Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to Web3 and blockchain innovation, highlighting the sector’s role in Japan’s broader startup strategy rather than announcing new crypto-specific policies.
Speaking through a video message at WebX 2026 in Tokyo, Takaichi described the event as an important platform connecting startups, investors, and businesses looking to build practical blockchain applications. The conference is expected to attract around 15,000 participants, making it one of Asia’s largest Web3 events.
Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Reaffirms Startup and Web3 Support at WebX 2026
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in a video address at WebX 2026 that the government will strengthen startup support through measures including increased funding from government-backed funds and… pic.twitter.com/N5tuYGZIbw
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) July 13, 2026
She said government policies and industry gatherings like WebX can help create new business partnerships and strengthen Japan’s innovation ecosystem.
What does Japan’s Web3 strategy mean for crypto?
Rather than unveiling new funding or regulatory measures, Takaichi tied Web3 development to Japan’s long-term startup agenda.
She pointed to the government’s Comprehensive Startup Support Package, introduced in May 2025, which expands the Five-Year Startup Development Plan launched in 2022. The program aims to increase access to capital through government-backed funds and financial institutions while easing regulations that make it easier for startups to grow, hire employees, and expand into larger markets.
Japan is targeting annual startup investment of about 10 trillion yen by fiscal 2027. The bigger plan also seeks to establish the country as a leading startup hub in Asia, with long-term goals of creating 100 unicorn companies and 100,000 startups.
Takaichi did not announce a timeline for the measures or introduce new grants dedicated to the crypto industry.
Will Japan’s crypto reforms benefit the industry?
Japan is continuing work on digital asset regulations alongside its startup initiatives.
Lawmakers are reviewing legislation that would reduce the tax rate on crypto gains to 20%, aligning digital assets more closely with stocks and bonds. The proposed reforms also include a framework that could allow domestic crypto exchange-traded funds. If approved, the tax changes are expected to take effect in 2028.
Private sector support is also expanding. Ripple and Web3 Salon recently launched a grant program offering up to $200,000 for selected Japanese developers building on the XRP Ledger.
The initiative focuses on payments, tokenized assets, and decentralized finance projects, with support from the Japan External Trade Organization.
Government support for Web3 remains steady
Takaichi’s appearance continues a pattern of high-level government participation at WebX.
Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed the conference in 2024, while Shigeru Ishiba attended in person in 2025, both backing blockchain innovation and Web3 development.
Although Takaichi did not introduce new crypto policies during her speech, her remarks signal that Japan intends to keep Web3 and blockchain as part of its wider economic and startup strategy.
The next phase will depend on implementing the startup package, finalizing crypto legislation, and ensuring funding reaches early-stage companies developing real-world blockchain products.
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