A sweeping bill that could redefine the position of digital assets within Japan’s financial system is progressing through parliament. This legislation proposes moving Bitcoin and Ether from their current classification as payment instruments to a framework similar to securities. If enacted, the law is expected to deliver a sharp reduction in tax rates, tighter market oversight, and a clear legal foundation for regulated investment products.
The legislative process and regulatory scope
Japan’s lower house of parliament approved the bill on Thursday and sent it to the upper chamber for further consideration. Political analysts suggest the new framework could come into effect as early as next year after final ratification. The proposal amends the country’s Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, bringing crypto assets under the purview of traditional financial regulation.
The bill calls for reclassifying crypto assets from payment-based instruments to financial assets, aligning trading rules, transparency requirements, and supervision standards more closely with those of the stock market.
With these changes, rules for trading behavior, public disclosure, and regulatory oversight are set to converge with those found in equity markets. The proposal also grants regulators broader authority to act against insider trading and market manipulation—two persistent concerns in the crypto space.
Japan was among the world’s first countries to establish a licensing framework for crypto following exchange collapses and inconsistent tax practices in previous years. The new proposal is seen as part of an ongoing effort to provide a more defined and comprehensive structure amid heightened interest from both institutional investors and individual users.
The potential for Bitcoin ETFs
Under the draft law, Bitcoin would be officially classified as a financial asset, which could provide exchanges and asset managers with a stronger legal basis to offer crypto-linked investment products. As a result, regulated Bitcoin ETFs might finally become possible in Japan.
A quick primer: ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund, which allows investors to track the price movements of an asset without directly purchasing it, using their standard brokerage accounts.
The Japan Exchange Group, the country’s main exchange operator, is reported to be readying for the introduction of crypto-tracking ETFs as early as next year. Such a move could make it easier for investors to access Bitcoin through established, regulated market infrastructure.
Metaplanet, a Japan-based publicly traded company, has recently drawn attention for amassing more than 40,000 Bitcoin. According to sources, the launch of ETF products could spark direct competition with such corporate treasury strategies, making Japan a high-stakes battleground for institutional Bitcoin holdings.
Ether, tax cuts, and exchange impact
The bill proposes an identical classification for Ether, which will also be deemed a financial asset. Most notably, the current tax regime—where crypto profits in some cases are taxed up to 55%—will be replaced by a flat 20% rate. Tax relief is expected in 2028, with the broader regulatory framework likely to come into force sooner.
Stablecoins are not included in this legislation and will continue to be regulated under existing payment services rules. The report adds that Japan granted approval for its first yen-based stablecoin, JPYC, in fall 2025, with major banks launching new stablecoin projects in parallel.
The new rules will not only reshape investment products but also intensify industry oversight. Maximum prison sentences for operating an unlicensed crypto business will rise from three to ten years. The law aims to introduce penalties for insider trading in the crypto market similar to those for public securities. As of April 1, there are 27 licensed crypto exchanges in Japan, but stricter compliance and regulatory pressures are expected to drive mergers and market exits among smaller platforms.
