Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba described Bitcoin as a "once-in-a-century opportunity" during his keynote at the WebX 2025 conference, marking the strongest endorsement of cryptocurrency by a sitting Japanese leader and signaling a potential shift in how the government views digital assets.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba described Bitcoin as a "once-in-a-century opportunity" during his keynote at the WebX 2025 conference, marking the strongest endorsement of cryptocurrency by a sitting Japanese leader and signaling a potential shift in how the government views digital assets.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called Bitcoin a "once-in-a-century opportunity" during his keynote speech at the WebX 2025 conference in Tokyo on Saturday, the highest-profile endorsement of digital assets by a sitting Group of Seven leader.
"Bitcoin represents a once-in-a-century opportunity for Japan to redefine its economic future," Ishiba said, according to a transcript of his remarks at the conference. "We must embrace digital asset innovation as a cornerstone of our growth strategy."
The endorsement comes as Japan confronts a shrinking workforce that has prompted the government to plan a $65 billion push into physical artificial intelligence by 2040, according to a government document cited by local media. Ishiba's administration has been exploring digital asset policy as part of broader economic revitalization efforts, with the Financial Services Agency developing a more structured approach to crypto oversight.
The prime minister's remarks could accelerate Japan's emergence as a leading hub for Web3 innovation, potentially drawing institutional capital away from jurisdictions with less clear regulatory frameworks. For Bitcoin, a sovereign endorsement from a G7 leader adds a layer of legitimacy that may influence institutional investors weighing allocation decisions, though the direct price impact depends on subsequent policy action.
Japan's Crypto Strategy Takes Shape
Japan has long maintained one of the most structured regulatory environments for digital assets among major economies, requiring exchange registration with the FSA and enforcing strict custody and segregation rules. Ishiba's comments suggest the government may now view crypto not merely as an asset class to regulate but as a strategic tool for economic competitiveness.
The WebX conference, Asia's largest Web3 gathering, has become a platform for Japanese policymakers to signal their stance on digital assets. Previous speakers have included senior FSA officials and members of parliament, but Ishiba's appearance as sitting prime minister represents a significant escalation in political attention. The conference drew thousands of attendees from across the Asia-Pacific region, underscoring Japan's ambition to position itself as a leader in blockchain innovation.
Implications for Global Crypto Markets
Ishiba's endorsement could influence other G7 nations to reassess their own digital asset policies, according to analysts tracking regulatory developments. Japan's approach — combining rigorous investor protection rules with explicit governmental support — offers a potential model for countries seeking to balance innovation with oversight.
The compliance infrastructure that Japanese exchanges have built under the FSA's framework positions them to serve institutional clients seeking a regulated entry point into crypto markets, according to industry participants at WebX. As regulatory clarity improves globally, firms with stronger compliance frameworks are better positioned to attract institutional business, a dynamic that favors Japan's licensed exchanges.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
