Research: 14% of Young Japanese Male Professionals Own Cryptocurrency
On April 3, 2018, the New R25 Research Institute, an initiative of R25 Co., Ltd., published findings of its recent investigation of the “real currency holding” among businessmen ages 25-30, revealing 14% of young professionals owned cryptocurrency.
The nationwide survey used Macromill internet research from this past January through March. Of the 4,734 interviewees, 206 were drawn from 640 who hold virtual currencies. Roughly 25% of the men who participated in the crypto holdings research are beginners at investing, experiencing purchasing cryptocurrencies as a first investment. Just over 72% have previously invested in something other than virtual currencies. Among those surveyed, those who hold virtual currencies weigh in at about 14%.
Rather than purchasing for settlement or remittance purposes, over 90% made the move as an investment objective. Still, for some, cryptocurrency investing is a trend to follow, 37.4% buying in for just that reason. Nearly one fifth invested in tokens based upon recommendations from those they know and/or media information thereof.
Nearly one-fourth of those making first-time virtual investments did so during October, November, and December of 2017, during which time the price of currencies was increasing. And though cryptocurrency has been in existence for ten years, 79% of study participants took the financial leap into the crypto world “since 2017,” as media coverage overflowed with news of virtual currencies. Somewhat ironically, only 15% reported investing beginning in 2018, as prices plummeted.
Unfortunately, with market fluctuation, many bought high and have experienced the decreasing value of their currencies; not many have made substantial profits to date.
When asked about the amount held in their virtual currencies, 34.5% reported investments less than 50,000 yen, roughly $467 USD. Few people reported investing heavily, showing an overall cautious approach regarding virtual currencies.
What is the hope for virtual currencies?
With nearly half of the men maintaining interest in active virtual currency investment in the future, a little over 35% of the interviewees don’t intend to continue with the trend. Still, 80% maintain hope in cryptocurrencies as an investment.
Even after this survey, questions remain. Since motivation is high for those who own virtual currencies, will the market grow and encourage gen R25 to continue investing? And, will it continue its societal reach beyond investment objectives?
A subsidiary of the media company CyberAgent Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, New R25, also “R25 generation,” is a web presence for young businessmen. Aiming to bring clarity about life, business, and advancement for men between 20 and 30, the Research Institute analyzes men’s lifestyles, including their purchasing habits.
Featured image from Shutterstock.
