Policy & Regulation·Feb 11, 2026
Japan’s election landslide signals crypto tailwinds as TradFi tests 24/7 stablecoin markets
Japan is moving aggressively to cement its status as a global hub for digital assets. A decisive election victory for the ruling party has cleared the legislative runway for sweeping crypto tax reforms, while the country's largest financial institutions are simultaneously preparing to test blockchain-based securities trading. For global investors, these developments signal a deepening integration of blockchain technology into Japan's traditional financial infrastructure.Photo by PJH on UnsplashElection win seen as pro-cryptoPrime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party secured a majority in the recent general election. According to local media outlet CoinPost, the digital asset industry views this political stability as a positive signal, as pro-crypto initiatives such as a tax overhaul might otherwise have faced legislative obstacles. Currently, crypto profits in Japan are classified as miscellaneous income and taxed at punitive rates of up to 55%. Under the proposed framework, digital assets would be reclassified under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and become subject to a flat 20% capital gains tax, bringing them in line with traditional equity investments. However, officials have noted that full implementation will require a preparation period of approximately two years to ensure exchanges and self-regulatory organizations can fully adapt to the new legal framework. Additionally, Prime Minister Takaichi’s expansionary fiscal policies are expected to drive risk-on market sentiment. For foreign investors, any potential yen depreciation resulting from these macroeconomic policies could inflate yen-denominated crypto prices, creating unique arbitrage opportunities. Brokerages pilot blockchain tradingSeparately, according to a Nikkei report, Japan’s top brokerages—Nomura and Daiwa—are partnering with the nation’s three megabanks (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho) to launch a blockchain-based securities trading platform, in a bid to modernize the country’s capital markets. The project will allow investors to buy and sell stocks, government and corporate bonds, and mutual funds using fiat-pegged stablecoins. The pilot is slated to begin this month, with a commercial rollout targeted for the coming years. This stablecoin initiative bypasses traditional exchange hours, enabling continuous trading and real-time settlement. While the U.S. recently transitioned to a next-day settlement cycle, moving to instant blockchain settlement would allow Japan to leapfrog Western markets and eliminate time-zone friction for foreign capital. The move aligns with a broader push by Japanese corporate giants to utilize stablecoins for both wholesale and retail transactions. Regulators tighten cybersecurityIn a more recent report, CoinPost noted that the Financial Services Agency has drafted new guidelines aimed at upgrading the cybersecurity posture of domestic crypto exchanges, as part of efforts to safeguard Japan’s rapidly expanding digital economy. The regulator cited a shift in the global threat landscape, warning that cold wallets alone are no longer sufficient against recent cryptocurrency breaches, which have involved hackers using sophisticated social engineering tactics and third-party partners as entry points for attacks. The proposed defense strategy centers on more rigorous security requirements, enhanced industry collaboration, and government-led stress testing. By year-end, all virtual asset service providers will be required to conduct formal cybersecurity self-assessments, while facing stricter regulatory scrutiny of third-party audits and security personnel. Additionally, regulators plan to conduct real-world penetration testing on select firms and share the findings across the sector to strengthen security overall.
