Closure of the "DH Node" Routing Node by Diamond Hands
Diamond Hands has made the tough decision to shut down the "DH Node," which has been running since June 2021.
We’ll be gradually closing the remaining channels and plan to wrap up operations by the end of the year.
A Legacy of Innovation and Community-Building
The DH Node played a pivotal role in the creation of the Diamond Hands community.
As a routing community, Diamond Hands gained global recognition alongside communities like Plebnet and Rings of Fire. Even today, Diamond Hands is ranked as the second-largest community on the Amboss Lightning Explorer.
While the closure of the DH Node marks the end of an era, the decision reflects the challenges of maintaining large-scale routing operations and a strategic pivot toward focusing resources on other projects and ventures.
Expanding Beyond Routing
Although this chapter of routing operations is concluding, Diamond Hands' contributions and services in the Bitcoin ecosystem continue to grow.
From managing the DH Magazine newsletter to organizing conferences like Bitcoin Tokyo 2024, developing products like the Diamond Wallet, and offering consulting services for Bitcoin-related businesses, the organization is broadening its impact.
The resources freed from routing node operations will now be redirected toward key areas of growth, including:
Strengthening business development.
Increasing collaboration with international enterprises.
Enhancing wallet development.
Expanding developer-focused content and outreach.
Encouraging Individual Routing Node Operators
While the DH Node will no longer serve as a community hub node, many individual members of the Diamond Hands community continue to operate their own nodes. Supporting these efforts is essential for the growth and decentralization of the Lightning Network. Diamond Hands will continue to encourage and assist these operators.
Technological advancements like Umbrel Home make it increasingly feasible for individuals to maintain non-custodial nodes. We remain optimistic about a future where personal node operation is accessible to more people.
In addition to routing, a personal mining initiatives such as "BitAxe" have gained traction among some users in the community. We are also committed to promoting and supporting such grassroots efforts to enhance decentralization and foster a healthy Bitcoin culture.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
Diamond Hands is actively preparing several initiatives behind the scenes, with announcements planned for early next year.
Related to that, some of the key focus areas for Japan’s Bitcoin market in 2025 include:
Unlocking enterprise demand for Bitcoin.
Adopting Bitcoin for use cases currently dominated by other crypto technologies.
Supporting exchanges in integrating Lightning and Bitcoin-related technologies.
Strengthening activities at the upcoming Bitcoin Center in Yotsuya, Tokyo by Fulgur Ventures.
Enhancing collaboration with overseas projects and attracting them to Japan.
Diamond Hands will continue its steady, dedicated efforts to advance the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year!
The Diamond Hands Team