Japan is preparing its most significant policy update for the cryptocurrency sector in years, moving to overhaul its tax treatment of digital asset gains by proposing a flat 20% levy, according to a report by Nikkei.
The landmark proposal, backed by the government and the ruling coalition, aims to align crypto profits with the tax framework currently applied to equities and investment trusts. If adopted, it would represent a substantial reduction from the current progressive rates that can reach as high as 55% for retail investors.
The shift reflects a growing view among Japanese regulators that cryptocurrencies have matured into a mainstream investment class. Under the proposal, crypto profits would be moved under Japan’s separate-taxation framework, treating them independently from wages and business earnings.
The 20% tax would be split between the national government (15%) and regional authorities (5%). This move is expected to significantly ease the financial burden on domestic traders, which has long been cited as a major deterrent to market activity.
The new policy is anticipated to be included in the 2026 tax reform package, which is typically finalized by the end of December.
The tax relief proposal comes amid steady growth in the country’s regulated crypto market. The Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association recently reported that spot trading volumes on local exchanges surpassed $9.6 billion in September, demonstrating the market’s growing domestic appetite despite the current high tax ceiling.
This major regulatory move is expected to boost participation and further legitimize the digital asset sector within Japan’s financial landscape.
