What is Polymarket trying to do in Japan?

Polymarket is reportedly seeking approval from Japanese authorities to operate prediction markets in Japan by 2030. The move shows the company wants a regulated path into a major Asian market.

Why does Polymarket’s Japan plan matter?

Polymarket’s Japan push matters because the platform remains restricted in many countries. Approval in Japan could show whether prediction markets can expand through regulation instead of blocked access.

Who is leading Polymarket’s Japan lobbying effort?

Mike Eidlin is reportedly leading Polymarket’s lobbying effort in Japan. He currently oversees Japan operations at crypto company Jupiter.

Is Polymarket currently available in Japan?

Polymarket is currently on Japan’s frontend-restricted list, which limits access to the platform. The company appears to be seeking a legal route before entering the market.

What could decide Polymarket’s approval in Japan?

Japanese regulators may need to decide whether prediction markets count as financial products, gambling products, or another category. That classification could decide whether Polymarket can operate legally.

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Polymarket eyes Japan approval by 2030 amid lobbying push

Written by Heidi Cuthbert Published May 22, 2026, 9:33 AM

Polymarket is reportedly seeking approval from Japanese authorities to operate prediction markets in the country by 2030.

Bloomberg reported that the company has appointed Mike Eidlin to lead its lobbying efforts in Japan.

Eidlin currently oversees Japan operations for crypto company Jupiter.

The move signals Polymarket’s interest in expanding into a market it reportedly views as a major untapped opportunity.

Japan is currently included on Polymarket’s frontend-restricted list, which limits access to the platform.

The reported 2030 target gives Polymarket several years to engage with regulators in Tokyo.

The company’s Japan strategy comes as prediction market platforms face closer scrutiny in several major jurisdictions.

Regulators in the United States and other countries have placed increasing pressure on platforms that offer event-based contracts.

Argentina ordered a nationwide block on Polymarket in March.

Polymarket also restricts or blocks access in more than 30 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Poland.

The platform previously faced a ban in the United States for about three years.

Polymarket regained clearance from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in September 2025.

Its chances in Japan may depend on how local regulators classify prediction markets and event contracts.

Japanese authorities could treat such products differently depending on whether they see them as financial instruments, gambling products, or another category.

The regulatory outcome may shape whether Polymarket can legally enter the Japanese market by its reported 2030 goal.

Polymarket is not the only prediction market company facing regulatory challenges.

ThePrint reported that India’s electronics ministry is preparing to issue a blocking order against Kalshi as soon as Friday.

The developments show that prediction market firms are facing a tougher global regulatory environment.

For Polymarket, Japan could become an important test of whether regulated expansion remains possible in Asia.

The company’s lobbying effort may also indicate that prediction market platforms are seeking clearer legal pathways instead of relying only on restricted access models.