#数字资产动态追踪 Japan's Financial Regulators Strike Again! The Cryptocurrency Market Sentiment Turns

Recently, actions from the island nation have been quite aggressive. Japanese Finance Minister Shōgetsu Katayama publicly expressed support for integrating crypto assets into the traditional financial system. This is not just talk—supportive tax reform plans are already underway.

What does this policy shift mean? Simply put, the old perception of "cryptocurrencies as gambling toys" has been completely overturned. Now, Japanese authorities officially recognize: this is an essential part of future payments, settlements, and asset digitization. The doors between traditional finance and the crypto world are officially opening.

The regulatory framework is also being upgraded. While encouraging innovation, risk control measures are being put in place—this "integrated regulation" logic is quite clear: innovation is welcome, but within a rules-based framework. As a result, large institutions are finally willing to enter with confidence.

The most critical aspect is the 2026 tax reform plan. This time, the changes are significant:

Tax rates are being cut from 55% directly down to 20%. Sounds exaggerated? But this means that profits from trading Bitcoin and Ethereum on compliant exchanges will be taxed similarly to stock trading, officially removing crypto assets from the awkward "miscellaneous income" category.

Three details are worth noting. Losses can be used to offset taxes, and trading losses within three years can offset profits—this is a positive for long-term holders. But remember, only mainstream coins on licensed exchanges will enjoy these benefits; NFTs and staking yields are still on the heavy tax list. As for transferring assets to overseas wallets? Be cautious of the "exit tax" hurdle.

Why is Japan so eager? It boils down to three words: talent acquisition, project competition, and market liquidity. Singapore and Hong Kong have attracted a lot of hot money in crypto over the years, and Japan wants to reclaim this piece of the pie. They are also paving the way for the launch of spot crypto ETFs.

The impact on market participants is also quite direct. Long-term players on compliant Japanese exchanges are definitely benefiting from this wave. But DeFi and NFT players might need to hold on a bit longer. From a broader perspective, the Asian crypto ecosystem is about to be reshuffled.

A wave of policy dividends paired with a regulatory framework—Japan’s move is a classic example of giving with one hand and setting rules with the other. How the market will digest this information? That’s up to everyone to judge.