- Eric Trump plans to visit Tokyo to join Metaplanet’s September 1 shareholder meeting.
- Ripple and SBI plan to introduce the dollar-backed Ripple USD stablecoin in Japan.
- U.S. pushes dollar-linked tokens in Asia as Europe advances euro-based stablecoin efforts.
Eric Trump plans to travel to Tokyo in early September, marking another chapter in the Trump family’s growing involvement in cryptocurrency. His visit comes as Europe promotes a euro-backed stablecoin, while U.S. companies and figures strengthen the dollar’s role in Asia’s digital economy.
Eric will be attending the shareholder meeting of Metaplanet Inc. on September 1. The Japanese Bitcoin treasury firm has accumulated over $2.1 billion worth of Bitcoin since pivoting from its hotel business. The company is often compared to Michael Saylor’s Strategy, which pioneered corporate Bitcoin accumulation.
Metaplanet appointed Eric Trump as a strategic adviser in March. His new role has tied him closely to the firm’s Bitcoin-focused vision. The Tokyo visit will follow his participation at the Bitcoin Asia conference in Hong Kong on August 28-29.
Trump Family Expands Crypto Footprint
Metaplanet shareholders will vote on new fundraising options during the September meeting. Market reaction to Bloomberg’s report on Trump’s attendance pushed Metaplanet’s stock higher, with shares rising as much as 2.1% Friday. The stock has seen dramatic swings over the past year, soaring nearly 800% before losing half its value from mid-June highs.
The Trump family has also expanded its presence in the broader crypto space. A Las Vegas-based firm recently announced a $1.5 billion deal to transform into a holder of digital assets. The deal involves virtual tokens issued by World Liberty Financial, a company tied to Trump interests.
Ripple and SBI Push USD Stablecoin in Japan
Ripple and SBI Holdings have also announced a significant move in Japan. The two firms signed a memorandum of understanding to bring Ripple USD (RLUSD) into the Japanese market. SBI VC Trade, a licensed Electronic Payment Instruments Exchange Service Provider and SBI subsidiary, will help distribute the stablecoin.
The stablecoin market is currently valued at around $300 billion. Analysts project the market could grow into the trillions as institutional adoption rises. Ripple’s partnership with SBI aligns with the growth of the dollar in Asia, especially as stablecoins become central to the global payment systems.
Ripple and SBI’s joint push adds weight to the broader U.S. strategy of exporting dollar-backed digital assets. RLUSD is planned to cater to institutional needs and deal with cross-border transactions. This development reflects American interests in preserving the influence of the dollar in the global economy.
Related: Ripple, SBI to Launch RLUSD Stablecoin in Japan by 2026
Geopolitical Undercurrents
Europe has been exploring euro-backed stablecoins as part of its digital finance agenda. The region hopes to strengthen the euro’s role in the global economy. However, U.S. companies and representatives appear to be moving faster in Asia. Eric Trump’s Tokyo visit and Ripple’s new agreement with SBI suggest a coordinated effort to entrench dollar dominance.
The timing of these actions gives rise to concern about the role of cryptocurrency in global politics. As Europe rolls out euro-linked digital currencies, U.S. firms are pushing ahead with dollar-backed tokens. This trend demonstrates the change in the role of cryptocurrency as a form of soft power.
Japan, with its advanced regulatory framework, offers a key testing ground for this competition. Metaplanet’s adoption of Bitcoin and Ripple’s partnership with SBI highlight the country’s openness to digital finance experiments. For the U.S., these developments present an opportunity to extend the dollar’s reach beyond traditional systems.
