Japanese Prime Minister Meets a16z Co-Founder to Discuss New Office

PANews posted on X (formerly Twitter). Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with Ben Horowitz, co-founder of a16z, to discuss the establishment of a16z's first overseas office in Japan this summer. Following the meeting, Takaichi emphasized that her cabinet prioritizes 'technology as a national strategy' as a core pillar for Japan's growth, aiming to foster a startup ecosystem and including the defense industry as one of 17 strategic sectors. The alignment of a16z's expansion into Japan with this direction was noted. In recent years, Japan's stance towards crypto and tech capital has become increasingly favorable, with a relatively clear regulatory framework and proactive government efforts to attract investment. a16z's decision to choose Japan as its first international location is seen as an endorsement of this environment.