The financial landscape in Japan is evolving rapidly as traditional institutions embrace blockchain innovation. A publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange has stepped into the decentralized finance (DeFi) arena by launching a loan service secured by major cryptocurrencies — Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Ethereum (ETH). This move highlights Japan's growing openness to crypto integration within mainstream financial services, offering investors a strategic way to access liquidity without triggering capital gains taxes.
Samurai Crypto Loan: Bridging Traditional Finance and Digital Assets
J Partners Co. Ltd. (TYO: 4764), a Tokyo-based firm established in 1996, has introduced a new financing solution through its subsidiary Samurai Asset Finance. The product, known as the Samurai Crypto Loan, allows cryptocurrency holders to use their digital assets as collateral to borrow Japanese yen for up to one year.
Loans range from 20 million yen (~$179,000)** to **300 million yen (~$2.7 million), making this one of the more substantial institutional offerings in Asia’s emerging crypto-lending market. Interest rates vary between 7.0% and 15.0%, inclusive of fees and rollover charges. Late payments incur an additional 20% annual penalty, aligning with standard risk management practices in asset-backed lending.
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A key advantage of this service is tax efficiency. In Japan, selling cryptocurrency is treated as a taxable event, with income tax rates reaching up to 55% depending on the individual’s total earnings. By using crypto as collateral instead of selling it, investors can maintain exposure to potential price appreciation while unlocking capital for business or personal use.
Diversified Lending Portfolio with a Focus on Innovation
While Samurai Asset Finance launched in 2023, it operates under a well-established parent company with decades of experience in global information services. Beyond crypto-backed loans, the firm provides asset-based financing secured by real estate, securities, foreign currencies, precious metals, and even membership rights — showcasing a diversified risk model that blends traditional and digital asset classes.
This hybrid approach positions J Partners at the intersection of fintech innovation and institutional credibility. As regulatory frameworks around digital assets mature in Japan, such models may serve as blueprints for broader adoption across Asia’s financial sector.
Expansion Plans: ICO and Global Subsidiary
In May 2025, J Partners announced plans to expand its blockchain footprint by establishing an overseas subsidiary dedicated to launching an Initial Coin Offering (ICO). While details remain limited, the company stated its intent to “conduct an ICO and broaden our business scope,” signaling a deeper commitment to decentralized finance infrastructure.
This strategic pivot reflects a growing trend among publicly listed firms seeking alternative fundraising methods outside traditional equity markets. ICOs allow companies to raise capital directly from global investors while distributing utility or governance tokens tied to new platforms or ecosystems.
Competitive Landscape: Rising Demand for Crypto-Backed Credit
J Partners isn’t alone in recognizing the demand for crypto-secured lending. Another Japanese firm, Abic Corporation, recently unveiled a similar product focused exclusively on BTC-backed loans. Abic offers borrowing amounts from 2 million yen (~$18,260)** up to **1 billion yen (~$9.13 million), with interest rates starting as low as 2.98% and extending to 15.0%, depending on loan size and duration.
Loan terms at Abic range from one month to five years — longer than Samurai’s one-year limit — giving borrowers greater flexibility. However, both companies apply a 20% annual fee for overdue payments, emphasizing the importance of disciplined repayment in high-volatility collateral environments.
Internationally, platforms like Libra Credit, backed by Binance Labs, have also entered the space by enabling users to pledge BNB (Binance Coin) as collateral for fiat and crypto loans. These developments indicate a global shift toward integrating digital assets into credit systems — a trend likely to accelerate as institutional participation grows.
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Why Crypto-Backed Loans Matter in 2025
Crypto-backed lending addresses a fundamental challenge in digital asset ownership: liquidity without liquidation. For long-term holders, selling during periods of financial need means forfeiting future upside. With collateralized loans, investors retain their positions while meeting immediate cash flow requirements.
Moreover, Japan’s progressive stance on cryptocurrency regulation makes it an ideal testing ground for compliant financial products. The country recognizes Bitcoin and other major coins as legal property under its Payment Services Act, providing a clear legal foundation for asset-backed lending.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I get a loan using only Bitcoin in Japan?
A: Yes. Several Japanese firms, including Abic Corporation and Samurai Asset Finance, offer loans backed solely by Bitcoin (BTC). These services allow borrowers to receive Japanese yen without selling their holdings.
Q: Are crypto-backed loans taxable in Japan?
A: No — as long as you do not sell your cryptocurrency, taking out a loan against it is not considered a taxable event. This makes crypto-collateralized loans a tax-efficient way to access funds.
Q: What happens if the value of my crypto collateral drops?
A: Most lenders require borrowers to maintain a minimum collateral ratio. If the value of BTC, ETH, or BCH falls significantly, you may be required to deposit additional collateral or repay part of the loan to avoid liquidation.
Q: How fast can I receive funds from a crypto-backed loan?
A: Processing times vary by institution, but many Japanese lenders aim to disburse funds within 3–7 business days after verification and collateral deposit.
Q: Is there a minimum credit score required for these loans?
A: Typically, no. Since the loan is secured by digital assets, lenders focus more on the value and volatility of the collateral rather than personal credit history.
Q: Can foreign nationals apply for crypto-backed loans in Japan?
A: Eligibility depends on the lender’s policies. Some institutions may require residency or local banking relationships, while others accept international clients through their overseas subsidiaries.
The Future of Digital Asset Financing
As blockchain technology gains institutional traction, crypto-backed lending is poised to become a standard offering in wealth management and corporate finance. Japan’s proactive regulatory environment and strong investor base make it a key player in shaping this future.
With companies like J Partners leading the charge, we’re witnessing the early stages of a financial ecosystem where digital assets function not just as investments but as practical tools for economic empowerment.
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