Japan vs North Korea
Crypto regulation comparison
Japan
North Korea
Legal
Banned
Japan is one of the world's most comprehensively regulated crypto markets. The Payment Services Act and Financial Instruments and Exchange Act govern crypto exchanges and tokens. Japan classifies crypto as "crypto-assets" and taxes gains as miscellaneous income at rates up to 55%, though reforms to lower this rate are under active discussion.
North Korea does not allow civilian cryptocurrency use. The regime has been accused by the UN and US of using state-sponsored hacking to steal cryptocurrency to fund weapons programs.
Tax Type
Income
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
15-55%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
FSA (Financial Services Agency), JVCEA
Regulator
Central Bank of North Korea
Stablecoin Rules
2022 stablecoin law requires issuers to be licensed banks, trust companies, or fund transfer agents
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — crypto banned
Key Points
- Crypto exchanges must register with the FSA under the Payment Services Act
- Crypto gains taxed as miscellaneous income at up to 55% (national + local tax)
- Japan's self-regulatory body JVCEA sets industry standards for exchanges
- 2022 stablecoin legislation (revised Payment Services Act) regulates stablecoin issuance
- Government considering tax reform to apply a flat 20% separate taxation on crypto gains
Key Points
- No civilian cryptocurrency use permitted
- State-sponsored crypto theft alleged by UN and US
- Lazarus Group linked to major crypto exchange hacks
- International sanctions restrict all financial activities
- Cryptocurrency used by state actors, not civilians
Sources
- NTA - Crypto Assets Tax Pamphlet
- FSA - Registered Crypto-Asset Exchanges
- FSA - Regulating Crypto Assets in Japan
- NTA - Tax Answer No. 1524 (暗号資産)
- NTA - Income Tax Guide 2025 (English PDF)
- Japanese Law Translation - Payment Services Act
- FSA - Discussion Paper on Cryptoasset Regulatory Systems
- FSA - Registered Electronic Payment Instrument Exchanges