Japan's FSA has detailed the shift from up to 55% income tax to a flat 20% rate on crypto gains, plus a new tax-free "Kodomo NISA" investment account for children ages 0-17. We compare Japan's reforms with US capital gains rules, the EU's MiCA framework, and the UK's Junior ISA system.
Japan's government nominated two pro-easing "reflationist" academics to the BOJ policy board, reflecting PM Takaichi's dovish stance. The move sent rate hike expectations tumbling and the Nikkei to an all-time high of ¥58,583 (+2.20%). We analyze the yen impact, bond market reaction, and how this compares to the Fed and ECB's approach to central bank independence.
Europe's largest asset manager Amundi has shifted to overweight on Japanese government bonds for the first time in 30 years. Foreign investors bought a net ¥6.04 trillion ($40 billion) in JGBs in January 2026, the second-largest monthly figure on record. We analyze how BOJ rate hikes, political stability, and diversification from US assets are driving global money into Japan's bond market.
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi reportedly pushed back against BOJ Governor Ueda's rate hike plans, sending the yen to 156 per dollar. The clash between political power and central bank independence echoes Trump versus the Fed and Erdogan versus Turkey's central bank. The BOJ went on to raise its policy rate to 1.0% in June 2026 and held there in July. Inside the US-Japan rate gap, carry trades, and how the story resolved.
Japan Fintech Week 2026 kicks off in Tokyo. From Japan's first deposit-backed stablecoin to SBI's $65M blockchain bond with XRP rewards, plus crypto regulation reform and digital yen developments. Here's what is reshaping Japan's financial future.
A field-by-field breakdown of the 17 strategic sectors PM Takaichi named in her February 20, 2026 policy speech: AI and semiconductors, fusion, content, defense and the rest, with current standing, plans and key players, plus the public-private investment roadmap released in June 2026 that runs to over 370 trillion yen through fiscal 2040.
Japan's Ministry of Economy backs MoneyX 2026, a next-gen finance conference focused on stablecoin adoption. With the world's first stablecoin regulatory framework, key players like JPYC, Progmat, and SBI are driving digital currency into real-world use. Includes comparison with the US GENIUS Act and EU's MiCA regulation.
Japan, where 99.6% of trade moves by sea, is trying to rebuild its shipbuilding industry. The Takaichi government is putting $6.5 billion of public and private money into doubling capacity by 2035. From Mitsui E&S's world-first ammonia-fueled engine to Furuno Electric's 43% global share in marine radar, and the frigate export to Australia that was formally contracted in April 2026, here is where Japanese shipbuilding stands against China and South Korea.
Japan is running its largest postwar industrial policy: over 10 trillion yen for semiconductors and AI through fiscal 2030, defense at 2% of GDP two years early, and 20 trillion yen in GX transition bonds. Rapidus at 2nm, TSMC Kumamoto's shift to 3nm, 14 niche global leaders, and where it stood in mid-2026.
Japan officially targets fusion power demonstration in the 2030s as part of its national strategy. With a new Cabinet Office task force, 80+ companies in the J-Fusion consortium, and decades of ITER expertise, Japan is accelerating its bid to lead the global fusion race against the US, China, and UK.
Trump's auto tariffs have shaken Japan's major automakers to the core. Mazda posts its first loss in 5 years, Honda's car division sees record losses. A deep dive into their earnings, the tariff damage in dollars, and early signs of recovery.