Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has made significant adjustments to his party’s approach towards web3 and cryptocurrency policy-making. These changes include the dissolution of the existing web3 Project Team and the establishment of a new, dedicated unit within the party’s Digital Society Promotion department.
New Digital Minister Takes the Lead
Masaaki Taira, the newly appointed Digital Minister, announced these changes during a forum on November 27. He emphasized that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) remains committed to promoting web3-related business activities, which have been seen as crucial for Japan’s economic growth.
The reorganization comes after the previous web3 Project Team—which was initiated by former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida—was dissolved. Kishida had championed the integration of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies into Japan’s economic framework. Under the new structure, Akihisa Shiozaki, the former Secretary-General of the web3 PT, will lead the newly formed unit.
Continuity in Pro-Web3 Initiatives
Prime Minister Ishiba has expressed his support for pro-web3 policies, indicating continuity in the government’s strategic direction. Taira, who previously headed the web3 Project Team, has also advocated for necessary reforms in Japan’s cryptocurrency tax laws, an issue that has garnered attention in recent discussions about the country’s digital economy.
On November 26, Ishiba convened the 14th meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy, further reaffirming the government’s commitment to economic reform and innovation in digital sectors.
Focus on Tax Reform and DAOs
Taira has been at the forefront of establishing crypto regulations and has been instrumental in drafting key legislation during his time under Kishida’s administration. With the leadership of Shiozaki, who has recently updated his profile on social media to reflect his new role, there remains a strong focus on advocating for tax reform and supporting Japan’s decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).
Crypto advocates are likely to view Shiozaki’s ongoing involvement with optimism, particularly since he previously spearheaded efforts for immediate tax reforms as outlined in white papers issued by the web3 Project Team.
Enhancing Local Development Projects
Furthermore, Ishiba’s election manifesto highlights the potential use of blockchain technology and NFTs in revitalizing local communities through innovative regional development projects. The manifesto articulates a vision: “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. We will do this by restoring their value to global prices.”
Following the general election on October 27, the LDP, which has been in power since 1955 with brief interruptions, retained its parliamentary control. The party’s renewed focus on digital technology and innovation reflects an adaptive strategy aimed at maintaining its dominance in Japan’s political landscape.