According to Japan's Financial Services Agency, on April 1, 2017, the country will begin recognizing bitcoin and other forms of virtual currency
as a form of payment pursuant to a recently passed law.
The proceeds from the collection
of certification fees, fines, penalties, and costs levied
pursuant to this chapter shall be remitted by the Department
of Education to the Chief Financial Officer for deposit into a separate fund to be known
as the «Educational Certification and Service Trust Fund» and disbursed for the
payment of expenses incurred by the Educational Practices Commission and in the printing
of forms and bulletins and the issuing
of certificates, upon vouchers approved by the department.