Japan is tying startup finance and Web3 policy more closely together. The country’s long-term plan calls for about 10 trillion yen in annual startup investment by fiscal 2027, while lawmakers also move ahead with crypto tax reform and proposals that could open the door to domestic crypto ETFs.
WebX 2026 draws attention as a policy touchpoint
WebX 2026 was presented as one of Asia’s larger gatherings for the Web3 and blockchain sector, with around 15,000 participants expected this year. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the event serves as a meeting ground for entrepreneurs, investors, and organizations focused on practical blockchain use cases. In her remarks, Web3 was framed as part of Japan’s broader innovation agenda rather than a standalone cryptocurrency issue.
Takaichi said WebX helps connect startups with capital and gives participants a place to discuss next-generation digital services. She described the event as an important venue for emerging businesses, investors, and innovators building momentum. At the same time, her address did not include any new funding package or immediate regulatory change for digital assets.
Startup support plan extends earlier policy goals
Takaichi referred to Japan’s Comprehensive Startup Support Package introduced in May 2025. That package builds on the Five-Year Startup Development Plan launched in 2022 and is designed to expand capital formation through government-backed funds and increased lending by banks.
The measures also include regulatory adjustments aimed at helping young companies scale, hire more staff, and reach broader markets. Japan’s policy goals include creating 100 unicorns and 100,000 startups nationwide. Official documents describe the effort as part of a plan to turn Japan into a leading entrepreneurial hub in Asia, though Takaichi did not give firm completion dates and said progress depends on investment activity and policy execution.
Lawmakers propose a 20% crypto tax and possible ETF approval
On digital asset regulation, lawmakers have submitted proposals that would apply a flat 20% tax rate to cryptocurrency profits. If adopted, crypto taxation in Japan would move closer to the treatment used for stocks and bonds, with the stated aim of encouraging broader adoption.
The same legislative package may also include approval for domestic cryptocurrency ETFs. According to the report, these changes could take effect in 2028 if they pass. For now, the measures remain proposals rather than enacted rules.
Ripple and Web3 Salon announce grants for XRP Ledger builders
Private companies are also adding support to Japan’s Web3 sector. Payment protocol provider Ripple and Web3 Salon said they will offer grants of up to $200,000 to Japanese software developers building applications on the XRP Ledger. The funding is aimed at projects in payments, asset tokenization, and DeFi. Web3 Salon is backed by the Japan External Trade Organization.
Those grant programs operate separately from government projects, yet they point to ongoing cooperation between public bodies and commercial participants. The next phase for Japan centers on carrying out the startup support measures already outlined, completing crypto-related legal frameworks, and channeling investment into early-stage companies.