Bitcoin Forum

By the end of 2016, there were around 4200 Bitcoin-accepting merchants and storefronts in Japan, near quadrupling the total from 2015. Now, with the current progress in Bitcoin regulation made by Japanese authorities, the number of merchants accepting Bitcoin is expected to quintuple to 20000 this year. Indeed, good times for Bitcoin adoption are coming.

And imagine all the people that will come to watch Olympics? No more bothering about currency exchanging, you go to another country and you pay with bitcoins in any restaurant, you can buy something else, what a relief will bitcoin be for people that plan to go there and have bitcoins.
I hope we will see some statistics after Olympics about this topic, how many people will spend some bitcoins in this shops, this will be a test for bitcoin.

Japan is making huge leaps with regards to cryptocurrency.
They are very open minded, which is also noticed by the test run with NEM by big companies there.
I wouldn't be surprised if they were to pass this bill.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

I think this is good news for the bitcoin community especially in Japan. 

That's a great news, but I doubt its credibility, give us a way to verify it.

that's great . if more acceptation bitcoin in japan i think i will go live there. xd
 

This is really good news for the bitcoin community. This is a big step to bitcoin acceptance.  I hope other countries will do the same.


You can read it here, it is up to you if you will believe this or not. Just hope this is not an April Fool's day joke.

https://news.bitcoin.com/japan-bitcoin-method-payment-april-1/ (https://news.bitcoin.com/japan-bitcoin-method-payment-april-1/)

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

That's a great news, but I doubt its credibility, give us a way to verify it. I do not want to believe and those that are not real. If Japan accepts bitcoin as a payment method, this means bitcoin is getting more acceptance, and it will grow even further. It is the premise for bitcoin to stand firm in the market, and it never gets overtaken by other altcoins. Japan is a very modern country, bitcoin is acceptable, meaning bitcoin is a good investment, so we should support bitcoin.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

... also strange that they don't make bitcoin legal when they are accepting it as a payment, sound weird to me...

Is this a serious or just nonsense?
Actually this is good information, but why I do not believe the news. It would be nice if the included link or press releases or others who can prove and corroborate this story as a whole so that the information submitted is valid and enlightening.

Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

Good from Public Relations point of view, it is nice press for bitcoin as most people are not going to research details.
And for them bitcoin will evolve to be a legal tender in Japan from now on, another boost for bitcoin credibility.
The reality is more grim, especially considered that now transaction fees are as high as $0.5 so let's hope it will be fixed before 2020.

Yes, this will be a test for Bitcoins. And the tourist doesn't need to stand in front of currency exchange shops to exchange their currency. But I have doubt that is this real news or fake. If it is real then the local currency exchange they will get big loss in this business.

Other countries did this years ago.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

I will really appreciate the link to the source of the story then I can make my comment more deductively however with the assumption that its legit then its good news all the way as we have another news coming from that end ans thos predicting the end of bitcoin every now and then have been put to shame one more time...

This is really good news for the bitcoin community. This is a big step to bitcoin acceptance.  I hope other countries will do the same.


You can read it here, it is up to you if you will believe this or not. Just hope this is not an April Fool's day joke.

https://news.bitcoin.com/japan-bitcoin-method-payment-april-1/ (https://news.bitcoin.com/japan-bitcoin-method-payment-april-1/)

Time to put Japan to my bucket list, I guess, and also they made it easier for our citizens to go there as tourists so why the hell not visit Japan in the upcoming Olympics? Also, it would be nice if common necessities and street foods in particular would be purchased using bitcoin because Tokyo is also known for their takoyaki and stuff in the streets.

Japan has been friendly with bitcoins. They are the first one to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender, so it is not surprising to see Japan acknowledging Bitcoin as payment method.  I hope all country would accept Bitcoin as japan did.

I wouldn't call it friendly. Their bitcoin laws are pretty harsh.

They introduced their own version of BitLicense, and if you thought that NY version of this document is bad go check out Japan interpretation, it is way worse.
I think it was because Mt.Gox was in Japan, so now Japanese authorities try to enforce harsh laws to eliminate possibility of another fiasco.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

While they are going to consider Bitcoin as a payment method, they even recognise it's asset-like qualities and seem to have a deeper understanding of Bitcoin.  It's very refreshing compared to, say, Indian politicians still thinking it might be a Ponzi scheme.

Well it looks like an amazing way to promote bitcoin, even not legalizing bitcoin Japan is already mooving forward others countries, it will be nice to watch on tv some logo of bitcoins, hope new investors will come into crypto world.

This is another major leap for bitcoin. First we have Switzerland who accepts bitcoin to be use as payment for government services and next is Japan which allows bitcoin to be used as a form of financial payment. Soon the Philippines will come into the picture when the bangko sentral ng Pilipinas have finished evaluating and will declare the use of bitcoin in the market. Bitcoin will be large after Japans acceptance let us wait for an increase in bitcoins value.

I don't know whether they're idiots or they have millions of bitcoins under their control or do they own any hash power of the network?
People shouldn't get involved with bitcoin in national scale without them first being miners themselves.
If a country wants to build an economy based on bitcoin then they must have mining farms to avoid for example BU to mess up things and cause them huge losses.

I don't know whether they're idiots or they have millions of bitcoins under their control or do they own any hash power of the network?
People shouldn't get involved with bitcoin in national scale without them first being miners themselves.
If a country wants to build an economy based on bitcoin then they must have mining farms to avoid for example BU to mess up things and cause them huge losses.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

Thats a great news from such a technically advanced country like japan.Previously,most of japanese lost their interest in bitcoin due to Mt.Gox shut down.Its good to see now they have started adopting bitcoins once again.Since 2020 Olympics is a world event,if bitcoin is accepted at that time,then surely it would give a big publicity to bitcoin through out the world.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

Japan is really showing the world how things have to be done and they are making things convenient to their tourists by starting accepting bitcoin and it will be a huge thing if people are able to spend through bitcoin during the Olympics which will be the major attraction in the whole world and there will be another halving during that time and i wonder what the price would be at that time. :)

While they are going to consider Bitcoin as a payment method, they even recognise it's asset-like qualities and seem to have a deeper understanding of Bitcoin.  It's very refreshing compared to, say, Indian politicians still thinking it might be a Ponzi scheme.

Absolutely right. the Japanese had thought one step ahead compared with countries that have a level of higher market quality, such as the US or China. Japan is more concerned with the quality and efficiency of every thing that is needed by citizens or the world. So, the possibility of Japan is a country that became the precursor to the acceptance of the bitcoin as payment tools
 

A new round of greater fools not knowing what they do. Investing now is extremely risky.

Read about it couple of days back. Awesome news for bitcoin users. We can expect it to be mass adopted from now on. Slowly but surely. Japan was always friendly towards Bitcoins and are way ahead when it comes to technology or technological advancements. The world need to catch up to them.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

Japan are no where near as involved as China but this can still only be good news for a country with such a huge population to recognise bitcoin as an official currency.

More fuel for the rocket.

I agree with you. The Olympics is a very important event. And many people will learn about bitcoin. This will make it more popular. It is a pity that the Olympics are not this year. This would help bitcoin

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

It seems to me that most people posting here don't really seems to know very much about Japan.   Japan hasn't been unfriendly to Bitcoin and there are even some BTC ATMs around Tokyo.   A lot Bitcoin events have happened in Japan, remember Mt. Gox?  (About 20 minutes from where I live.)

The problem in Japan isn't laws, the problem is the cost of power.   It has been getting better, but I'm still playing about $0.23 / kwh.   There will be some nodes setup and a lot of people will use Bitcoin but probably it will be curbed a bit because electrical power isn't cheap in Japan.  

Japan are no where near as involved as China but this can still only be good news for a country with such a huge population to recognise bitcoin as an official currency.

More fuel for the rocket.

--
I pointed out why earlier in this thread, it is the cost of electrical power.   In Tokyo we are paying well over 20 cents (US) per KWH!   In China power is probably 1/4 to 1/3 the cost it is in Japan.  So even though the Chinese government is very hostile to virtual currencies there is a lot more involvement.   Additionally the cost of living in China is much lower so that is what drives Chinese involvement.   

I don't think very many Japanese understand much about Bitcoin or even care.  Most of the people talking about Bitcoin here seem to be younger.   A lot of kids seem to know a good deal about it though.   

In some parts of Europe and the US power is pretty cheap and you have people heavily involved on their own, maybe not so much  Bitcoin but in virtual currencies of some kind.   It isn't the law that drives it, it is simple economics.

That being said Japan is used to virtual money.   There are more credit cards now and point cards are extremely popular.   While Japan is still more cash focused that say the US, in some ways people are more used to money being just numbers here.   Most on-going bills are paid from bank account transfers and mostly that is automatic.   The only monthly bill I have to pay is gas and even that I go to a convenience store like 7/11 and pay there.   In fact there are very few bills you can't pay at a convenience store and they don't charge any fees for that.

Japanese are very progressive when it comes to technology.   It isn't the government that drives that, it is the people that drive the government.   However when it comes to safety the Japanese are ultra-conservative.   That is what will slow Bitcoin adaption because Bitcoin isn't very safe in the eyes of many people.   

This can be a big boost to Bitcoin though I have not seen the news making an impact on the value of Bitcoin. Anyway, this is already a big good news considering that Japan is a big economy. I am wishing that Japan can be able to counterbalance the hegemony of China relative to Bitcoin. Though am still wondering what can be the difference between a form of payment (the status stamped on Bitcoin) and being a currency...

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

I don't think very many Japanese understand much about Bitcoin or even care.  Most of the people talking about Bitcoin here seem to be younger.   A lot of kids seem to know a good deal about it though.

After all, Satoshi was Japanese, right? ;)

yes its looking very new in present time but i think in future al all the government are going to accept bitcoin as legal legal currency and hen they will use bitcoin as payment method. but currently i do not think that there is still any country where they have consider bitcoin as legal currency.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

And Toshiba seems to be in trouble regarding that Westinghouse subcompany, not to talk at all about Tepco. But that's just energy politics. How about the growing potential regarding from this piece of news?

I would calculate it as zero, zilch, nada. As you allready mentioned Bitcoin ain't no newcomer arriving at Tokyo, but instead left it's biggest fuming crater right there. I doubt there is still anybody leaving nearby discovering Bitcoin for the very first time.

At the least, the danger of exchanges suddenly disappearing with thousands or millions of users money would be minimized if not, totally eliminated.
With Japan officially accepting Bitcoin, local exchanges would be wrapped up in laws and regulation, which would, in turn provide a somewhat safer avenue for the users/would-be.
All they'd have to worry about then would be the intense volatility and p2p transactions.

This is really a good news that a particular country already accepted or already implemented for bitcoin to be part of their currency which is great and we can really prove out that its not possible for a country to accept bitcoin completely.I wish i had lots of bitcoins and go to japan to spend them without the need of exchanging to local fiat.

I hope that this news will stabilize the bitcoin rate. Thanks to the legalization bitcoin will receive many new users. This will strengthen its position

Good news.
But is it mean Japan starting regulate crypto currencies  or bitcoin only?
What about payments in alt?

That is good news.
My question is: what will happen if BU make the fork? That will be really bad for this recent improvement in Japan. What you guys think?

That is good news.
My question is: what will happen if BU make the fork? That will be really bad for this recent improvement in Japan. What you guys think?

That is good news.
My question is: what will happen if BU make the fork? That will be really bad for this recent improvement in Japan. What you guys think?

With this event, I doubt hardfork will happen. Since Japan made its step in accepting bitcoin, it will reflect to the trustworthiness of bitcoin itself and therefore, the preference of users will belong to bitcoin alone.

On the other hand IF the fork happens, it will greatly affect the recent improvement in Japan. Since the major effect of having fork is to greatly reduce the value of bitcoin, Japan's previously accepted BTC will lose so much value and you know that this is not a good thing to happen.

I don't think that line of reasoning is valid.  Accepting BTC doesn't mean the same as holding it.   Most businesses would probably have the transaction converted to fiat as quickly as possible.  The actual value of BTC wouldn't have that much impact on the ability to use it.

We cannot say that they would immediately convert their bitcoin into fiat. As far as I know, we (mostly) keep bitcoin for future usage, hoping for the increase of BTC's value. And with this in mind, we tend to keep them for a long time. And if the fork happens (hope not) it has a great impact.

That highly unlikely for most Japanese businesses.   Sure there could be some small time businesses doing that, but most Japanese businesses won't even accept foreign currency in Japan.   FOREX is the world's largest and most liquid market by far.   The viability of BTC is important but its actual value would be secondary.   What makes Bitcoin transactions viable would be the fact that a transaction could be done and the yen would show up in the proper account.   

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

What is meant by it being a paying method but not a legal currency? So, can you buy a ticket or rent a flat using bitcoin? Or perhaps a private company may decide to accept btc but governmental institutions can not?
Japan is a progressive country, so it is likely for it to accept innovations.

It is a reall good news and it is not surprise for me to Japan accept bitcoin as payment method because they are clever country and they can see what will happen in the future and they lip innovations things so because of it is not surprise , i hope other countries can except and use this method and it will let bitcoin user will be more .

I am sure that this is a very important step for the whole world. Now I'm interested in watching the economy of this country. I want to know how the crypto currency will affect it.

By the end of 2016, there were around 4200 Bitcoin-accepting merchants and storefronts in Japan, near quadrupling the total from 2015. Now, with the current progress in Bitcoin regulation made by Japanese authorities, the number of merchants accepting Bitcoin is expected to quintuple to 20000 this year. Indeed, good times for Bitcoin adoption are coming.

Then without a fork BTC will take longer and longer to settle a transaction?

Yes, that's really stupid. Although the Japan-thing here is good news, I believe BTC should not be
used for buying a pack of chewing gums. That doesn't have to be relayed around the world.
So BTC should be reserved for the serious transactions (say, >1000$) and local cryptos
should be used for the chewing gum sales,
or we need 3rd party service providers like mastercard etc. I strongly prefer the first.

yeah if bitcoin provide this opportunity around the world then it will be more beneficial for us then we do not need to use fiat then we can be use our earning bitcoin and then we do not need convert our bitcoin to fiat.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

Yes, that's really stupid. Although the Japan-thing here is good news, I believe BTC should not be
used for buying a pack of chewing gums. That doesn't have to be relayed around the world.
So BTC should be reserved for the serious transactions (say, >1000$) and local cryptos
should be used for the chewing gum sales,
or we need 3rd party service providers like mastercard etc. I strongly prefer the first.

japan has been a very bitcoin friendly country, and this news is just awesome! kudos Japan!!!

This can be a big boost to Bitcoin though I have not seen the news making an impact on the value of Bitcoin. Anyway, this is already a big good news considering that Japan is a big economy. I am wishing that Japan can be able to counterbalance the hegemony of China relative to Bitcoin. Though am still wondering what can be the difference between a form of payment (the status stamped on Bitcoin) and being a currency...

Definitely this will become another reason for bitcoin's price to boost up. Look at what China's influence for having a lot of users there.

They almost one of the manipulators of it but so far it stopped and the market goes on the usual way.

For sure that Japan will make a balance movement of the price of bitcoin, I can't wait for the application of it.

We know that Japan is one of the most innovative country, once other countries starts to do the same, we'll all be happy for it will make the demand higher.

Very nice that bitcoin is fully adopted in one country, i hope that it would be happen in our country because i know that in our country is more bitcoin users and all of us would be happy.
I think it would be great for bitcoin to make this coin much stronger and also it helps to increase its value due to increasing of demand in that country.

Sounds very good, and I am one of the people that are very keen in always looking to japan in terms of innovative stuffs and I am very supportive on this kind of thing and in my thought japan will do great with their partnership with bitcoin and as for the value it will even become stable well that is my guess.

Whoa ... if people take that approach Bitcoin is doomed.   It will never fly unless it can be pretty much used for anything.   Crypto-currency is already vastly more complex then using cash, throwing rules at its use based on some absurd code based rules won't help.   

wow cool will definitely be a lot of things you can do with bitcoin in Japan because there are many good things that I can buy with bitcoin

Any news like this is good news. Good on Japan for waking up and seeing the future.

True it's one of the best thing happening to Bitcoin, wish all countries adopt it soon. Though it will take some efforts from the world to implement it. It is Asia country that's leading the way, and now let's see how well does Japan do. I am sure when other countries shall see it, they shall follow suit. I wish all the countries adopt it, and it becomes a global currency.

we all hope that things like that happen. Japan could become a pioneer for the development of bitcoin in the world. they must be able to prove that bitcoin is better than fiat currencies. so other countries will increase confidence in using bitcoin. all countries in the world are looking at how the Japanese apply bitcoin technology on the lives of Japanese citizens. if Japan succeeds then everything will be major changes to the world financial system.

Yes, Japan is a highly developed country, and so famous with the technology. when Japan had received from the bitcoin system, perhaps other developed countries will begin to see bitcoin as a transaction that will be developed for the better. it may trigger an increase in popularity and use bitcoin

This can be a big boost to Bitcoin though I have not seen the news making an impact on the value of Bitcoin. Anyway, this is already a big good news considering that Japan is a big economy. I am wishing that Japan can be able to counterbalance the hegemony of China relative to Bitcoin. Though am still wondering what can be the difference between a form of payment (the status stamped on Bitcoin) and being a currency...

It isn't any surprise that Japan is going to begin the Digital Payment route.
Japan was messing around with Digital Payment systems for a very long time, did you see the article about the payment system with the iris scanner + fingerprint scanner being built?


Bitcoin is only a beta project to test the civilians on how they will adapt to the electronic currency process.

The status quo always changes its mind.

Unless it is 100% confirmed we cannot assume Bitcoin is money in Japan, lest we get disappointed.

This is perfectly timed ! A lot of tourists will head to Japan in Olympics 2020 . Hopefully by that time more and more people would've gotten into the bitcoin world.
That's just an interesting opportunity for bitcoins in real life. Hopefully more and more countries will start to accept it as a legal method (sadly some countries actually banned it :( 

I actually found this article as well Idk if it's legit but it seems to be.

http://www.businessinsider.com/bitcoin-price-spikes-as-japan-recognizes-it-as-a-legal-payment-method-2017-4

Its not really as big as people are saying, they are basically saying they are not going to stand in the way if people want to use it as a payment method. That being said they arent openly endorsing it by accepting it for tax payment ect.

Sounds very good, and I am one of the people that are very keen in always looking to japan in terms of innovative stuffs and I am very supportive on this kind of thing and in my thought japan will do great with their partnership with bitcoin and as for the value it will even become stable well that is my guess.

we all hope that things like that happen. Japan could become a pioneer for the development of bitcoin in the world. they must be able to prove that bitcoin is better than fiat currencies. so other countries will increase confidence in using bitcoin. all countries in the world are looking at how the Japanese apply bitcoin technology on the lives of Japanese citizens. if Japan succeeds then everything will be major changes to the world financial system.

Especially for our country, Indonesia, I am very hopeful the our government want to take
the bitcoin as a legitimate means of payment such as IDR Indonesian Rupiah (Rp)
Although it will be difficult because a lot of our society that still lack of knowledge about Bitcoin

Japan declares sale of Bitcoin exempt from consumption tax in April 1,at least it is a good News from Japan side.Japan now recognizes Bitcoin as an asset class or currency.It's healthy for the overall btc ecosystem but the gvment is also smart in tkng advantage via other form of gains tax. It's ok i guess as its a win-win for both sides.

It isn't any surprise that Japan is going to begin the Digital Payment route.
Japan was messing around with Digital Payment systems for a very long time, did you see the article about the payment system with the iris scanner + fingerprint scanner being built?


Bitcoin is only a beta project to test the civilians on how they will adapt to the electronic currency process.

For the Japanese National taxes, long-term capital gains requires you own it for 5 years.   Incremental income tax rates in Japan really get up there, mine hit 40% last year.  Another 10.5% on top of that for local taxes.   

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

THis is going to be a huge step in the right direction for bitcoin in my opinion.

not only does it mean that the government of japan and also government around the world are acknowledging that bitcoin should be a legal currency, they are also saying that bitcoin is functional and can be used.

this is the first step for Ripple coin to be accepted in Japan. They aim to adopt ripple, not Bitcoin. But it is a good sight for cryptocurrency in general. After 47 banks agree to use ripple, we are looking forward to seeing more new things happen to this awesome coin

this is the first step for Ripple coin to be accepted in Japan. They aim to adopt ripple, not Bitcoin. But it is a good sight for cryptocurrency in general. After 47 banks agree to use ripple, we are looking forward to seeing more new things happen to this awesome coin

You do have any links would justify on this claim or news that Japan did already accept Ripple instead of bitcoin?You are right even on both ripple or bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency which means adoption is really on the move and the potential of coins are always there.

Well, japan is actually adopting ripple's blockchain tech according to some news that I've read means they're only interested in ripple's blockchain system, don't really know about the rest. But, why japan choose to adopt ripple's blockchain instead of bitcoin? they might have seen the disadvantages of bitcoin's blockchain I suppose, it's at the same time means that bitcoin is no better than ripple even though it's the most popular cryptocurrency as for now? any opinion?

This news been announced via Coindesk 2 days back and This adoption will make positive change towards bitcoin. Especially Japanese products are selling through out the world. I think we may expect some more value in future price chart.
If we are involves in any Japanese business, Hereafter we can pay for it.

No matter what will be good news is that officially announce that they accept it and probably will have some improvement of usage for what wont wait for long to see any new Japanese tech with something like this. Just next will be which one of big countries will follow this example?

that bitcoin would be accepted as a legal payment method beginning on April 1, 2017.

This is really a good news that Japan to accept bitcoin as payment method. Its affirm that this country is one of the top leading the cryptocurreny and most users of bitcoin. And, a good news because this will lead or attracts more people to use bitcoin.

I had never been focus to Coindesk that is why I never have heard some news regarding this but I think I would take my eye on coindesk for now on because of the value of bitcoin we may never know what has been stored for us in the future!

It's good to see this type of news. We know how Japan is one of the richest country despite of it's geographical size for being small. This will make the growth of bitcoin very fast and once they started to apply it to the industry we'll see the price and demand of bitcoin to increase. I hope my country will recognize bitcoin like Japan.

Yes true, it is good news, it cannot be disputed again this will be followed by other countries, the financial systems of bitcoin is best so that will replace traditional payment systems.

What will happen if Bitcoin suffer a hardfork in this case? This could mess up all this great implementations. What you guys think?

we think this "what if" is becoming as pointless as the similar what if topics such as "what if internet goes down" and "what if 3rd world war starts".

it is not going to happen. and the possibility of it is too small. or have you missed one of the biggest mining pools saying we will never allow the hard fork to happen?!!

and this was possibly said a million times but i am going to repeat it one more time for you.
no miner will switch to another fork unless it has at least 90% of the network support (both hash rate and nodes and services).

Firstly people need to be aware of that japan is introducing bitcoins as their currency .well it need to make much progess as the confirmation takes a lot more time , as their speed is not so fast .maybe their will be a option to pay for bitcoins but very people will use it .

the good news, if this news is true and not a hoax is certainly going to make prices skyrocket to bitcoin 10 times with the price right now, so I think this is just a plan and issues only.  ;D

Lol that's too much, I do not think it would be too much of an effect while many governments still prohibit bitcoin. outsiders still a little hesitant to trust and use bitcoin

It could have a great effect if Japan proved that accepting Bitcoin as money bring great impact in economic aspect.  If Japan economy flourish with the acceptance of Bitcoin  then most country will follow it to accept Bitcoin as payment method.  It will be one of the major influence when it comes to Bitcoin adoption.

the good news, if this news is true and not a hoax is certainly going to make prices skyrocket to bitcoin 10 times with the price right now, so I think this is just a plan and issues only.  ;D

Japan is making a big change in the digital growth. As a part now the bitcoin as an currency for daily needs with a legal acceptance serves as an example for all the other countries who have been with plans to make their own digital currency and circulate for all needs.

we think this "what if" is becoming as pointless as the similar what if topics such as "what if internet goes down" and "what if 3rd world war starts".

it is not going to happen. and the possibility of it is too small. or have you missed one of the biggest mining pools saying we will never allow the hard fork to happen?!!

and this was possibly said a million times but i am going to repeat it one more time for you.
no miner will switch to another fork unless it has at least 90% of the network support (both hash rate and nodes and services).

I'm not even using or focus with coindesk but if the news saying it that it will make positive change towards bitcoin, I'm looking forward for it.

This makes me want to check out Coindesk news for sometime. Japan is one of the biggest player in different markets.

Though they aren't rich in agriculture they are trying to compete with it either. As long as there would be business that will starts to adopt it.

Their customers will eventually adopt and will be curious on using it. Can't wait to see the positive result of it.

we think this "what if" is becoming as pointless as the similar what if topics such as "what if internet goes down" and "what if 3rd world war starts".

it is not going to happen. and the possibility of it is too small. or have you missed one of the biggest mining pools saying we will never allow the hard fork to happen?!!

and this was possibly said a million times but i am going to repeat it one more time for you.
no miner will switch to another fork unless it has at least 90% of the network support (both hash rate and nodes and services).

I know right, this people are just giving themselves problems that doesn't need to worry about in the first place. This "What ifs" that you are all asking is just a waste of time, we know that this is not going to happen in the near future, so let's stop posting this kind of post just to increase our post count.

Let's just post something that is helpful, like instead of posting "What will happen if bitcoin suffer from hard fork in case?" let's post "What should we do to terminate this hard fork?" something like that, because it does make more sense than the first one.

Awesome! Japan keeps on giving me surprises. This time, it's Bitcoin. Hopefully, they pass the bill so the tourists will have one less thing to worry about as their money will already be stored in digital wallets. I think more countries need to pass the similar bills in support of cryptocurrency.

I think Japanese and Chinese are the two nations who have early adopted the bitcoins. There government ha supported bitcoins keeping in view that this will one day be a global currency and there is no point in opposing it, like many other government of the world fear in openly accepting the bitcoins. This step of Japan will encourage other countries to follow the same trend.

Japan and China are very different countries.
Japan is always advanced and technology friendly and they are always more smooth towards things like bitcoin.
but China is a bit different, they are both in Asia but in China things are a bit more strict about bitcoin and as we can see from their public bank they are very worried about what their people can do with bitcoin.

Awesome! Japan keeps on giving me surprises. This time, it's Bitcoin. Hopefully, they pass the bill so the tourists will have one less thing to worry about as their money will already be stored in digital wallets. I think more countries need to pass the similar bills in support of cryptocurrency.

Yes true, it is good news, it cannot be disputed again this will be followed by other countries, the financial systems of bitcoin is best so that will replace traditional payment systems.

Yes their move will be followed by other countries that are their subordinates or looking upon Japan. Because those countries realize that Japan's innovating almost everything and when they saw bitcoin is good for the economy of Japan. They will use it too for their country and many people will love how fast it is when it comes to transaction and it has a lot of feature.

Yes their move will be followed by other countries that are their subordinates or looking upon Japan. Because those countries realize that Japan's innovating almost everything and when they saw bitcoin is good for the economy of Japan. They will use it too for their country and many people will love how fast it is when it comes to transaction and it has a lot of feature.

I wouldn't say "many people will love how fast it is when it comes to transaction", but "how fast should it be when it comes to transaction"...
Today's problem is delay and high fees. If these are solved, bitcoin will be a famous digital money for the average people too. If delay remains or the high fees, bitcoin will be a kind of digital gold, to store value in it, but a kind of money foreveryday transactions.

This is such a good news! :)
Japan made a great decision.

Another news story: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/04/05/business/tech/retailers-japan-accept-virtual-currency/#.WOVxd4iGOUk

Well it seems like it pushed through. That is great to see that there is one country that adopted it in a nation wide scale. This could be a good precedent for other countries to accept bitcoins too in their economy. This could really be the best news for bitcoins right now. I just want the issues with BU and segwit to be done with so we can all move on.

Thst is very good but where did you get this information from ? Its great they going to do that. We better stock up on bitcoin before then.

This is really great news. If a country like Japan, which has a huge impact on the world, includes bitcoin in their law, then it is sure to draw attention from other countries and law makers. :D
This gives me hope about the future of bitcoin :D

This is somewhat a good news, hope some neighboring countries will also follow to accept bitcoin as a legal currency, Philippines is also now accepting bitcoin as a method of money remittances.   

https://www.cryptocoinsnews.com/bitcoin-accepted-260000-stores-japan/

Over a quarter of a million stores in Japan could be accepting bitcoin by summer this year

https://www.cryptocoinsnews.com/bitcoin-accepted-260000-stores-japan/

Over a quarter of a million stores in Japan could be accepting bitcoin by summer this year

Also heard about that news that some establishments in Japan are going to run a test, maybe to gauge how much bitcoin's usage will be. These are all very good positive developments for a wider usage and since it is Japan, we can assume that the support for such technology will be better. Let's just hope that transactions don't take too long to confirm or that might serve as hindrance for more people to try and use bitcoin more often.

Good news, it would be a great opportunity for some kind of Olympic adoption, maybe a shop somewhere or something along those lines could add bitcoin as a payment option, it would certainly give bitcoin decent exposure.

I wouldn't say "many people will love how fast it is when it comes to transaction", but "how fast should it be when it comes to transaction"...
Today's problem is delay and high fees. If these are solved, bitcoin will be a famous digital money for the average people too. If delay remains or the high fees, bitcoin will be a kind of digital gold, to store value in it, but a kind of money foreveryday transactions.

Yes, looking forward for that, i mean to some other people from japan that they really use bitcoin as they pay in public and accessing it freely and boldly..more countries to follow this

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

Well, as far I know japan is one of the highly innovative country and because japan is a country with good technology maybe it is great for them to use and accept cryptocurrency especially bitcoin . For sure it will be a nice experience for the people of japan as well as the tourists who also uses bitcoin as they can already use their bitcoin directly in japan .

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

I think this is going to be the first step for Japan on the way for bitcoin adoption. They will see how this payments will work and after they will add something more and like step by step they will come to mass bitcoin adoption on their territory.

I think the demand of bitcoin from japan is the reason of the good health of the bitcoin price. I am happy with, keep demanding folks and #MakeBitcoinGreatAgain  ;D

By the end of 2016, there were around 4200 Bitcoin-accepting merchants and storefronts in Japan, near quadrupling the total from 2015. Now, with the current progress in Bitcoin regulation made by Japanese authorities, the number of merchants accepting Bitcoin is expected to quintuple to 20000 this year. Indeed, good times for Bitcoin adoption are coming.

I think this is going to be the first step for Japan on the way for bitcoin adoption. They will see how this payments will work and after they will add something more and like step by step they will come to mass bitcoin adoption on their territory.

By the end of 2016, there were around 4200 Bitcoin-accepting merchants and storefronts in Japan, near quadrupling the total from 2015. Now, with the current progress in Bitcoin regulation made by Japanese authorities, the number of merchants accepting Bitcoin is expected to quintuple to 20000 this year. Indeed, good times for Bitcoin adoption are coming.

Sure that they will. It will certainly open a new door to either bitcoin and cryptocurrency. I have heard that people try to accept BItcoin because they want to import the Ripple system to the bank. Well, hope that Bitcoin will soon appear all over the world

Is this the really reason why the price of bitcoin is sky rocketing? I think almost all of the country in the world accepts bitcoin for every individual.

This is really reason bitcoin is sky rocketing right now Japan done great job for Digital currencies if some other developed countries also follow them then we can expect this price could be more high because demand will go high with give us more stable

This is really reason bitcoin is sky rocketing right now Japan done great job for Digital currencies if some other developed countries also follow them then we can expect this price could be more high because demand will go high with give us more stable

Yeah, Japan instead of charging taxes to consumption of Bitcoin, they even removed it encouraging people to flock in and buy Bitcoin.  They even have special license for the company who wanted to take advantage of Bitcoin economy.  According to this article (https://news.bitcoin.com/bitcoin-exchanges-japan-demand-institutional-investors-rises/), there are lots of big companies that are planning to join Bitcoin since they see that bitcoin is hot money since they believe many will see Bitcoin as an investment option.

It's a great information from bro. I am think bitcoin is adopted by Japan and implementing due to Satoshi only. There is leak information that Satoshi Nakamoto was born and live Japan. I feel that there is some comparison behind this.
After the this move by Japanese Government, Now Swiss banks also has been adopted bitcoin and implemented. Soon, we can expect more adoption over bitcoin other countries as well.

I would say that that is just a contributor in the rapid increase of bitcoin's value and it is not the reason. The reason is the demand of bitcoin is quickly rising, thus making bitcoin's value to increase. Though Japan's move is a major trigger, still, for me, it is just a contributor (and by just a contributor, I mean a major contributor) for the soaring high of bitcoin value.

It's a great information from bro. I am think bitcoin is adopted by Japan and implementing due to Satoshi only. There is leak information that Satoshi Nakamoto was born and live Japan. I feel that there is some comparison behind this.
After the this move by Japanese Government, Now Swiss banks also has been adopted bitcoin and implemented. Soon, we can expect more adoption over bitcoin other countries as well.

I think this is a good thing, bitcoin made by Japanese people and the Japanese Government should recognize and use the bitcoin as a form of appreciation to its discoverer.

I would say that that is just a contributor in the rapid increase of bitcoin's value and it is not the reason. The reason is the demand of bitcoin is quickly rising, thus making bitcoin's value to increase. Though Japan's move is a major trigger, still, for me, it is just a contributor (and by just a contributor, I mean a major contributor) for the soaring high of bitcoin value.

So that's why people are saying "Japan is buying lunch with BTC" in the troll box... That's good, Japan always had a mind for the future.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

I am planning on travelling to Japan by next year and I hope that by that time, bitcoin is a really well known currency and commodity and can be used most everywhere I go there. It would be a perfect vacation where I’d be able to pay my transactions, buying high tech gadgets, riding their trains and eating out while I pay with bitcoin. And hopefully it doesn’t stop there and that the rest of the world follow suit as well.

That is a great plan for next year, i hope i can get a lot of bitcoins and travel to Japan also and pay all my expenses in Japan with bitcoin only and i will not use any kind of fiat in that country, that is one of my dream that is why i keep accumulating bitcoin so if the day comes and bitcoin is being used by everyone, i have the advantage to buy a lot of things.

That is a great plan for next year, i hope i can get a lot of bitcoins and travel to Japan also and pay all my expenses in Japan with bitcoin only and i will not use any kind of fiat in that country, that is one of my dream that is why i keep accumulating bitcoin so if the day comes and bitcoin is being used by everyone, i have the advantage to buy a lot of things.

Which definitely true,someday bitcoin will be known and we will have the advantage since we already learned how to gain and use it,  Mass adaption will soon happen for bitcoin since Japan already opening their gate for it. Some other country may think of this move too soon.

This is really a big help for bitcoin. It will make bitcoin more popular as it will become a household name and will become very useful. It will push more of bitcoin price to some extent as demand will be higher.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

This is great because people who got bitcoins in their bitcoin wallet in Japan can enjoy their bitcoins now because their country already accepted bitcoin as a payment method. I hope i can go there and spend some of my bitcoins without worrying lacking of cash.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

Its is good news if in Japan, they hava already accepted bitcoins as one of the allowed currency to be used in everyday needs and one of allowed to be spent and convert into their own money . Hopefully that someday it will also accept in all countries, therefore we are free to use it, hoping that it will be legalize in all countries.

Thats really sounds good i gues japan is really having a great progress when it comes in money also no doubt we know that satoshi is a japanese i guess so no doubt it will be a success doing this also we will be also able to do a transaction in japan using our bitcoin 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵. And thats really a great new just keep it up and bitcoin will be the no. Currency that we will use all across the globe!

Eighteen companies are requesting the new license required to operate a crypto-currency exchange in Japan. The licensing regime, introduced by Japan in April, aims to ensure that exchanges operate in full compliance with financial regulatory procedures and fraud .
As a result of the applications, some of which come from existing exchanges such as BitFlyer, ten new players are scheduling to debut in the market and meet an expected increase in demand.
These companies include SBI Holdings' SBI virtual currencies, GMO Internet, Kabu.com Securities and Money Partners Group, according to Nikkei reports.

Eighteen companies are requesting the new license required to operate a crypto-currency exchange in Japan. The licensing regime, introduced by Japan in April, aims to ensure that exchanges operate in full compliance with financial regulatory procedures and fraud .
As a result of the applications, some of which come from existing exchanges such as BitFlyer, ten new players are scheduling to debut in the market and meet an expected increase in demand.
These companies include SBI Holdings' SBI virtual currencies, GMO Internet, Kabu.com Securities and Money Partners Group, according to Nikkei reports.

Which definitely true,someday bitcoin will be known and we will have the advantage since we already learned how to gain and use it,  Mass adaption will soon happen for bitcoin since Japan already opening their gate for it. Some other country may think of this move too soon.

This is great because people who got bitcoins in their bitcoin wallet in Japan can enjoy their bitcoins now because their country already accepted bitcoin as a payment method. I hope i can go there and spend some of my bitcoins without worrying lacking of cash.

Well, actually this thread is already kind of old, because im sure that most of the people participating on this forum already know about that Japan has accepted bitcoin as a possible payment method. But im still really happy that something like this happened, after all we can always have many different countries following their steps. Because if the one country did something like that, then some of the others may want to do the same if it will turn out as a good decision.

The last increase of the cryptocurrencies price, was mostly because the Japan market obtaining more and more btc, and altcoins.
They made such a big movements, that it has resulted in such a massive BTC/USD rate increase, which is very nice for every bitcoin user, that currently has some bought.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.

It is really interesting that japan has not yet accepts Bitcoin as a payment method I thought they already have it advanced thats because they say the founder is from japan but even though Satoshi lived on United stated and Europe. I thought countries like Japan, China, and other Asia countries are ahead of the technology especially in cryptoworld. Well if they don't have it yet I hope they will soon be it is really convenient to pay in online especially as you said 2020 Olympics is coming and japan is also one of the most technology inclined of the world. So I hope bitcoin will be spread through out the japan.  ;)

Japan has started by using bitcoin as a means of payment of things to be imitated by other countries such as Indonesia.

Can Indonesia be?

I believe any country can imitate or follow the footsteps of Japan including Indonesia if they have the political will because I don't think any country lacks the basic necessities like internet and access to computers but the main implementation of Bitcoin as a payment system in any jurisdiction lies on the political head of state or government and so they must be willing to implement it just like Japan.

I hope this one can happen too in my country, I hope goverment in my country try to accept Bitcoin as payment method, so many citizen will interest and many merchant can use Bitcoin as a payment in their merchant.

Is Japan the first country that recognize the crypto currency of bitcoin as payment method? and all because of satoshi nakamoto great idea in makin if bitcoin and as their very own locan citizen?

I think it's still too early because the transaction problem dibitcoin still not finished yes although I'm happy if this news is true because this is one of the development of cryptocurrency considering japan is a country that advanced rapidly in the field of technology.

They are first that officially announced it, there are some that test it but Japan is first that accepts all payment in bitcoin.
This is major step or some other country to follow the as an example, maybe Russia or some other European country, Sweden maybe now that they developing some altcoin for them only.

the first japan bill containing virtual currencies is expected to come on april which recognizes bitcoin as a method of payment.Although,it doesnot define bitcoin as a legal currency,it is still considered as a remarkable progress for bitcoin in japan.Hope, most of tourists who would go to japan to see 2020 olympics would be able to pay in bitcoins.