#Finance

Japan Fintech Week 2026: What FINOPITCH Reveals About Japan’s Fintech Shift

Inside the historic Kanze Noh Theater in Tokyo, FINOPITCH 2026 unfolded in quiet intensity. On a stage known for slow, deliberate movement and layered meaning, startups from Japan and abroad stepped forward one by one, presenting their technologies and services. JETRO guest reports.

FinTech Funding Hits Lowest Level in Q1 2026, Concentrated on Late-Stage Growth Firms

2026 Japanese Economic Outlook: Growth Expected at 0.8%

Navigating Japan’s fintech landscape: a practical guide for global entrepreneurs

Japan’s fintech sector is entering a new phase. Backed by government growth strategies, regulatory reform, and structural macroeconomic shifts, the country offers a distinctive opportunity for international startups and investors. This article provides an overview of what global entrepreneurs should know.

Japan’s Stablecoin Landscape: Regulation, Innovation, and the Road Ahead (part 2/2)

This article explores the growing significance of stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar or Japanese yen—in both the United States and Japan. While adoption in the U.S. has surged, with new legislation like the GENIUS Act supporting the ecosystem, Japan has taken a regulatory leadership role, having first defined crypto assets in 2017. The article reviews Japan’s legal framework under the Payment Services Act (PSA) and the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA), recent amendments, and the emergence of local stablecoin initiatives. It also highlights future prospects for stablecoin-based payments.

Japan’s Stablecoin Landscape: Regulation, Innovation, and the Road Ahead (part 1/2)

Japan has played a pioneering role in regulating cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. While stablecoins like USDT and USDC reach over $235 billion globally, Japan is still in early adoption stages. The country first legally defined crypto assets in 2017 under the Payment Services Act (PSA). A 2023 amendment introduced the first stablecoin regulations, marking a key milestone. Alongside, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA) governs security tokens and blockchain-based financial products. With cashless payments now at 42.8%, experts see stablecoins as the next step in Japan’s digital payment evolution, supported by progressive legal and technological frameworks.

Daniel Brown, Founder of Meidansha

Daniel Brown, founder and CEO of **Meidansha**, shares his entrepreneurial journey in Japan. Originally from Australia, he came to Japan in 2003, worked in finance, and later co-founded a 3D virtual tour company in Osaka. After his partner’s passing, he continued running the business alone. Daniel reflects on cultural and professional lessons—how being a foreigner can be both a challenge and an advantage in Japan’s business world. His key advice: focus on purpose, not just profit. Genuine passion earns trust and lasting connections, especially in Japan’s relationship-driven business culture.

Kansai Mirai Bank makes first investment from startup support fund

Hololive’s IPO: why a virtual talent agency became a real‐world market darling

On March 27, 2023, Cover Corporation, the operator of Hololive, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Growth Market with a market capitalization of 70 billion yen. This marked the world's first IPO for a company specializing in virtual talent. The company's vertically integrated “content × tech” model, which includes owning avatar IP and in-house development of motion capture and streaming infrastructure, was recognized by the capital market.

Tokyo, the heart of Japan

An explanation of the innovation ecosystem that is spreading in Tokyo, the premier destination for start-ups.

Tohoku Bank becomes first regional bank to join carbon credit consortium

Women in Tech Global Summit

Join us for the 4th annual Women in Tech Global Summit in Osaka, Japan, from April 23-25, 2025!

Development Bank of Japan analyzes startups in Tohoku

Fukuoka: A city connected to the world

Japan is a distinctively shaped nation; a gracefully curving archipelago that is considerably longer than it is wide. As a result, its major cities form a chain along the length of the country, connected by highways and the tracks of the famous shinkansen bullet train. Fukuoka City is the westernmost of these metropolises, located on the island of Kyushu.

Habitto raises 1.8 billion yen in Series A funding

Ministry of Justice considers relaxing regulations to support startups

Iwate Prefecture takes steps to management guarantee.

Tokyo Financial Information & Technology Summit 2024

Tokyo Financial Information & Technology Summit in its 12th edition is the only annual gathering of technology, data, trading and operations experts working in Japanese banks and buy-side firms.

Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo to be designated as 'special financial and asset management zones'

Corporate bankruptcies in Japan highest in five years in wake of COVID

FIN/SUM2023 Fintech, the era of “Neoteric Individual”

FIN/SUM is a fin-tech conference organised by NIKKEI and Financial Services Agency.

Japan Summit - Winter/Spring 2023 Batch @Tokyo and Kyoto

The Summit is the culmination of a three-month accelerator program in which Plug and Play Japan

Fintech investment fund formed by Japanese/Indonesian bank collaboration