Japan Eliminates Consumption Tax On Bitcoin Trading

The recent rise in price for Bitcoin may have something to do with this piece of news:

The supply of virtual currency will be exempt from Japanese Consumption Tax (“JCT”). Currently, virtual currencies such as Bitcoin do not fall under the category of exempt sales, and as a result, the sale of virtual currencies in Japan have been treated as taxable for JCT purposes. Following the enactment of the amended Fund Settlement Law in May 2016, which newly defined “virtual currency” as a means of settlement, the sale of virtual currency as defined under the new Fund Settlement Law will be exempt from JCT. This change will apply to sales/purchase transactions performed in Japan on or after 1 July 2017.

Japan used to be one of the most important countries for Bitcoin trading thanks to Mt.Gox exchange, at least until that fell apart. This could rejuvenate Bitcoin trading in the country again. It's also a good sign for Bitcoin's prices in the short-term.

Source: Deloitte