A major exchange recently announced a strategic adjustment to its operations in the Japanese market. According to the announcement, starting in late March, Japanese user accounts will switch to a close-only mode, meaning users can close positions and withdraw funds but cannot open new positions. By mid-July, the related services will be completely phased out.

This move reflects the ongoing tightening of financial regulation in Japan. As one of the strictest crypto markets globally, Japan continuously upgrades its compliance requirements for exchanges year after year. Many international trading platforms are adjusting their Japanese operations—some choosing to completely withdraw, while others gradually phase out services to reduce impact. This trend highlights a reality: the operational strategies of global exchanges in local markets are becoming increasingly fragmented, and the scope for regulatory arbitrage is continuously shrinking. For traders active in the Japanese market, early planning for asset transfers and account migrations has become an urgent priority.