Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the attendees of the WebX 2026 conference in Tokyo via video message, underlining the government’s strong support for startups and the growth o
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the attendees of the WebX 2026 conference in Tokyo via video message, underlining the government’s strong support for startups and the growth of the Web3 sector.
WebX 2026 stood out as one of Asia’s largest gatherings for Web3 and blockchain stakeholders, expecting to host around 15,000 participants this year. Prime Minister Takaichi described the conference as an important networking platform connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and organizations focused on practical blockchain use cases.
Takaichi explained that Web3 forms an integral part of Japan’s broader innovation agenda, not simply a distinct cryptocurrency initiative. She commended WebX for helping link startups with capital and for providing a space to discuss new-generation digital services.
Her remarks described WebX as “an indispensable venue that enables emerging businesses, investors, and innovators to build momentum for next-generation services.”
Although her address emphasized commitment to developing the ecosystem, she did not announce any new funding programs or immediate changes to the regulatory framework for digital assets.
Takaichi referred to Japan’s Comprehensive Startup Support Package, introduced in May 2025. This package builds on the Five-Year Startup Development Plan initiated in 2022 and seeks to expand capital formation through government-backed funds alongside increased lending by banks.
The support package includes regulatory adjustments designed to help new ventures scale, increase hiring, and access wider markets. Japan’s long-term objective is to reach approximately 10 trillion yen in annual startup investment by fiscal year 2027. Government leaders also aim to establish 100 unicorn companies and create 100,000 startups across the country.
Official policy documents set out plans for “transforming Japan into a leading entrepreneurial hub for Asia, underpinned by major investment and a robust startup ecosystem.”
However, Takaichi did not commit to specific dates for these goals, saying the speed of progress depends on investment activity and effective rollout of policies.
Japan is also advancing measures to update its digital asset regulations. Lawmakers have put forward proposals to establish a flat 20% tax rate on profits from cryptocurrencies. If implemented, the new tax structure would align cryptocurrency tax treatment with that of stocks and bonds in Japan, aiming to encourage mainstream adoption.
The legislative package may include approval for domestic cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These changes, if passed, could take effect in 2028.
In addition to government initiatives, private companies continue to boost the Web3 ecosystem. Payment protocol provider Ripple, along with Web3 Salon, announced grant funding of up to $200,000 for Japanese software developers building applications on the XRP Ledger. These grants are targeted at solutions for payments, asset tokenization, and decentralized finance. Web3 Salon is supported by the Japan External Trade Organization.
These private sector grant programs operate separately from government projects but signal strong and ongoing collaboration between public agencies and commercial players.
Prime Minister Takaichi’s involvement aligns with a pattern set by past Japanese prime ministers, whose active participation has created direct channels between the government and Japan’s fast-growing digital industries. Nonetheless, official statements of support do not immediately guarantee funding or new legislation.
Upcoming efforts will focus on completing the planned startup support measures, finalizing crypto-related legal frameworks, and ensuring investment initiatives deliver capital to early-stage businesses.
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