Japan stepped up efforts to attract global venture capital and technology investment. On May 14, 2026, the country’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) Co-Founder Ben Horowitz in Tokyo. The talks focused on bringing more U.S. venture capital into Japan and strengthening the country’s startup ecosystem.
Horowitz confirmed that Andreessen Horowitz will open its first office outside the United States in Japan this summer. Takaichi welcomed the move and said it supports Japan’s broader growth and security strategy. She added that technology now plays a direct role in shaping both economic strength and national defense.
The meeting underscored Japan’s effort to link economic growth with technology development and national security as global tech competition intensifies.
Japan pushes startup and security strategy
Ben Horowitz praised Japan’s efforts to strengthen its defense and innovation sectors. He also pointed to Japan’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific technology and security landscape. He noted rising investor interest in Japan’s startup market alongside ongoing regulatory reforms.
Andreessen Horowitz manages about $100 billion in assets. The firm invests heavily in artificial intelligence, crypto, defense, and space technologies. Its crypto arm also expanded into Asia last year with an office in Seoul to deepen regional presence.
Japan advances blockchain and crypto regulation
The meeting comes on the heels of Japan expanding its digital finance system as global investment flows into its markets increase. Officials are pushing ahead with plans to tokenize Japanese Government Bonds and allow 24-hour trading. The aim is to boost liquidity and make government debt easier for global investors to trade through blockchain-based systems.
A proof-of-concept in April brought together Mizuho Financial Group, Nomura Holdings, Japan Securities Clearing Corporation, and Digital Asset Holdings. The group tested blockchain-based collateral transfers on the Canton Network. The project also focused on meeting Japan’s regulatory requirements while updating traditional bond market infrastructure.
Additionally, Japan’s Financial Services Agency has also brought JPYC stablecoin under money transfer rules. The decision places stablecoins under standard payment regulations rather than a separate crypto category.
Japan also recently passed new laws reclassifying crypto assets as financial instruments. The changes introduce insider trading bans, stricter disclosure rules, and tougher penalties to strengthen investor protection.
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