Japan PM Takaichi Backs Web3 Startups, No New Crypto Fund

Japan is also revising rules for digital assets. As crypto.news reported in June, lawmakers were advancing a bill that could apply a 20% tax rate to crypto gains and create a route for domestic crypto exchange-traded funds. The planned tax treatment would place crypto closer to stocks and bonds. The changes are not yet fully in force. The report said the tax provisions could start in 2028.

Private programs have added another source of support. Ripple and Web3 Salon launched grants of up to $200,000 for selected Japanese teams building on the XRP Ledger. The program targets payments, tokenized assets and decentralized finance projects. Web3 Salon receives support from the Japan External Trade Organization. These grants operate separately from Takaichi's package. They show how public agencies and private companies now work with startup founders.

Takaichi's message followed appearances by previous prime ministers at the same conference. Fumio Kishida addressed WebX by video in 2024 and linked blockchain to social and economic policy. Shigeru Ishiba appeared in person in 2025 and backed investment support and rule changes for Web3 and artificial intelligence. The repeated participation gives the industry access to senior officials. Speeches do not guarantee new laws or funding.

Takaichi said government measures and WebX could jointly encourage people to launch new projects. “Japan’s innovation ecosystem will develop further,” she said. The statement sets a broad policy direction. It leaves details to ministries, regulators and financial institutions.

Japan’s next steps will include carrying out the startup package and completing crypto legislation. Ministries and financial regulators will handle the detailed rules and funding programs. Whether new funding reaches early-stage companies and supports products used outside conference venues remains to be seen.