over many years is low-stress and steadily builds wealth. Continuing through downturns lowers your average cost and maximizes future returns.
Risk management is crucial for Bitcoin investing. Follow these steps for safer asset growth:
Long-term holding as a baseline: Data shows four-year-plus holding always yields positive returns. Stay focused on the long term and avoid short-term distractions.
Avoid leverage trading: Leverage and futures are tough even for pros. Retail investors should stick to spot holdings for safety.
Diversify your portfolio: Don’t go all-in on Bitcoin—spread risk across stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets.
Invest only surplus funds: Use money not needed for living expenses or emergencies. Avoid overstretching to prevent forced withdrawals during unexpected costs.
Continuous learning: Crypto markets evolve fast. Keep up with trends, technology, and regulation for informed investing.
Even with Bitcoin trading at high levels, becoming an Okuribito is still possible. While the era of explosive, multi-fold growth may have passed, expert forecasts and market maturity show there’s still plenty of opportunity to multiply assets with sound strategy and a long-term outlook.
The crucial factor isn’t just "how much you’ll gain," but defining your risk tolerance and investment goals—how much you’re comfortable investing for the long haul. Be patient, avoid overreaching, use time and diversification, and move forward with a strategy that fits you. That’s the true starting line for Okuribito status.
Bitcoin investing isn’t a get-rich-quick gamble—it’s a means of long-term wealth building. Ignore market noise, stick to your plan, and stay disciplined: that’s the key to success.
As of February 2026, you would need around 4,545 BTC to reach 100 million yen. The required investment varies with Bitcoin’s price—check current market rates for accuracy.
Success comes from regular DCA investments, psychological discipline against market swings, and secure wallet management. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, institutional inflows are expected to support a sustained upward trend for Bitcoin.
Key risks include price volatility, exchange hacks, regulatory tightening, and loss of private keys. Start with surplus funds, use reputable exchanges, and stay informed for best results.
Short-term trading requires caution, but multi-year holding remains attractive. ETF inflows and post-halving supply constraints support a positive outlook. A staggered buying approach is optimal.
Capital gains tax applies when you sell Bitcoin. In Japan, profits are taxed up to 45%. The rate is the same for long- and short-term holding; the taxable amount is the difference between purchase and sale price.
Yes—diversification is highly effective. Different crypto assets have low to moderate correlations, reducing portfolio volatility and improving risk-adjusted returns. Spreading investments strengthens resilience against market swings.











