Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama expressed her strong endorsement for integrating cryptocurrency trading into the country’s stock exchanges, dubbing 2026 as the “digital year,” as reported by the Japanese crypto news outlet Coinpost.
At a ceremony in Tokyo on January 5, marking the first trading session of the year, Katayama highlighted that regulated exchanges will be pivotal in boosting crypto adoption. “To allow the public to benefit from digital and blockchain assets, the role of securities and commodity exchanges is vital,” she stated.
Currently, digital asset trading in Japan is primarily segregated from conventional capital markets. This division has characterized Japan’s regulatory stance, with digital assets traditionally overseen by the Payment Services Act instead of securities law. However, discussions are underway about potentially shifting cryptocurrencies into the securities framework that governs stocks and bonds to more accurately align with their usage and regulations.
Katayama also referenced international examples, noting the growing popularity of crypto investment products in the U.S. “In the U.S., through ETF structures, they’ve gained popularity as a hedge against inflation, and similar initiatives are anticipated in Japan,” she mentioned, indicating a readiness for more mainstream crypto investment options.
Her remarks coincide with the Japan Financial Services Agency’s efforts to revamp crypto regulation and taxation by the fiscal year 2026, which includes proposals to reorganize crypto gains into a simpler tax structure and connect various digital assets more closely with traditional financial products. Industry stakeholders have long argued that these reforms are essential to retain crypto activities within Japan.
As Finance Minister, Katayama affirmed her commitment to support exchanges in developing innovative fintech and technologically advanced trading environments, reinforcing the government’s transition from cautious oversight to structured integration.
