Japan

Metaplanet CEO dismisses bitcoin sale rumors, confirms 43,000 BTC holdings, and reaffirms commitment to long-term accumulation strategy.

JPYC raises $38M to expand Web3 ecosystem and accelerate JPYC stablecoin adoption.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s intervention in yen exchange rates has sent shockwaves through global financial markets, signaling what the Financial Times calls a new era of US ‘currency activism’ that breaks decades of non-intervention precedent.

US Treasury Secretary Bessent and the Federal Reserve have helped Japan reverse months of yen depreciation in a rare coordinated move.

According to Reuters, a strong earthquake in Japan has injured at least 50 people and severely disrupted power and transportation in affected areas. Rescue operations are underway.

A Japanese town has sparked heated debate and protests over plans to build its first mosque. The incident highlights Japan’s challenge of integrating new cultures and religions as it increasingly relies on foreign workers.

Core Summary Japan’s parliament has passed a controversial bill limiting imperial succession rights to male members only. This decision has triggered extensive debate both domestically and internationally, touching on issues of gender equality, preservation of traditional culture, and the future of the imperial household. Event Details According to the Associated Press, Japan’s parliament has officially passed legislation restricting imperial succession to male members. This decision concludes years of intense debate over whether female emperors should be permitted. ...

Core Summary Japan’s parliament passed a landmark cryptocurrency tax reform bill on July 15, dramatically reducing the tax rate on crypto assets from the current maximum of 55% under the comprehensive income tax to a separate rate of approximately 20%, aligning with rates applied to stocks and foreign exchange. The reform fundamentally reclassifies crypto assets from “miscellaneous income” to “financial products,” removing the biggest institutional barrier to Japan’s crypto industry growth. ...

Core Summary Japan’s largest credit card network JCB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with stablecoin issuer Circle to explore using USDC stablecoin for cross-border payments and merchant transactions. This marks an important step for Japan in integrating stablecoins into everyday commerce, potentially covering approximately 40 million merchants. Details CoinDesk reported on July 14 that JCB and Circle will collaborate on research into how USDC can support cross-border payments and merchant transactions. As Japan accelerates efforts to bring stablecoins into everyday commerce, this partnership will provide Japanese merchants with more efficient and lower-cost payment solutions. The combination of JCB’s extensive merchant network and Circle’s technical expertise in stablecoins is expected to drive further adoption of stablecoins in the Asian market. ...

Core Summary According to The New York Times and Al Jazeera, Japan has formally established its first national intelligence agency since the end of World War II, with a budget of $407 million and a personnel strength of 33,000. This historic move marks a major turning point in Japan’s security policy, aimed at addressing increasingly complex regional security threats and ending Japan’s longstanding embarrassment as what the intelligence community has called a “spy paradise.” ...