#Who is the New Leader of Binance Japan?
Binance Japan has appointed Arisa Toyosaki as its new general manager and representative director starting July 1. Toyosaki is notable for her dual experience in traditional finance and decentralized finance, making her well-suited for this pivotal role. She succeeds Takeshi Chino, who has been at the helm since July 2022 and will now serve as honorary chairman and director.
#What is Toyosaki's Background in Finance?
Before entering the cryptocurrency arena, Toyosaki worked as a derivatives trader at UBS, a prominent global financial services firm. She later co-founded Cega, a decentralized finance protocol specializing in on-chain structured investment products. Cega was not just a minor player, having successfully raised over $9 million, including a remarkable $4.3 million seed round at a $60 million valuation. Prior to its acquisition and closure in late 2024, the platform facilitated roughly $500 million in trading volume.
#How Did Chino Impact Binance Japan?
Under Takeshi Chino's leadership, Binance Japan launched key services in 2023 and 2024, thanks to the acquisition of Sakura Exchange Bitcoin Co., Ltd., which established a regulatory presence for Binance in Japan. One of the most significant developments during Chino's tenure was PayPay acquiring a 40% stake in Binance Japan in October 2025. PayPay is Japan’s leading mobile payment platform, supported by SoftBank, signifying a major financial partnership.
#What Should Investors Keep an Eye On?
The integration with PayPay stands out as a crucial development. A stake from a top payment app implies not only financial investment but also a strong operational partnership. Toyosaki's leadership will be key to accelerating this collaboration throughout 2026 and beyond.
The competitive landscape in Japan includes well-established exchanges like bitFlyer and Coincheck. While Binance Japan benefits from global brand recognition, local companies have built a robust trust with Japanese consumers. How Toyosaki navigates these challenges will be critical for Binance Japan's success in a complex market.