Japan’s Rate Hike: Will Bitcoin Defy Expectations with Unshakable Resilience?

Japan's central bank just pulled the trigger. After years of negative rates, a hike is finally here—and crypto markets are watching.

The Traditional Playbook Cracks

Conventional wisdom says rising rates are poison for risk assets. Money flows out of speculative bets and into safer, yield-bearing havens. Stocks wobble, growth assets shudder. It's Finance 101, taught by men in suits who still think a fax machine is cutting-edge.

Bitcoin's Parallel Universe

But Bitcoin has never been one for the playbook. It trades on a different rhythm—global liquidity, adoption narratives, and a sheer distrust of the old system. A single nation's policy shift, even one as significant as Japan's, might just be a ripple in its ocean.

Decoupling in Real-Time?

This is the real test. Watch for a divergence. If Bitcoin holds its ground or even climbs while traditional risk assets flinch, it sends a powerful message: crypto isn't just another asset class. It's becoming a system hedge, a lifeboat being built as the traditional ship shows more leaks.

The Bottom Line

Don't assume old rules apply. Bitcoin's resilience isn't about ignoring macro; it's about rewriting the relationship. A rate hike might be a storm for some, but for Bitcoin, it could be just another gust of wind—proving, once again, that it's built for rougher weather than the experts predict.

In brief

• The BOJ is expected to raise its rates in December 2025, but this already integrated decision limits the risks of a sudden shock on bitcoin.
• Despite Japanese pressure, bitcoin benefits from the decline in US rates, which mitigates the impact of a possible unwind of the yen carry trade.
• The threat to bitcoin does not come from Japan but from a Fed reversal, regulation, or a slowdown in institutional adoption.

BOJ: Rate hike expected in a few days

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is preparing to raise its rates on December 18 and 19, 2025, a widely anticipated decision. Markets are pricing in a 0.25 point increase, bringing the benchmark rate to 0.75%, an unprecedented level since 1995. Japanese 10-year bond yields now hover around 1.95%, more than 100 basis points above the projected official rate. A 76% probability is now set, according to market data.

However, unlike August 2025, when a surprise hike triggered widespread panic, investors seem prepared this time. The yen, although slightly appreciated (+0.03% on December 9), remains under structural pressure. Analysts point out that this monetary normalization will surprise no one, so the shock will be limited. Speculators have reduced their short positions on the yen since February, limiting the risk of a sudden unwind.

Bitcoin between two fires: Japanese rates VS US rate cuts

Bitcoin, often correlated with global liquidity, is subject to dual influence. On one hand, the rise in Japanese rates could reduce the appeal of the yen as a cheap financing currency, weighing on risky assets. On the other, the recent Fed rate cut injects liquidity into the system, easing pressure. Mid-December, BTC fluctuates around $87,500, far from the $103,900 reached a year earlier.

Yet, the dynamic is different: in 2024, US rates remained high, suffocating markets. In 2025, their decline offers a cushion. bitcoin ETFs, despite record outflows in November, benefit from a more favorable environment. If an unwind of the yen carry trade could trigger temporary sales, the impact would be limited by the US context. The real test for BTC will be the ability of US liquidity to offset Japanese tightening. As Ignacio Aguirre, CMO at Bitget, believes:

The Japanese rate hike contrasts with the expected Fed cuts in 2026, creating increased volatility that often opens attractive accumulation windows for long-term investors.

The real risks for bitcoin do not come from Japan

While the yen carry trade captures attention, the most serious threats to bitcoin come from elsewhere. First risk: an unexpected Fed reversal in 2026, which WOULD challenge the rate cut scenario. Second issue: regulation, with increasing pressure on ETFs and stablecoins.

Moreover, institutional adoption, often presented as a driver, could also become a brake. Finally, competition from traditional assets, such as Gold or tech stocks, could divert capital if bond yields become too attractive. In the short term, BTC could consolidate between $85,000 and $95,000. In the longer term, its future will depend less on Japan than on the US’s ability to maintain an accommodative environment.

As 2026 approaches, eyes turn to the BOJ. Bitcoin has already proven its resilience to monetary shocks. This time, its ability to reinvent itself will determine its role in tomorrow’s financial landscape. And you, do you think the BOJ’s upcoming announcements will be beneficial or not for BTC?

Maximize your Cointribune experience with our "Read to Earn" program! For every article you read, earn points and access exclusive rewards. Sign up now and start earning benefits.