[News] HashPort and Keio University to Continue "web3 Rule Research Project" for Third Consecutive Year
2025.10.02HashPort Inc. and Keio University will commence the "web3 Rules Research Project" at the Keio University Global Research Institute (KGRI), with HashPort serving as the commissioning entity, continuing from last year. This project aims to develop proposals regarding rules for the web3 field.
Over the past two years, HashPort and Keio University have conducted research on the future of web3 and cryptoassets at KGRI through activities such as hosting public lectures and undertaking commissioned research on regulatory approaches for web3 wallets.
In 2025, Japan is seeing heightened attention on blockchain-based asset management and utilization, exemplified by the provision of a web3 wallet for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai (EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET) and the approval of Japan's first stablecoin issuance (JPYC).
From a regulatory perspective, 2026 will see the establishment of a new "Electronic Payment Instruments and Cryptoasset Service Intermediary Business" to facilitate stablecoin and cryptoasset trading. Furthermore, discussions are progressing regarding the transition of cryptoasset regulations to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
Against this background, HashPort and Keio University launched a research project at KGRI in October. This project, conducted with leading Japanese experts in the field, focuses on establishing appropriate and proper rules for the use of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) - a web3 service experiencing growing international demand - within Japan.
This research project will be conducted under the joint leadership of Kazuhiko Fuchikawa (Associate Professor, Keio University Faculty of Law) and Jiro Tamura (Project Professor /Professor Emeritus, Keio University KGRI), with Ken Kawai (Partner, Anderson Mori & Tomotsune) serving as chair.
■ Outline of the Commissioned Research
(1) Research Project: web3 Rules Research Project
(2) Research Theme: Examination of Appropriate Rules for DeFi Use in Japan
(3) Research Content: To formulate the proposals specified in (2) above, collaborating with overseas experts, Keio University, industry, academic societies, government, etc.
(4) Research Period: April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026
(Research Activity Period: October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026)
(5) Location: Keio University Global Research Institute (KGRI)
(6) Principal Researcher and Co-Principal Researcher: Associate Professor Kazuhiko Fuchikawa, Faculty of Law; Project Professor /Professor Emeritus Jiro Tamura, KGRI
(7) Commissioning Entity: HashPort Inc.
■ Research Members
Co-Principal Researcher: Kazuhiko Fuchikawa (Associate Professor, Keio University Faculty of Law), Jiro Tamura (Project Professor /Professor Emeritus, KGRI, Keio University)
Chair: Ken Kawai (Partner, Anderson Mori & Tomotsune)
Supervisor: Hideto Kawasaki (Member of the House of Representatives, Former Chief Secretary of the LDP Headquarters for the Promotion of a Digital Society, Policy Research Council, web3PT)
Members:
Yosuke Shiraishi (General Partner, MZ Web3 Fund; Vice President, Japan Cryptoasset Business Association)
Masakazu Masujma (Partner, Mori Hamada)
Fumiaki Sano (Partner, KATAOKA & KOBAYASHI LPC)
Shumpei Tatebayashi (Deputy General Manager, Open Innovation Division, KDDI CORPORATION)
Chiharu Kuroda (Regulatory Expert, Governmental Policy and Business Coordination Department, KDDI CORPORATION)
Seihaku Yoshida (CEO, HashPort Inc.; Director, Japan Cryptoasset Business Association)
Koji Horita (CAO, HashPort Inc.; Attorney at Law)
Masahiro Ohba (Legal Manager, HashPort Inc.; Attorney at Law)
■ HashPort Inc.
Company Name: HashPort Inc.
Location: Daiwa Azabu Terrace 5F, 3-20-1 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Representative: CEO, Seihaku Yoshida
Established: July 13, 2018
Business Overview: Provision of services related to token businesses utilizing blockchain in web3, etc.
URL：https://hashport.io/
Related website:
（Company Name） HashPort Inc.
（URL）https://hashport.io/
