Representative Hirai, known as a pro-Blockchain advocate and a new IT minister, enters the cabinet
On October 2 of today, the Abe administration conducted a cabinet reshuffle (the 4th reshuffle) and decided the lineup of 19 ministers in the 4th Abe Cabinet.
In addition to retaining key ministers such as Deputy Prime Minister Aso and Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga, Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Takuya Hira, known as a key figure in fintech policy and a blockchain promotion advocate, was appointed Minister in charge of IT. He will also concurrently serve as Minister of Chemical Technology.
An Active Stance Toward New Technologies
As the chairman of the LDP IT Strategy Special Committee and the president of the Fintech Promotion Parliamentary Federation, Representative Hira has shown an active attitude toward utilizing new technologies.
He is said to be relatively pro using blockchain technology, and in the past regarding ICOs, he stated, “ICO may be good for municipal financing. It is appropriate for municipalities to conduct ICOs. I would like to support moving forward in a way that coordinates well with municipalities and considers methods to carry it out.”
He also participated in the “Japan-China Blockchain Exchange Conference” held in August 2018, and attention is focused on this lawmaker's activities regarding blockchain technology initiatives in Japan moving forward.
