Minister Supports Crypto at WebX 2025
Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said cryptocurrencies deserve a place in diversified investment portfolios, despite their volatility. Speaking at the Web3 Conference WebX 2025 in Tokyo, Kato stressed the importance of building a secure trading environment to accommodate the growing number of crypto users.
“While crypto assets carry the risk of high volatility, by establishing a proper investment environment, they can become an option for diversified investment,” he said.
Push for Crypto Tax Reform
The statement followed a request from Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) to revise crypto taxation. Currently, crypto gains are taxed as miscellaneous income at rates ranging from 15% to 56%. The FSA has proposed a flat tax rate of about 20.315%, similar to stock investments, to encourage broader participation in the sector.
Metaplanet’s Market Upgrade
Japan’s Bitcoin treasury company Metaplanet has been upgraded from small-cap to mid-cap status in FTSE Russell’s September 2025 Semi-Annual Review. The move will include Metaplanet in the FTSE Japan Index, highlighting crypto’s growing role in Japan’s financial landscape.
Finance Giants Embrace Blockchain
Japanese financial heavyweights are deepening their blockchain involvement. SBI Group recently partnered with Chainlink to develop tools for Asia’s financial institutions. SBI has also formed partnerships with Circle, Ripple, and Startale to strengthen its Web3 ecosystem.
Stablecoins on the Horizon
Reports indicate that Japan’s FSA may approve yen-denominated stablecoins as early as this fall, marking another milestone in the country’s push to integrate digital assets into mainstream finance.
