Japan Probes Sharp Plunge in Crypto Coin Using Prime Minister’s Name

Japan’s financial regulator is considering a probe after a cryptocurrency using the name of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi surged in value and then dropped sharply when she publicly denied any connection to the project. The token, known as Sanae Token, appeared on the Solana blockchain and quickly attracted attention across crypto trading platforms. Market trackers reported that the asset briefly reached a market capitalization of about $27.7 million on Feb. 25 before losing much of its value soon afterward. The episode has drawn regulatory attention in Japan because the cryptocurrency used the name of a sitting political leader without authorization. Authorities are now examining whether the token’s operators complied with the country’s digital asset rules. Prime Minister Denies Any Link to Sanae Token Prime Minister Takaichi publicly addressed the situation on X after reports about the token began circulating. She said she had no knowledge of the cryptocurrency and that neither she nor her office had approved or endorsed it. “Due to the name, it seems there are various misunderstandings,” she wrote in the statement. “I have absolutely no knowledge of it, nor has my office been informed about what this token entails.” Following the clarification, the token’s value dropped quickly. Data from crypto tracker Gmgn showed the project’s market capitalization falling from roughly $27.7 million to around $7 million as traders reassessed the asset. The price movement reflected a typical pattern in speculative crypto assets tied to viral narratives. In this case, the market reacted rapidly to the prime minister’s denial. Japan’s Financial Regulator Weighs Investigation Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is now reviewing the case and considering whether to investigate the individuals or groups behind the token’s issuance. According to reports from Kyodo News, the regulator is assessing the facts and determining whether any rules were violated. Under Japan’s Payment Services Act, companies that issue or facilitate trading of crypto assets must register with the FSA. Operating without registration can lead to regulatory scrutiny, especially if the project raises consumer protection concerns. Officials have not announced a formal investigation yet, but the regulator is examining whether the token’s operators complied with licensing requirements. Authorities are also reviewing whether the project misled investors by using the name of a political figure.