- Charles Hoskinson’s visit to Japan highlights Cardano’s global strategy and strengthens ties with a key market for blockchain innovation.
- Japan’s regulatory adjustments, including crypto tax reductions and clearer asset classifications, could create a favorable environment for Cardano.
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson visited Takuya Hirai, Japan’s former Minister of Digital Transformation. This meeting serves as another phase in the ongoing international expansion of the Cardano blockchain.
Hoskinson, known for his advocacy of digital innovation, engaged in a deep discussion with Hirai about emerging technologies such as blockchain, zero-knowledge cryptography, and artificial intelligence (AI).
素晴らしい会議でした！@hiratakuchan大臣とデジタルトランスフォーメーション、ゼロ知識暗号、ブロックチェーン、そしてAIについて話し合いました。 pic.twitter.com/js5KeESDh3
— Charles Hoskinson (@IOHK_Charles) March 13, 2025
Hoskinson’s visit to Hirai focused on discussing various aspects of digital transformation, including advancements in blockchain technology. According to Hoskinson, the two exchanged views on the possibility of digital assets shaping future technological ecosystems. The conversation also touched on key topics like zero-knowledge cryptography and AI, both of which are areas that Cardano has been investing heavily in.
For Hoskinson, this dialogue points out the importance of global partnerships in developing blockchain technology. Japan, in particular, has strongly supported Cardano since its inception, with over 90% of participants in the ADA presale (2015-2017) coming from Japan. The country plays a central role in Cardano’s ecosystem and global strategy.
Cardano’s Long-standing Connection with Japan
Cardano has a rich history with Japan, dating to its conception in 2015. Hoskinson himself revealed that the idea for Cardano was formed in a restaurant in Osaka. Over the years, Japan has been a core market for Cardano, with the blockchain community and regulatory engagement deeply rooted in the country. The upcoming adjustments in Japan’s crypto regulations could further solidify Cardano’s regional presence.
Notably, Japan is revising its crypto regulatory framework to better accommodate emerging blockchain technologies. Lawmakers are considering reducing crypto taxes from 55% to 20%, and some even foresee changes to the classification of digital assets. Such moves could create a more favorable environment for projects like Cardano, which is committed to establishing a decentralized financial ecosystem.
Hoskinson’s Focus on Global Blockchain Regulation
While Cardano’s interaction with the White House has drawn attention, Hoskinson has stated that regulatory changes will not be driven by high-profile meetings but by legislative bodies. He pointed out that the legislative branch, not executive agencies, will shape much of the lasting policy changes.
This perspective aligns with his belief in the importance of international regulatory frameworks and the role of global institutions like Japan’s JFSA, Switzerland’s FINMA, and the UK’s FCA in developing sound regulatory standards.
Hoskinson also discussed the complexity of crypto regulation, highlighting the challenges in defining digital assets and setting legal frameworks. Given their international origins, he raised concerns about how regulators might classify global assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Hoskinson’s trip to Japan is part of his broader vision for Cardano as a global blockchain network. This vision extends beyond the U.S. and involves building strong ties with nations like Japan that have already implemented clear crypto regulations. While the U.S. continues to deal with its regulatory landscape, Japan has proactively created an environment conducive to blockchain growth.