Japan Reclassifies Cryptocurrencies, Paving Way for Crypto ETFs
Japan's National Diet passed a significant regulatory shift on July 15, 2026, reclassifying cryptocurrencies as financial instruments under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA). This move brings crypto assets closer to traditional financial markets, potentially paving the way for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in Japan.
The country has a massive ETF market, but no crypto ETF has been launched yet. Mazrael, a longtime Shiba Inu community member, notes that this reclassification is what an ETF needs to get listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange around 2027. However, Financial Services Agency (FSA) rulemaking still has to happen before any listings can take place.
Shiba Inu, included in the Green List by the Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association (JVCEA) along with BTC and ETH in November 2025, stands a chance given its inclusion. Mercari, Japan's largest marketplace with 23 million users, listed Shiba Inu in June 2026.