Japanese Prime Minister reaffirms strong support for Web3 industry

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the country plans to become a leader in web3 innovation and reaffirmed the government’s strong support for the blockchain and crypto industry.

Kishida made the remarks during his keynote address at the WebX2024 conference on Aug. 28. He also emphasized Japan’s proactive approach during the talk, noting that the country has implemented significant regulatory measures to help nurture the ecosystem.

Supportive reforms

Kishida highlighted the government’s recent tax reforms as a cornerstone of Japan’s strategy to support Web3 startups and noted that the industry has been growing since the changes.

Among these reforms is the elimination of taxes on unrealized crypto gains, a move aimed at reducing financial pressures on emerging companies and encouraging innovation in the sector. By easing these burdens, Japan hopes to attract both domestic and international entrepreneurs to its burgeoning Web3 ecosystem.

Kishida also discussed new legislative changes that allow limited partnership firms to invest in and hold digital assets. The new rules are expected to significantly boost domestic investment in Web3 ventures, which has been a key focus of the government’s efforts to position Japan as a global hub for blockchain innovation.

The Prime Minister also referenced a government white paper that explores the potential of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and suggests creating a legal framework to recognize their status, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for Web3​

‘New Capitalism’

Kishida linked the government’s support for Web3 technologies to his broader “New Capitalism” policy, which aims to balance economic growth with social welfare by leveraging innovative technologies to address societal challenges.

He highlighted how Web3 and blockchain technologies could play a pivotal role in this vision by fostering financial inclusion, revitalizing the content industry, and enabling new forms of intellectual property management. Kishida described them as crucial tools for driving innovation and solving social issues, which are central to his economic agenda.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that “New Capitalism” is about more than just economic policies; it’s about creating a society where innovation leads to tangible improvements in people’s lives. He framed Web3 as an essential component of this strategy, noting that its potential to revolutionize various industries aligns with the goals of his administration’s economic reform efforts.

Kishida praised the private sector’s rapid adoption of Web3 technologies, noting that several major corporations have already begun integrating blockchain solutions into their business models. He emphasized the government’s proactive stance, designed to complement these developments and ensure that Japan remains at the forefront of global technological innovation.