Main Points:
- Bitcoin shows slight resistance near key highs despite an ongoing uptrend
- Ethereum and Ripple (XRP) are leading a renewed altcoin rally
- U.S. legislative optimism around stablecoin and crypto bills fuels market sentiment
- Japanese investors should emphasize risk management, diversification, and disciplined entries
1. Bitcoin’s Stubborn Ceiling: Slight Resistance at Key Levels
Over the past weeks, Bitcoin has displayed a powerful recovery from its June 23 low of ¥14,395,223 ($111,090), climbing to new intraday highs of ¥17,502,845 ($121,768). However, momentum lost some steam near the ¥18 million mark (~$124,200), suggesting sellers may be defending this round number.
This tug‑of‑war is normal in a maturing bull run, where short‑term profit‑taking meets fresh capital inflows. Should Bitcoin decisively clear ¥18 million ($124 k), it could trigger a “blue‑sky” scenario, paving the way toward psychological milestones above $130,000. Until then, watch for consolidation near current levels and volume spikes on breakouts.
2. Altcoin Resurgence: Ethereum and XRP Shine
Ethereum’s Breakout
Ethereum has outperformed over the past fortnight, rising from around $2,940 on July 10 to $3,392 on July 17 (+15%). A confluence of factors—ranging from on‑chain metrics showing declining gas fees to renewed DeFi activity and anticipation of upcoming protocol upgrades—has driven this momentum. <div> Below is a snapshot of closing prices for Ethereum (USD) from July 13 to 17, 2025: </div>
Ethereum Closing Prices (USD) – July 13 to July 17, 2025
- July 13: $2,937.62
- July 14: $2,963.41
- July 15: $2,935.11
- July 16: $3,101.21
- July 17: $3,367.22
The accompanying line chart illustrates Ethereum’s steep ascent over just five trading days.
Ripple (XRP) Reclaims Ground
XRP has followed suit, jumping from roughly $2.72 on July 13 to about $3.05 on July 17, a gain of 12% in under a week. Moreover, veteran analyst Peter Brandt forecasts a potential 60% rally toward $4.47 in the coming months, underpinned by ongoing institutional interest in fast, low‑cost cross‑border settlements.
3. Legislative Tailwinds: U.S. Crypto Bills Spark Optimism
Crypto markets across the board rallied on July 16, 2025, as momentum built around the GENIUS Act and related stablecoin legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bitcoin climbed 2% to nearly $120,000, while Ethereum soared 8% to $3,288. This surge reflected hopes for clear federal guidelines on stablecoins and digital assets—regulatory clarity that many see as a catalyst for mainstream adoption.
Investors should monitor these bills closely: a successful vote could unlock new institutional inflows, especially into regulated stablecoin products and derivatives.
4. Strategies for Japanese Investors: Navigating a New All‑Time High Era
As Bitcoin pushes toward record highs in yen terms (approaching ¥18 million/$124 k), Japanese investors must balance opportunity with caution:
- Define Risk Tolerance & Position Size
• Limit crypto allocations to capital you can afford to lose.
• Diversify across assets: other altcoins, equities, and bonds. - Use Dollar‑Cost Averaging (DCA) & Buy‑the‑Dip Approaches
• In a rising market, periodic small purchases reduce timing risk.
• Monitor for pullbacks—e.g., 5–10% dips—to add positions selectively. - Lock in Gains
• Scale out partially at pre‑set profit targets to safeguard returns.
• Reinvest locked‑in profits into stablecoins or low‑volatility assets. - Stay Informed via Trustworthy Sources
• Follow on‑chain analytics, major exchange reports, and regulatory updates.
• Track key support/resistance levels with technical charts.
By adhering to disciplined entry and exit rules, and maintaining a diversified portfolio, Japanese investors can capitalize on this bull market while protecting against sudden downturns.
Conclusion
Bitcoin’s minor resistance near ¥18 million (~$124,000) is a natural pause in a powerful uptrend. Meanwhile, Ethereum and XRP lead a broader altcoin rebound, fueled by on‑chain fundamentals and U.S. legislative optimism around crypto bills. For Japanese investors, success in this “new highs” era hinges on clear risk parameters, disciplined buy‑the‑dip strategies, partial profit‑taking, and continuous learning. Armed with these tools, you can ride the next wave of blockchain innovation while managing volatility.
