Shoal Invest

Countries / Asia-Pacific / Japan

JP · JPY

How to invest from Japan

Where to buy, who protects you, and what it really costs a small investor in Japan to own local and global stocks.

CurrencyJPY
ExchangeTokyo Stock ExchangeJPX
RegulatorFinancial Services AgencyFSA
EU rulesNoPRIIPs doesn't apply

Tax notes for Japan are still being verified by our team. Get notified

Brokers you can use from Japan

Researched October 2026. Listed for information, not as a recommendation. Fees change often, so compare them on each broker's official pricing page.

Local brokers

SBI SecuritiesOnline broker
Japan’s largest online broker; NISA accounts.Official site ↗
Rakuten SecuritiesOnline broker
Major online broker linked to Rakuten points.Official site ↗
MonexOnline broker
Online broker known for US-stock access.Official site ↗
Matsui SecuritiesOnline broker
One of Japan’s oldest online brokers.Official site ↗

International platforms

Interactive BrokersCheck availability
Global broker with access to stock exchanges in dozens of countries from one account.
  • Real shares & ETFsYes
  • CFDsYes
  • Regulated bySEC / FINRA (US), FCA (UK), Central Bank of Ireland (EU) +5
Official site ↗Source
eToroCheck availability
Social investing app: real shares and ETFs, copy-trading, plus CFDs and crypto.
  • Real shares & ETFsYes
  • CFDsYes
  • Regulated byCySEC (EU), FCA (UK), ASIC (AU) +2
Official site ↗Source
tastytradeCheck availability
US broker built for options and futures traders. Also stocks and ETFs, with international accounts for eligible countries.
  • Real shares & ETFsYes
  • CFDsNo
  • Regulated bySEC / FINRA (US), CFTC / NFA (US), SIPC member
Official site ↗Source

About CFDs: some platforms above also offer CFDs. These are leveraged products and most retail CFD accounts lose money. For long-term investing, make sure you are buying the real shares or ETF units.

Your three routes

Local brokerSimplest for Tokyo Stock Exchange shares and local tax reporting. Foreign markets can cost more.
International brokerUS, European and Asian markets in one account, if it's allowed to serve residents of Japan.
Funds & ETFsThe low-effort way to diversify with a small amount, through either route.

Buying US and global stocks

Check whether your broker gives direct access to US exchanges, holds shares in your own name, and how it handles US dividend withholding tax for residents of Japan.

The costs that matter

Currency conversion (JPY → USD/EUR)Often the biggest hidden cost
Trading commissionsHurts most on small monthly buys
Custody & inactivity feesCharged just for holding
Fund costs (TER)Small, but compound for decades

See how fees change the end result with the compound interest calculator.

Who protects you

The Financial Services Agency (FSA) supervises investment firms in Japan. Before opening an account, find the broker in the official register, or confirm its licence lets it serve residents of Japan. No clear regulator is a red flag.

Taxes

How gains and dividends are taxed in Japan depends on your residency and account type. Confirm with the official tax authority or a qualified local adviser; rules change often.