Osaka Exchange Could Bring Crypto Futures and Options to Japanese Markets Soon

Japan’s crypto landscape is on the cusp of a major transformation, with the Osaka Exchange exploring derivatives trading to tap into the growing demand for digital assets. The exchange focuses on derivatives strategy, bolstering the country’s institutional adoption and crypto regulation.

Osaka Exchange Advances Crypto Derivatives Trading

According to a recent Bloomberg report, Japan’s Osaka Exchange is Exploring crypto Derivatives Strategy . This move marks a pivotal step towards Japan’s institutional adoption of digital assets.

Significantly, Osaka Exchange President Ryusuke Yokoyama revealed plans to research crypto derivatives in response to growing investor demand. The exchange will engage with Japan’s Financial Services Agency following discussions on crypto regulatory changes. He stated, “We will thoroughly consider various overseas specifications and conduct research to determine whether they are suitable for Japan as a preliminary step.”

Crypto ETF Launch Ahead?

Interestingly, the parent company Japan Exchange Group (JPX) is exploring the possibility of launching crypto-related exchange-traded funds. Yokoyama stated that if the plan gets approved, the ETF will be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. According to Yokoyama, exploring crypto-related ETFs offers opportunities to develop additional exposure products, leveraging the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s existing infrastructure.

Significantly, this move aligns with Japan’s recent decision to lift its ban on crypto ETFs. As CoinGape reported. Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has proposed a significant crypto regulatory overhaul, suggesting that digital assets be governed under a new framework within the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.

Meanwhile, JPX CEO Hiromi Yamamichi asserted that the company’s medium-term management plan aims to expand into new asset classes, including cryptocurrencies, to meet evolving market needs. This plan aligns with JPX’s long-term vision to become a global, comprehensive finance and information platform.

Japan’s Crypto Ambitions

Japan is one of the earliest countries to legalize cryptocurrency.  The country accepted digital assets as legal payment methods in 2017. Despite challenges like the Mt. Gox collapse and major hacks, Japan has continued to refine its regulatory framework, setting a benchmark for other countries. As of July 2025, Japan is updating its crypto rules, tightening AML laws, introducing new tax reporting obligations, and reclassifying tokens.

Japanese investment giant Metaplanet is aggressively accumulating Bitcoin, imitating the BTC strategy of Michael Saylor’s Strategy. This also highlights Japan’s increased enthusiasm for digital assets.