In a bold move blending traditional equity markets with digital asset incentives, Japanese mobile gaming and blockchain-focused company gumi Inc. (gumi) has announced a shareholder rewards program set to launch in April 2025. Shareholders who hold a minimum stake in the company by the end of April will be eligible for a chance to win Bitcoin through a lottery system. While not a guaranteed return, this innovative initiative marks one of the first times a publicly traded Japanese firm has integrated cryptocurrency into its shareholder engagement strategy.
This unique campaign is more than just a goodwill gesture—it's a strategic collaboration with SBI VC Trade, a cryptocurrency exchange and subsidiary of SBI Holdings, gumi’s largest shareholder. The program aims to strengthen investor loyalty while subtly promoting adoption of SBI’s crypto platform.
How the Bitcoin Shareholder Reward Program Works
To qualify for the lottery, investors must own at least 500 shares of gumi stock as of the April 2025 shareholder registry date. At the March 28, 2025 closing price of 491 JPY per share, this equates to a minimum investment of 245,500 JPY (approximately $1,631 USD).
The total prize pool consists of 16 million JPY worth of Bitcoin, distributed across three tiers among 130 winners:
- 30 shareholders will receive Bitcoin valued at 100,000 JPY each
- 100 shareholders will receive Bitcoin valued at 30,000 JPY each
- 1,000 shareholders will receive Bitcoin valued at 10,000 JPY each
Note: Although 1,130 winners are listed, only 130 receive prizes above 10,000 JPY; the majority receive the smallest tier.
The exact amount of Bitcoin awarded will be determined by the SBI VC Trade selling price at 23:59 JST on August 15, 2025, ensuring fairness and transparency based on real-time market data.
Why This Matters for Global Investors
While rooted in Japan’s corporate culture of shareholder perks—known as kabunushi yutai—this campaign stands out by offering a modern twist: digital assets instead of physical goods like snacks or gift cards. For international investors, it opens a novel entry point into the Japanese equity market, combining long-term investment potential with the excitement of crypto-based incentives.
Importantly, overseas investors are eligible to participate as long as they meet the shareholding requirement through a qualifying brokerage. This inclusivity reflects growing global integration between traditional finance and blockchain ecosystems.
Claiming Your Bitcoin Prize: Step-by-Step Process
Winning isn’t the end of the journey—claiming the prize comes with specific requirements designed to drive user acquisition for SBI VC Trade.
Eligible shareholders (winners) will receive:
- A mailed letter containing a URL and password to access the exclusive rewards website
- Expected delivery: Mid-June 2025 onwards
To successfully claim their Bitcoin, winners must complete two critical steps by July 31, 2025:
- Open and maintain an active account on SBI VC Trade
- Register on the dedicated rewards portal using the provided credentials
Failure to meet these deadlines will result in forfeiture of the prize.
Once verified, Bitcoin distributions are scheduled for late August 2025, directly deposited into the winner’s SBI VC Trade wallet.
This structure serves dual purposes: rewarding loyalty while encouraging adoption of SBI’s crypto exchange—an elegant example of ecosystem synergy between parent company, subsidiary, and listed entity.
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Core Keywords and Market Implications
This initiative taps into several powerful trends shaping today’s financial landscape:
- Shareholder rewards
- Bitcoin incentives
- Stock investment
- Cryptocurrency adoption
- Japan stock market
- Digital asset integration
- Blockchain innovation
- Investor engagement
By merging traditional stock ownership with crypto giveaways, gumi and SBI are pioneering a model that could inspire other firms—especially in tech-forward markets like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore—to explore hybrid reward systems.
While the individual prize amounts may seem modest relative to the entry cost (especially given that most winners receive only 10,000 JPY), the symbolic value is significant. It represents a bridge between legacy financial systems and decentralized economies—a small but meaningful step toward mainstream crypto acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can foreign investors participate in gumi’s Bitcoin reward program?
A: Yes. International investors who hold at least 500 shares of gumi through a supported broker by the April 2025 record date are eligible for the lottery.
Q: Is there a guarantee I’ll receive Bitcoin if I invest?
A: No. Participation grants eligibility for a random draw; winning is not guaranteed. Only 130 out of potentially thousands of qualifying shareholders will win larger prizes.
Q: Do I need to keep holding shares after April to receive rewards?
A: The holding requirement applies only at the end-of-April registry date. However, you must maintain an active SBI VC Trade account by July 31, 2025, if selected as a winner.
Q: How is the Bitcoin value calculated?
A: The value is based on SBI VC Trade’s selling price at 23:59 JST on August 15, 2025. This determines how much BTC corresponds to each prize tier.
Q: Can I withdraw the Bitcoin after receiving it?
A: Yes. Once credited to your SBI VC Trade account, you may transfer or trade your Bitcoin according to the exchange’s policies and applicable regulations.
Q: Is this promotion taxable?
A: Likely yes. In most jurisdictions, crypto prizes are considered taxable income. Consult a tax professional for guidance based on your country’s laws.
Final Thoughts: A Glimpse Into the Future of Shareholder Benefits?
While some may dismiss this campaign as a marketing stunt with limited financial upside, its true significance lies in signaling change. As companies seek innovative ways to engage investors in an increasingly digital world, blending equities with crypto rewards could become more common.
For those already considering exposure to Japan’s growing tech and blockchain sectors, investing in gumi offers more than just stock appreciation potential—it provides a front-row seat to financial innovation in action.
Whether this sparks broader adoption across Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed firms remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the lines between traditional finance and cryptocurrency are blurring faster than ever.
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