Japan’s Minister Declares 2026 as Digital Year for Finance Reform

• Japan plans to integrate digital assets into traditional markets, citing U.S. crypto ETFs as a model for 2026 reforms.
• The FSA is reclassifying crypto as financial products, paving the way for ETFs, bank trading and tokenized assets.
• Proposed tax cuts and stablecoin approvals signal Japan’s push to make digital finance a mainstream investment pillar.

Japan’s Finance Minister, Satsuki Katayama, designated 2026 as the “digital year”. She highlighted plans to integrate digital assets into traditional markets, citing the U.S. crypto ETF model. Katayama pledged government support to exchanges building innovative trading systems using blockchain technology.

Support for Digital Assets and Exchanges

Katayama emphasized stock and commodity exchanges as central to Japan’s digital finance strategy. She noted these platforms can expand public access to blockchain-based assets while maintaining market stability.

The minister highlighted the potential of digital assets for portfolio diversification, referencing the success of crypto ETFs in the United States. Katayama’s comments coincide with ongoing reforms led by the Financial Services Agency (FSA), aimed at reclassifying cryptocurrencies under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.

Japan currently lacks domestic crypto ETFs, but Katayama indicated that 2026 may see the introduction of crypto-inclusive investment products. Asset managers, including Nomura and SBI, are preparing crypto-integrated investment trusts pending FSA approval. She also pointed to companies like Metaplanet incorporating Bitcoin into treasuries as an example of blending digital assets with traditional stock strategies.

Regulatory Momentum and Tax Reform

Over the past year, Japan advanced several regulatory changes to integrate digital finance. In October 2025, the FSA considered allowing banks to trade and hold cryptocurrencies alongside stocks and government bonds.

The same month, Japan approved its first yen-pegged stablecoin, JPYC. In November, the FSA finalized plans to classify 105 major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, as financial products, enhancing transparency and institutional participation.

Authorities are also reviewing cryptocurrency taxation, proposing a reduction from 55% to 20% in 2026. Katayama linked these measures to broader economic reforms, aiming to address structural challenges like deflation while fostering investment in growth sectors. The changes signal Japan’s intent to make digital finance a mainstream component of its financial system.

Digital Integration in Financial Markets

Katayama stressed that digital assets will coexist with traditional investments, including stocks and bonds. Exchanges and banks are expected to adopt regulatory frameworks enabling secure trading, tokenized securities, and hybrid investment products.

These initiatives aim to boost liquidity, attract institutional participation, and modernize the Tokyo Stock Exchange. By framing 2026 as a turning point, Japan positions itself to combine fintech innovation with established financial infrastructure.