A Japanese politician has called on the government to establish a national Bitcoin reserve, drawing parallels to similar proposals emerging from countries like Argentina, Russia, and Brazil.
Satoshi Hamada Advocates for Bitcoin in National Reserves
Satoshi Hamada, a member of the Party to Protect the People from NHK, formally submitted a request to the government to explore the idea of a cryptocurrency reserve fund. According to documents from the House of Councillors and CoinPost’s report, Hamada argued for the inclusion of Bitcoin (BTC) as part of Japan’s strategic financial assets, citing global developments.
Hamada pointed out that conversations are progressing in nations such as Brazil and the United States, where officials are reportedly considering Bitcoin as a potential reserve asset. He suggested that Japan should “convert part of its foreign exchange reserves into virtual currencies such as Bitcoin,” emphasizing Bitcoin’s growing status as a “national strategic asset.”
The lawmaker’s written question, titled “Question regarding the status of understanding the movement to introduce a national Bitcoin reserve in the United States and other countries,” also referenced impending decisions elsewhere, including the appointment of a crypto policy leader in the United States under new administration plans.
The Case for Bitcoin’s Neutrality and Decentralization
Hamada argued that Bitcoin’s decentralized and neutral nature makes it an appealing financial tool in an increasingly fragmented global economy. He emphasized that Bitcoin is less prone to influence from any one country or institution, which could provide Japan with a more stable and resilient asset in its economic strategy.
He further noted that Bitcoin’s unique qualities could support economic activity without the risk of reliance on traditional fiat currencies or governmental interventions.
The Japanese government is expected to respond to Hamada’s appeal in the coming weeks, with the full reply likely to be published on its official platforms.
Broader Support for Crypto Innovation?
Although Hamada’s party only holds two seats in Japan’s parliament, his views may resonate with other lawmakers who have expressed support for advancing the nation’s role in the global cryptocurrency space.
Despite Japan’s stringent crypto regulations—which have contributed to a shrinking domestic market—there is a noticeable push among some policymakers to reform crypto laws. Calls to ease the tax burden on crypto-related activities and prevent startups from relocating overseas are gaining traction.
Additionally, several Japanese businesses are becoming more crypto-forward, with some choosing to allocate assets to Bitcoin and other digital currencies as part of their financial strategies.
A Vision for Japan’s Financial Future
Hamada’s call for a national Bitcoin reserve reflects a growing recognition of cryptocurrency’s potential to reshape global financial systems. If Japan were to adopt such an initiative, it could signal an important shift in how the nation leverages blockchain technology and digital currencies to enhance its economic stability.
Whether or not the proposal gains widespread support, it underscores the ongoing debate about Bitcoin’s role in national economies and highlights the broader global momentum behind cryptocurrency as a strategic financial tool.
