A Japanese lawmaker has ignited debate by proposing the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve, potentially positioning the cryptocurrency as a strategic national asset. Satoshi Hamada, a Member of Parliament representing the Party to Protect the People from NHK, formally submitted a written inquiry to the government regarding the feasibility of such a reserve.
Hamada’s proposal comes amid growing international interest in Bitcoin as a reserve asset. Citing developments in Brazil and the United States, where discussions around incorporating Bitcoin into treasury holdings are reportedly underway, Hamada urged the Japanese government to explore converting a portion of its foreign exchange reserves into virtual currencies, specifically Bitcoin.
The lawmaker’s written question, titled “Question regarding the status of understanding the movement to introduce a national Bitcoin reserve in the United States and other countries,” highlights Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and resistance to influence from specific countries or institutions. He argued that this neutrality allows Bitcoin to support economic activity independent of any particular currency.
Hamada also pointed to the anticipated appointment of a cryptocurrency “czar” by the incoming Donald Trump administration in the US as further evidence of the growing global recognition of digital assets. He emphasized the potential for Bitcoin to become a “national strategic asset” for Japan.
While Hamada’s party holds only two seats in parliament, the proposal could gain traction among other lawmakers. The Japanese government is expected to provide a formal written response to Hamada’s inquiry in the coming weeks, which will likely be published on its official website.
