Japan Finance Minister Champions Digital Asset Integration on Stock Exchanges

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Japan’s Finance Minister, Satsuki Katayama, voiced firm support for bringing digital assets into the mainstream financial system during her New Year’s address at the Tokyo Stock Exchange. She emphasized the vital role exchanges must play in broadening public access to blockchain-based assets.

In her remarks, reported by CoinPost, Katayama pointed to developments in the US, where crypto exchange-traded funds have gained popularity as inflation hedges, suggesting a similar path could unfold in Japan. The nation currently has no domestic crypto ETFs available for local investors.

The minister declared 2026 a “digital year,” pledging full government support for stock and commodity exchanges to build an innovative, technology-driven trading environment. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to leverage new asset classes.

Beyond crypto integration, Katayama stated this year would be a “turning point” for tackling Japan’s persistent economic challenges, like deflation, through targeted fiscal policy and investments in growth sectors.