BULLSTAR 
Last updated: November 12, 2026
Japan was one of the first countries to regulate crypto exchanges, and it is still one of the strictest. If you trade crypto with leverage in Japan, you are limited to 2x on registered platforms, foreign exchanges like Bybit and Binance's global site have pulled out, and profits can be taxed at up to about 55%.
So where can you trade crypto with leverage in Japan in 2027, why is it capped at 2x, and what is changing with the new 20% tax? This guide explains it in plain words.
Japanese residents can trade crypto with up to 2x leverage on FSA-registered exchanges such as GMO Coin and SBI VC Trade. The 2x cap for retail has applied since May 2020. Bybit started restricting Japanese accounts in early 2026, and Binance's global platform no longer serves Japan. Crypto gains are currently taxed at up to about 55%, and a flat 20.315% rate has been enacted but is not yet in force.
How Crypto Is Regulated in Japan
Crypto exchanges in Japan must register with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) and follow the rules of the self-regulatory body, the JVCEA. Since May 2020, registered platforms may not offer retail customers more than 2x leverage on crypto margin trading.
Japan also takes unregistered foreign exchanges seriously. In February 2025, the FSA asked Apple and Google to block the apps of Bybit and four other unregistered exchanges. Bybit began restricting Japanese accounts in early 2026, and Binance's global exchange no longer accepts Japanese residents. Japanese users are served by Binance Japan instead, which launched in August 2023.
In July 2026, the Diet passed an amendment to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA) that moves crypto further into securities-style regulation and enables the new flat tax rate.
Where to Trade Crypto With Leverage in Japan (2027)
Based on exchange offers as of August 2026. Tap a name to open the official website.
| Exchange | Leverage | JPY deposits | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMO Coin ↗ | Yes, up to 2x | Free instant deposit | FSA registered |
| SBI VC Trade ↗ | Yes, up to 2x | Bank transfer | Took over DMM Bitcoin accounts in March 2025 |
| bitbank ↗ | No, spot and lending only | Bank transfer | FSA registered |
| Coincheck ↗ | No leverage | Bank transfer, quick deposit, convenience store | FSA registered |
| Binance Japan ↗ | No perpetuals or margin | Bank transfer, card | Separate from Binance global |
Using an unregistered foreign exchange from Japan gives you no FSA protection, and these platforms are actively restricting Japanese accounts. If your account is closed, getting your funds out can take time. Never keep more on an exchange than you need to trade.
Why Japan Caps Leverage at 2x
The FSA's view is that high leverage mostly hurts retail traders, and the numbers back it up. At 2x, the price has to fall about 50% before a long position is liquidated. At 100x, a 1% move is enough. Our guides on leverage and liquidation explain this in detail. With the right position size, 2x can still make solid returns, and our position size calculator shows how.
How to Follow Crypto Signals in Japan
Crypto signals give you an entry, take-profit targets and a stop loss. At Bullstar Signals we post signals for Binance Futures pairs. In Japan you can follow BTC and ETH setups with 2x margin on a registered exchange, or take long setups on other coins as spot trades. Keep the same entry, targets and stop loss, and adjust your position size.
Before you follow any signal group, check its record. Every Bullstar VIP signal since 2022 is on our public results page, losses included, and you can test our free Telegram channel first. This is not financial advice.
Crypto Taxes in Japan
Today: crypto gains are miscellaneous income, taxed at progressive national rates from 5% to 45% plus about 10% inhabitant tax, so the top combined rate is close to 55%.
Coming: a flat 20.315% rate (15% national, 5% inhabitant and 0.315% reconstruction surtax) has been enacted under the FY2026 tax act. It starts when the amended FIEA takes effect, which current reports point to around the 2028 tax year, although no official date has been set. The flat rate will only apply to specified assets sold through registered Japanese operators. Gains on offshore platforms and DeFi will stay under the old progressive system, and qualifying losses can be carried forward for up to three years.
Keep records of every trade and check with a Japanese tax accountant (zeirishi).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum crypto leverage in Japan?
2x for retail traders on FSA-registered exchanges. This limit has applied since May 2020.
Which Japanese exchanges offer crypto leverage?
GMO Coin and SBI VC Trade offer 2x leveraged trading. Bitbank, Coincheck and Binance Japan do not offer leverage.
Can I use Bybit in Japan?
Bybit is not registered with the FSA and began restricting Japanese accounts in early 2026. In February 2025, the FSA asked Apple and Google to block its app.
Is Binance available in Japan?
Binance's global exchange no longer serves Japanese residents. Binance Japan, launched in August 2023, is registered and offers spot trading but no perpetual futures or margin.
How is crypto taxed in Japan?
Currently as miscellaneous income, at progressive rates that can reach about 55% including inhabitant tax.
When does the 20% crypto tax start in Japan?
A flat 20.315% rate has been enacted and will start when the amended FIEA takes effect. Reports point to around the 2028 tax year, but no official date has been set.
Will the 20% rate apply to offshore exchanges?
No. The flat rate will only apply to specified crypto sold through registered Japanese operators. Gains on offshore platforms and DeFi stay under the progressive system.
Final Thoughts
Japan is a safe but strict place to trade crypto. You get registered exchanges, easy yen deposits and real protections, but only 2x leverage and a high tax rate until the 20% flat rate arrives. Use a registered exchange, keep your positions sized for 2x and set a stop loss on every trade.
See how Japan compares with other countries in our crypto futures ranking by country.
This guide is for information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Japanese crypto rules and tax are changing, so check them before you trade. Crypto trading with leverage carries a high risk of loss.