Thursday, February 01, 2018, 12:00 - 14:00
Bitcoin and ICOs...The Future of Cryptocurrencies
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in English
Over the past year, Japan has emerged as a world capital for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, with yen-based trading representing as much as half of daily transactions. This has happened for several reasons, including the 2017 decision of the Japanese authorities to recognise Bitcoin and others as legitimate payment methods, while other Asian countries – notably China and South Korea – have been more restrictive. At the same time, restrictions on Japan’s banks have been lifted so that they can become direct investors in fintech, allowing some of Japan’s biggest financial names to explore opportunities in blockchain and other decentralised technologies that could transform the way the industry works.
The extraordinary surge of Bitcoin prices in 2017 and the 40 per cent capitulation that followed, have convinced some that cryptocurrencies are still too volatile to be taken seriously. Others look at the technologies and the legal environment underlying them and see a future rich with the potential for significant change, and a compelling case for deeper understanding by mainstream media.
With that in mind, please join us for a lively discussion with Ken Kawai and Hikaru Kusaka, two figures who sit at the heart of the decentralised financial technology world and have valuable insights to share on the legal and investment implications. Kawai is a partner at law firm Anderson Mori & Tomotsune and is an expert in derivatives, financial regulation and financial dispute resolution. He has been an extensive advisor to fintech start-ups and has worked with many of Japan's largest financial institutions on their investments in this area. Hikaru Kusaka, meanwhile, is the co-founder of blockhive OÜ, a blockchain developer, and an incubator. He is a former technology advisor to the Japanese government and has worked with more than 50 companies to evolve their fintech strategies.
Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website (still & TV cameras inclusive). The charge for members/members' guest is 1,750/2,700 yen; non-members eligible to attend may pay in cash by e mail reservation (front@fccj.or.jp). (Menu:grilled pork with vegetables.) Reservations canceled less than one hour in advance for working press members, and 24 hours for all others, will be charged in full. Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation. Regarding the special menu like vegetarian plate, please order the day before the event. For meal service, please enter the room by 12:25.
Professional Activities Committee
Hikaru Kusaka Ken Kawai