#What Are Digital Securities in Japan?
Digital securities represent a new frontier in investment, particularly for high-value assets such as aircraft and ships. Japanese trading giant Mitsui & Co. is preparing to introduce the country's first digital securities tailored for fractional ownership of these capital-intensive assets. Under the umbrella of its investment platform, Alterna, Mitsui & Co. Digital Asset Management aims to broaden investment access by allowing retail investors to invest with a minimum of around 100,000 yen, or about $630.
#How is the Digital Securities Market Growing in Japan?
The digital securities landscape in Japan has witnessed remarkable growth recently. The market more than doubled in size in 2025, reaching an issuance figure of approximately 152.9 billion yen. This surge has been catalyzed by an influx of institutional players and an expanding variety of use cases within the sector. Leading brokerages like Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, along with platforms such as Osaka Digital Exchange, are making significant strides in providing access to this evolving market.
Why Does Mitsui & Co. Focus on Aviation and Maritime Assets?
Mitsui’s initiative to include fractional ownership of aircraft and ships aligns with Japan's broader economic goals. The nation intends to double its shipbuilding production by 2035, and the demand for aircraft is expected to increase significantly by 2043. By establishing a foothold in these sectors, Mitsui is positioning itself for a lucrative investment in two key areas.
#What Are Mitsui’s Future Plans for Digital Securities?
Mitsui & Co. has ambitious targets for its digital securities sales, aiming for a total of 100 billion yen by fiscal 2030. This growth strategy includes diversifying its offerings to include lower-volatility assets, such as corporate bonds and an expanded real estate product line. Furthermore, the company intends to leverage artificial intelligence tools to streamline product development, significantly reducing the time from around a year to just one or two months.
#Conclusion
As Japan's digital securities market accelerates, Mitsui & Co.'s strategic moves to offer fractional ownership of aircraft and ships will surely interest retail investors looking to diversify their portfolios. With a foundation built on extensive growth prospects and technological advancements, engaging with this market could be an investment opportunity worth exploring.