Japan
A Closer Look at the Bank of Japan's Digital Yen Approach
Central bank digital currencies are becoming increasingly controversial, with several U.S. presidential candidates taking strong stances against them. Meanwhile, the Atlantic Council reports 130 countries are exploring the use of CBDCs. CoinDesk's executive director of global content Emily Parker shares insights into how the Bank of Japan views the digital yen and its role in the global CBDC race.

Binance to Reenter Japan in August 2 Years After Regulator's Warning
Binance plans to introduce its full service in Japan in August, CEO Changpeng "CZ" Zhao said Tuesday. This comes as the largest crypto exchange by trading volume has withdrawn its application for a license from German financial regulator BaFin. "The Hash" panel discusses the outlook for Binance's global operations amid ongoing regulatory pressure.

Circle Trims Workforce Slightly to Maintain 'Strong Balance Sheet'
Circle has cut its workforce slightly to maintain a “strong balance sheet,” the company said Wednesday. While some departments were subject to layoffs, the stablecoin issuer said it will continue to hire in other areas. "The Hash" panel weighs in on the lingering effects of crypto winter, along with Circle considering issuing a stablecoin in Japan.

Circle Considers Issuing Stablecoin in Japan Under New Rules
Circle is considering issuing a stablecoin in Japan, given that legislation governing stablecoins took effect on June 1, the payment services company's co-founder and CEO Jeremy Allaire said. CoinDesk Executive Director of Global Content Emily Parker breaks down the details.

Japan Greenlights White Paper to Promote Web3 Growth in the Country
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party's Web3 project team has published a white paper laying out recommendations for growing the country’s industry. CoinDesk Executive Director of Global Content Emily Parker weighs in on the state of Web3 adoption in Japan and the regulatory headwinds in the U.S.

Japan Regulator Warns 4 Crypto Exchanges for Operating Without Registration
Japan's Financial Services Agency said in a warning letter that foreign crypto exchanges Bybit, BitForex, MEXC Global and Bitget are operating in the country without proper registration. "The Hash" panel weighs in on the crypto regulatory framework in Japan.

Japan’s Web3 Era
Japan pushes for technology expansion in the Web3 space with the metaverse and NFTs. That story and other news shaping the cryptocurrency world in this episode of "The Daily Forkast."

Coinbase to Halt Operations in Japan as Crypto Winter Drags On
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase (COIN) said it is halting its operations in Japan, citing "market conditions" and confirming earlier reports that it would close shop in the country. Customers have until Feb. 16 to withdraw their fiat and crypto holdings from the exchange. Fiat deposits will be halted on Friday. "The Hash" panel discusses the latest from Coinbase and the implications for the Japanese crypto market.

Why FTX Japan Users May Get Their Funds Back
FTX Japan customers may be able to withdraw their funds as of mid-February, according to a blog post from Liquid by FTX, which would make them some of the first customers of the collapsed crypto exchange to get their money back. CoinDesk Executive Director of Global Content Emily Parker discusses how the Japanese regulatory framework made it possible.

Crypto Exchange Kraken to Exit Japan at End of January
Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken said it will exit Japan and de-register from the Financial Services Agency (JFSA) as of January 31. Umee Founder and CEO Brent Xu discusses Kraken's decision following its recent 30% layoff of its global workforce.
