Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s decisive election victory, securing a two-thirds majority for Japan’s ruling coalition, has triggered immediate and divergent market reactions. While propelling Japanese equities to record highs, the political outcome has simultaneously exerted short-term pressure on Bitcoin and U.S. markets as capital flows reshape. This dynamic, dubbed the “Takaichi Trade,” highlights a near-term macro headwind for crypto, yet analysts point to the administration’s strong mandate as a potential catalyst for long-term, pro-innovation crypto regulatory reforms in Tokyo.
about Japan Election: Short-Term Bitcoin Pressure, Long-Term Crypto GainsNikkei
1 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekSony Bank Plans 2026 US Stablecoin for PlayStation, Anime Purchases
Sony Bank, the online lending subsidiary of Sony Financial Group, is charting a bold course into digital finance with plans to launch a US dollar-pegged stablecoin in 2026. Targeting the lucrative American market, the initiative aims to enable seamless payments for PlayStation games, subscriptions, and anime content while cutting transaction fees. This strategic move represents a significant expansion of Sony’s Web3 ambitions through its BlockBloom unit and signals a major convergence of traditional finance and cryptocurrency within a global entertainment ecosystem.
about Sony Bank Plans 2026 US Stablecoin for PlayStation, Anime PurchasesJapan’s Crypto Rule Changes May Boost Global Bitcoin Demand
Japan has finalized sweeping amendments to its cryptocurrency regulatory framework that could significantly increase global Bitcoin demand. The reforms aim to strengthen investor protections while positioning the country as a safe haven for digital assets. These changes could unlock Japan’s massive household wealth for crypto investment through regulated channels, potentially exerting upward pressure on Bitcoin’s long-term supply-demand dynamics according to market analysts.
about Japan's Crypto Rule Changes May Boost Global Bitcoin DemandJapan FSA to Require Crypto Exchange Reserve Funds
Japan’s Financial Services Agency is preparing to implement sweeping new regulations requiring cryptocurrency exchanges to maintain liability reserve funds, marking a significant step toward enhanced consumer protection in the digital asset space. The regulatory overhaul, prompted by recent high-profile security breaches at global exchanges, will mandate that companies establish dedicated reserves specifically for compensating users affected by hacks or other unforeseen events. This move represents Japan’s latest effort to balance innovation with investor safety in its rapidly evolving crypto market.
about Japan FSA to Require Crypto Exchange Reserve FundsJapan’s New PM Takaichi Boosts Crypto, Nikkei Hits Record
Japan’s political landscape has been transformed by the election of Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister, sparking immediate market euphoria and renewed optimism for risk assets including cryptocurrencies. The Nikkei index surged 4.75% to a historic close of 47,734.04 following her victory, signaling strong investor confidence in her pro-growth agenda of low interest rates, tax cuts, and substantial economic stimulus. Industry analysts from Cointelegraph indicate this political shift could reignite Japanese investor appetite for digital assets as Takaichi’s unique combination of major spending packages and loose monetary policy addresses concerns about the weakening yen while creating favorable conditions for crypto markets.
about Japan's New PM Takaichi Boosts Crypto, Nikkei Hits RecordBitcoin Surges on ETF Inflows & Trade War Easing
Bitcoin (BTC) rallied sharply, climbing 6.8% to $94,510—its highest level in nearly two months—driven by three key factors: record-breaking daily inflows of $1.29B into US Bitcoin ETFs, Donald Trump’s signals of de-escalating trade tensions with China, and $321M in futures market liquidations (mostly shorts). The cryptocurrency also reclaimed its short-term holder realized price band (~$91K), indicating renewed investor confidence. Technical analysis suggests a bullish reversal pattern (falling wedge breakout) could propel BTC toward $102,700 by May. Global risk assets, including the S&P 500 and Asian markets, also rallied on Trump’s remarks about maintaining Fed Chair Powell and reducing tariffs.
about Bitcoin Surges on ETF Inflows & Trade War EasingBitcoin Rebounds to $78K Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Bitcoin’s rebound above $78,000 provides a temporary lifeline for bulls, but looming technical indicators like the ‘death cross’ and a descending trendline suggest potential further declines. The recovery coincides with heightened U.S.-China trade tensions, where a yuan devaluation beyond 7.20 per dollar adds market uncertainty. Historically, yuan weakness has correlated with Bitcoin rallies, but China’s stricter crypto policies may limit this effect. Global markets show tentative optimism amid trade negotiations, yet Bitcoin’s fate hinges on holding the $78K-$80K range—failure could push prices toward $70K, while success may reignite a push toward $90K.
about Bitcoin Rebounds to $78K Amid Geopolitical TensionsIndian Stock Market Faces Severe Decline Amid Global Economic Concerns
The Indian stock market faced a severe downturn, with the Sensex dropping nearly 1,400 points and the Nifty over 400 points, marking an 18% loss in investor wealth since September 2024. Foreign portfolio investors have withdrawn Rs 2.13 lakh crore, exacerbating the sell-off amid concerns over U.S. tariff threats and economic slowdown. Retail investors, who entered the market in large numbers last year, are now facing significant losses, with mutual fund assets also declining sharply.
about Indian Stock Market Faces Severe Decline Amid Global Economic ConcernsJapan’s FSA Plans Major Crypto Regulatory Reforms and Tax Reductions
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is considering classifying crypto assets as financial products, which could significantly reduce the current tax rate on gains from 55% to around 20%. This regulatory shift may also lead to the legalization of spot Bitcoin ETFs, potentially attracting global investors while maintaining strict oversight on unregistered exchanges. The move aims to foster blockchain innovation and position Japan as a competitive hub in the crypto sector.
about Japan's FSA Plans Major Crypto Regulatory Reforms and Tax Reductions