Core Insights - A consortium of major Japanese securities firms and trust banks, led by SBI Holdings, will launch a regulated platform for trading tokenized public company shares starting in 2026, allowing trades 24/7 with minimum investments as low as 1 Japanese yen [1][2][4] Group 1: Market Transformation - The initiative aims to convert traditional listed equities into Security Tokens (STs), creating a new industry-wide infrastructure for trading these assets, which are valued in trillions of dollars [2][3] - The introduction of a digital securities system will challenge existing market norms that typically require stock purchases in minimum lot sizes, thus enhancing accessibility for retail investors [3][4] Group 2: Regulatory Environment - Japan's clear regulatory frameworks for digital securities position it as a leader in the space, allowing institutional players to engage within established compliance structures [3][4] - The initiative is seen as a strategic move to align Japan's financial offerings with the expectations of a digital-savvy generation, promoting a shift from savings to investment [4][5] Group 3: Liquidity and Accessibility - The proposed system will enable unprecedented fractional ownership and liquidity, with a minimum investment threshold set at just JPY 1, facilitating continuous trading [3][4] - The unique nature of this initiative highlights the scarcity of regulated 24/7 on-chain equity trading venues globally, emphasizing its significance [4][5]