Japan’s Finance Minister Calls 2026 the ‘First Year of Digitalization,’ Backs Crypto via Stock Exchanges

Japan is laying the groundwork for the deeper integration of digital assets into its financial system.

In a New Year’s address delivered at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama outlined the government’s support for bringing blockchain-based assets closer to traditional financial markets, according to CoinPost. Her remarks framed digital finance as an increasingly central component of Japan’s economic strategy.

Exchanges Positioned at the Center of Digital Finance

Expanding on that vision, Katayama emphasized the role of stock and commodity exchanges as pivotal institutions in the transition. She described exchanges as essential gateways that can broaden public access to digital assets while preserving market stability.

By emphasizing the significance of these platforms, the government signals a structured, institution-driven approach to adopting digital assets. Consequently, this underscores a preference for regulated implementation over unchecked expansion.

To illustrate potential pathways, Katayama pointed to developments overseas. She cited the United States, where crypto exchange-traded funds have gained traction, particularly as instruments to manage inflation risk. Although Japan does not yet offer domestic crypto ETFs, the comparison underscored possible models for future policy consideration.

Long-Term Vision Anchored to 2026

Katayama tied these near-term ideas to a longer-term digital strategy. She designated 2026 as Japan’s “digital year” and pledged full government support for exchanges developing advanced trading systems powered by modern technology.

This long-term approach suggests that Japan intends to integrate digital assets gradually and in a measured manner. Rather than enacting abrupt regulatory changes, the country seeks to incorporate them within the existing market infrastructure.

Digital Assets Within a Broader Reform Agenda

The finance minister also connected financial innovation to Japan’s wider economic challenges. She described the current year as a critical turning point, particularly in tackling long-standing issues such as deflation through fiscal policy and investment in growth-oriented sectors.

Within that broader context, digital finance was positioned as one component of a comprehensive economic reform agenda rather than a standalone initiative.

Regulatory Momentum Built Over the Past Year

Katayama’s forward-looking comments follow a series of concrete regulatory developments over the past year.

For instance, in October, Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) discussed proposals that would allow banks to trade and hold cryptocurrencies alongside traditional assets such as government bonds and stocks.

During the same period, regulators approved JPYC, Japan’s first yen-pegged stablecoin, marking a milestone in the domestic digital currency market.

Regulatory momentum persisted in November. During that period, the FSA finalized plans to classify 105 major cryptocurrencies as financial products under existing legislation. Notably, the assets covered include Bitcoin and Ethereum, a move that could significantly expand their role within conventional financial services.

Alongside these regulatory changes, policymakers are also reviewing Japan’s tax treatment of digital assets. Crypto-related gains are currently taxed at rates of up to 55 percent, but authorities are considering reducing that figure to 20 percent, aligning digital assets more closely with other investment categories.