Digital path of samurai: why Japan has fallen for crypto

Traders Union
All News
Editors' Picks
Digital path of samurai

All news

Editors' Picks

Crypto News

Financial News

Market Voices

Billionaires

Companies

Broker News

Regulators News

Eugene Komchuk

26.03.2025

Digital path of samurai: why Japan has fallen for crypto — Japan cryptocurrency initiatives

Japan is rapidly strengthening its position in the crypto industry. The country is not just softening its approach to digital assets but is making confident strides toward becoming a leading global crypto hub.

On March 25, USDC became the first stablecoin officially approved by the Japanese government for use in the country. The news was announced by Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire.

This was made possible through a partnership between Circle Japan KK and SBI VC Trade. The latter obtained registration as an electronic payment business provider and is now authorized to use USDC within a new payment system.

In simple terms, the SBI Holdings platform has become the first in Japan to list and trade USDC.

Loading...

The tweet was deleted by the author.

But we saved everything 🙂.

This is just one example of how crypto companies are expanding into Japan. But why are they choosing this market?

Tax incentives and Web3 initiatives

The Land of the Rising Sun is moving at full speed to make Japan an attractive and comfortable jurisdiction for crypto companies.

Back in 2023, Japan’s National Tax Agency proposed scrapping the corporate tax on unrealized crypto gains. Previously, token-issuing companies were taxed 35% on unrealized profits. The government approved the proposal, and now firms are only taxed on realized profits from crypto asset sales.

In 2024, Japan also established a dedicated Web3 and crypto policy unit. Its primary mission is to support blockchain and crypto-related initiatives, which the government views as drivers of economic growth. Authorities are actively promoting blockchain integration into the national economy.

Bitcoin reserves and ETF reform

Japan is also staying in step with global crypto trends. At the end of last year, lawmaker Satoshi Hamada urged the government to establish a national Bitcoin reserve, citing similar moves in the U.S. and Argentina.

“I believe Japan should follow the example of the United States and consider converting part of its foreign currency reserves into crypto assets like Bitcoin,” the lawmaker stated.

However, the Japanese government responded to the idea with skepticism. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was unclear about the exact strategy behind U.S. actions and reminded the public that the current legal framework only allows reserves to be held in foreign currencies, not crypto.

Nevertheless, Japan seems more open to another initiative — lifting the ban on Bitcoin ETFs. The Financial Services Agency (FSA) is considering classifying cryptocurrencies as financial instruments similar to securities. If approved, this would remove the ban on spot Bitcoin ETFs and reduce the crypto tax rate from 55% to 20%.

Loading...

The tweet was deleted by the author.

But we saved everything 🙂.

The rise of Metaplanet

Although Japan’s crypto reforms are still unfolding, a local market leader has already emerged as a model for others.

That leader is Metaplanet — a public company that has taken a pioneering role in corporate crypto investment in Japan. Its strategy is often compared to that of U.S.-based MicroStrategy: it also places a strong bet on Bitcoin as a core asset on its balance sheet.

Loading...

The tweet was deleted by the author.

But we saved everything 🙂.

Metaplanet focuses on investing in digital economy infrastructure, including blockchain, Web3, and digital assets. The company is not just buying Bitcoin — it presents itself as a bridge between crypto strategy and Japan’s traditional corporate sector.

As part of its broader vision, Metaplanet also acquired the license for Bitcoin Magazine Japan earlier this year. In addition to launching the website, it has already released the first issue of the magazine.

Loading...

The tweet was deleted by the author.

But we saved everything 🙂.

Japan’s crypto future

Japan is steadily becoming one of the most progressive nations in the world when it comes to digital assets. The country is carving its own path: cautious about launching Bitcoin reserves but proactive in building a solid crypto infrastructure, lowering taxes, and fostering a supportive environment for new market players. The early results of this strategy are already visible — just look at Metaplanet, which is quickly becoming a symbol of Japan’s crypto transformation.

If reforms continue at this pace and government support deepens, Japan could soon emerge as a major force in the global crypto economy. It’s no longer just a crypto-friendly jurisdiction — it’s an ambitious player aiming to fully integrate digital assets into its national economic fabric.

This material may contain third-party opinions, none of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer. While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners.