Finance Minister Katayama Positions 2026 as the 'Digital First Year', Expresses Hope for Widespread Adoption Through Stock Exchanges

On January 6th, Satsuki Katayama, the Minister of Finance and Financial Services, gave his New Year's address at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), designating 2026 as the 'Digital First Year'. The ceremony, held on the first business day of the new year, marks the resumption of trading by investors after the year-end and New Year holidays. Minister Katayama, referencing the Takai administration, which saw the first female Prime Minister and Finance Minister, stated that the 'glass ceiling' in politics has already been shattered, and expressed hope for the stock market to reach record-breaking highs this year. He also pointed out that this year is a critical juncture for Japan to escape its long-term deflationary issues, emphasizing the responsibility...