Shigeru Ishiba: Japan’s Future Prime Minister
Shigeru Ishiba, recently elected as the head of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is set to assume the role of Prime Minister next week. He has unveiled his administration’s commitment to pro-blockchain and NFT policies, indicating a significant shift towards integrating modern technologies into Japan’s economy.
Appointment of Masaaki Taira
In a proactive move, Ishiba will appoint Masaaki Taira, the current chief of the LDP’s web3 task force, as the new Minister of Digital Affairs. Taira has been vocal about leveraging blockchain technologies, emphasizing their potential to enhance Japan’s economic landscape, particularly in rural regions.
Boosting Regional Economies through Blockchain and NFTs
Ishiba articulated his vision for the application of blockchain and NFTs in an official policy document. He asserts that these technologies can play a pivotal role in revitalizing regional economies by enhancing the value of local products, including food and tourism experiences. “Using blockchain technology, NFTs, and more, we will look to maximize the value of a multitude of analog local products, such as food and tourism experiences,” Ishiba stated, underlining his goal to restore and elevate these products to global standards.
Support from the Crypto Industry
This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts from various crypto industry groups, which have consistently advocated for the utilization of NFTs and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) as means to stimulate rural economic development. Taira has previously elaborated on the importance of using NFTs to raise the international profile of Japanese intellectual property assets, which could further contribute to Japan’s cultural and economic strength.
Tax System Reforms for Startups
Taira has also highlighted the necessity for reforms in Japan’s tax system to better support crypto startups. He noted that the current taxation framework “is not optimized” for contemporary startup needs, particularly relating to the issuance and holding of lesser-known tokens. At a recent web3 conference, he remarked on the challenges faced by accounting firms when auditing these startups, revealing an urgent need for modernization in this area.
Upcoming General Election
As Ishiba prepares to take office, he has announced plans to call for a general election on October 27. The LDP has been a dominant force in Japanese politics since its inception in 1955, with only brief interruptions in the 1990s and early 2010s. Many analysts believe the LDP will maintain its majority in the lower house after the elections.
Bridging the Digital Divide
The proposed policy document also emphasizes the importance of creating “regions with zero digital divides.” Ishiba envisions leveraging digital resources and enhancing overall digitalization to ensure equitable access across Japan. Furthermore, he plans to address the issue of business over-concentration in Tokyo by encouraging entrepreneurial ventures in regional areas, thus maximizing their potential for growth.