The best Forex brokers in Japan are IG Markets, AvaTrade, IC Markets, and Vantage.
To choose the best Forex brokers to trade in Japan, the Japanese JFSA regulation and physical presence, minimum deposit for Japanese clients, spreads and leverage on forex, availability of local payment methods, and specific features tailored to Japanese traders are the most important criteria.
IG Markets is the best Forex broker overall in Japan, with JFSA regulation number 255, a registered office in Tokyo, access to 17,000 assets, spreads from 0.3 pips on 80 forex pairs, JPY currency support and clients can open an Individual IG Account or a Corporate account.
AvaTrade, IC Markets, and Vantage follow IG Markets as the best Forex brokers for the acceptance of Japanese traders, platforms (MT4, MT5, and Proprietary Platform), low spreads on forex and JPY currency support. AvaTrade is regulated by JFSA (license no. 1662) offers fixed spreads from 0.9 pips on 60+ forex pairs, full Japanese website, local funding options, and Copy Trading via DupliTrade. IC Markets allows trading under a JFSA-regulated entity (SD018), offers JPY as a base currency, and spreads from 0 pips on 60+ forex pairs. Vantage is regulated by CIMA (license no. 1383491), it gives access to local JPY payments, and spreads from 0 pips on 39+ forex pairs.
What are the best forex brokers in Japan?
Below is our curated list of the best forex brokers for traders living in Japan, with details and information about the country laws, the features, and the characteristics.
Warning
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
IG Markets
wide range of services
IG Markets operates in Japan with JFSA regulation and a Tokyo office. IG Markets provides a Japanese website, minimum deposit requirements in yen, and local bank transfer options. IG Markets offers spreads from 0.3 pips for Japanese traders.
-
Regulations:
-
Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
-
Platforms:
About IG Markets
IG Markets is a global online trading provider founded in 1974, offering access to over 17,000 financial markets including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. IG Markets provides proprietary trading platforms alongside MetaTrader 4 and ProRealTime. IG Markets is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities worldwide, including the FCA and ASIC. IG Markets is known for competitive spreads, extensive educational resources, and innovative features like weekend trading. The IG Markets’ parent company “IG Group” CEO is Breon Corcoran.
IG Markets Features
The features of IG Markets are listed below.
- IG Markets in Japan is regulated by JFSA (no. 255) with a registered office in Tokyo.
- A full Japanese website is available for IG Japanese traders.
- The IG minimum deposit for Japanese clients is 35.000¥.
- IG provides 17,000 CFD for Japanese traders.
- Japanese clients can open an Individual IG Account or a Corporate account.
- Local bank transfers are available for Japanese traders in JPY. Payments via bank wires in USD are also possible.
- Japanese traders have access to spreads from 0.3 pips on 80+ forex pairs with a max. leverage up to 25:1 (individual) and up to 100:1 (corporate).
IG Markets Pros and Cons
Advantages of IG Markets
The advantages of IG Markets are listed below.
- Low spreads from 0.6 pips on Forex
- Wide range of financial instruments
- 40 years of experience in the Forex industry
Disadvantages of IG Markets
The disadvantages of IG Markets are listed below.
- No copy trading features
- No social trading features
AvaTrade
best for fixed spreads trading
AvaTrade in Japan functions under JFSA regulation. AvaTrade provides a Japanese website, local deposit options, and fixed spreads from 0.9 pips. AvaTrade allows copy trading via third-party platforms for Japanese clients.
-
Regulations:
-
Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
-
Platforms:
About AvaTrade
AvaTrade is a global forex and CFD broker founded in 2006 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. AvaTrade offers trading on currencies, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. AvaTrade provides proprietary platforms alongside MetaTrader 4 and 5. AvaTrade is regulated by multiple authorities including CySEC, ASIC, and FSA. AvaTrade serves over 300,000 clients worldwide. AvaTrade is known for competitive spreads and extensive educational resources. The AvaTrade CEO is David Dryzin since 2016.
AvaTrade Features
The features of AvaTrade are listed below.
- AvaTrade in Japan is regulated by the JFSA under the number 1662.
- A full Japanese website is provided for AvaTrade Japanese traders.
- The AvaTrade minimum deposit is ¥50,000 for Japanese clients.
- Japanese local deposits are available for AvaTrade traders.
- Japanese clients find fixed spreads from 0.9 pips on 60+ currency pairs with a maximum leverage up to 25:1.
- Japanese clients can engage in Copy Trading by using the third-party platform DupliTrade.
AvaTrade Pros and Cons
Advantages of AvaTrade
The advantages of AvaTrade are listed below.
- Tight fixed spreads from 0.6 pips (0.9 pips for retail traders)
- The mobile apps are well designed
- Can be connected to ZuluTrade and Duplitrade
Disadvantages of AvaTrade
The disadvantages of AvaTrade are listed below.
- High inactivity fees
- The demo account is limited to 30 days
IC Markets
great for algo-traders
IC Markets trades under JFSA regulation for Japanese clients. IC Markets offers no minimum deposit requirement and provides Japanese clients with spreads from 0 pips and base currency options, including JPY.
-
Regulations:
-
Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
-
Platforms:
About IC Markets
IC Markets is a global forex and CFD broker founded in 2007 and based in Sydney, Australia. IC Markets offers trading on over 2,250 instruments including currencies, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader platforms. IC Markets is regulated by multiple authorities including ASIC and CySEC. IC Markets is known for its ECN execution model and low spreads. The IC Markets CEO is Andrew Budzinski.
IC Markets Features
The features of IC Markets are listed below.
- Japanese clients can trade under the global entity regulated by JFSA (SD018).
- The Japanese language is not available for IC Japanese clients on the website.
- Japanese traders of IC Markets aren’t required to make a minimum deposit.
- JPY as base currency is available for Japanese traders, with EUR, USD, GBP, HKD, SGD, and NZD.
- Japanese clients find spreads from 0 pips on 60+ IC Markets pairs with a max. leverage up to 500:1.
- No IC bonuses are in store for Japanese clients.
IC Markets Pros and Cons
Advantages of IC Markets
The advantages of IC Markets are listed below.
- Low-latency trading environment
- Institutional level liquidity
- MT4, MT5, cTrader platforms are all available
Disadvantages of IC Markets
The disadvantages of IC Markets are listed below.
- Small amount of educational tools for new traders
- Small range of tradable assets compared to other CFD/Forex brokers
Vantage
very low spreads on forex
Vantage operates with Japanese clients under CIMA regulation. Vantage lacks a Japanese-language website but offers low starting deposits in yen. Vantage provides spreads from 0 pips and JCB deposit options for Japanese clients.
-
Regulations:
-
Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
-
Platforms:
About Vantage
Vantage is a global multi-asset broker founded in 2009, offering trading on forex, CFDs, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies. Vantage provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and proprietary platforms. Vantage is regulated by multiple authorities including ASIC, FCA, and CIMA. Vantage is known for fast execution, competitive spreads, and extensive educational resources. Vantage serves over 3 million registered users worldwide. The Vantage CEO is David Shayer.
Vantage Features
The features of Vantage are listed below.
- Japanese clients can trade with Vantage under the CIMA entity (no. 1383491).
- The Japanese language is not available for Vantage Japanese clients on the website.
- Japanese clients of Vantage can start with a minimum deposit of ¥20.000 ($200).
- JPY is available for Vantage Japanese traders, alongside EUR, USD, GBP, HKD, AUD, CAD, NZD, and SGD.
- Japanese clients of Vantage can also make JCB deposits in JPY.
- Japanese traders find Vantage spreads from 0 pips on 39+ forex pairs with a maximum leverage up to 500:1.
Vantage Pros and Cons
Advantages of Vantage
The advantages of Vantage are listed below.
- Competitive spreads and low commissions
- Strong range of asset classes
Disadvantages of Vantage
The disadvantages of Vantage are listed below.
- Not available to US traders
- Customer service could be improved
Saxo
best for high-volume traders
Saxo operates under JFSA regulation in Japan. Saxo offers a Japanese website, no minimum deposit, and local banking options like Rakuten Bank. Saxo provides spreads from 0.2 pips for Japanese traders.
-
Regulations:
-
Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
-
Platforms:
About Saxo
Saxo is a Danish investment bank and online trading platform founded in 1992. Saxo offers trading in forex, stocks, CFDs, futures, options, and other financial instruments across global markets. Saxo provides proprietary trading platforms and white-label solutions for institutional clients. Saxo is regulated by multiple authorities including the Danish FSA and UK FCA. Saxo serves retail and institutional clients in over 170 countries. The Saxo CEO and co-founder is Kim Fournais.
Saxo Features
The features of Saxo are listed below.
- Saxo is regulated under the JFSA regulation (no. 239) with a registered office in Japan.
- A full Japanese website is available for Saxo Japanese traders.
- Japanese clients find 12,000 in total available across forex, options, futures, and other categories for a comprehensive offering.
- No Saxo minimum deposit is required for Japanese clients.
- With Saxo, Japanese traders will find several local deposits, like Rakuten Bank.
- Several base currencies are available, including JPY.
- Japanese clients find spreads from 0.2 pips on with a maximum leverage up to 25:1.
Saxo Pros and Cons
Advantages of Saxo
The advantages of Saxo are listed below.
- Regulation and Trust
- Extensive Product Range
- Advanced Trading Platform
Disadvantages of Saxo
The disadvantages of Saxo are listed below.
- High Minimum Deposits for Premium Accounts
- Lack of Spread Betting Options
- Custody Fees in Certain Regions
Forex.com
best broker overall
Forex.com operates under JFSA regulation. Forex.com offers a full Japanese website, premium cashback programs, and local deposit options. Forex.com provides access to 12,000 assets and spreads from 0 pips for Japanese clients.
-
Regulations:
-
Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
-
Platforms:
About Forex.com
FOREX.com is a global forex and CFD broker founded in 2001, offering trading on currencies, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. FOREX.com provides proprietary platforms alongside MetaTrader 4 and 5. FOREX.com is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities including FCA, ASIC, and CFTC. FOREX.com is known for competitive spreads, fast execution, and extensive educational resources. FOREX.com serves over 450,000 clients worldwide. The FOREX.com’s parent company “StoneX Group Inc.” CEO is Sean O’Connor.
Forex.com Features
The features of Forex.com are listed below.
- Forex.com is well-regulated by the JFSA under the number 291.
- A full Japanese website is provided for Forex.com Japanese traders.
- Premium Japanese clients can benefit from a Premium cashback program based on how much volume is traded per month on forex, indices, stocks.
- Local deposits are available for Japanese clients.
- Japanese clients have access to 12,000 Forex.com assets in total.
- Forex.com Japanese traders find spreads from 0 pips on 84 forex pairs with a 25:1 maximum leverage.
Forex.com Pros and Cons
Advantages of Forex.com
The advantages of Forex.com are listed below.
- Regulatory Assurance
- Low Forex Fees
- Comprehensive Educational Resources
Disadvantages of Forex.com
The disadvantages of Forex.com are listed below.
- Limited Product Portfolio
- Higher Spreads on Standard Accounts
- No Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders for U.S. Clients
Oanda
best for beginners
Oanda operates under JFSA regulation with a Tokyo office. Oanda provides a Japanese website, local bank deposit options, and an account minimum deposit in yen. Oanda offers spreads from 0.3 pips for Japanese clients.
-
Regulations:
-
Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
-
Platforms:
About Oanda
OANDA is a global multi-asset broker founded in 1996, offering trading on forex, CFDs, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. OANDA provides proprietary platforms and API solutions. OANDA is regulated by multiple authorities including FCA, ASIC, and MAS. OANDA is known for competitive spreads, fast execution, and currency data services. OANDA serves both retail and institutional clients worldwide. The Oanda Chief Executive Officer is Gavin Bambury since August 2019.
Oanda Features
The features of Oanda are listed below.
- Oanda in Japan is regulated by the JFSA (number 1571) with a registered office in Tokyo.
- A full Japanese website is provided for Oanda Japanese traders.
- Japanese traders find an Oanda minimum deposit is ¥100,000, while it is ¥200,000 for the pro account.
- JPY base currency is available for Japanese clients.
- Japanese local bank deposits are available.
- Oanda Japanese clients find spreads from 0.3 pips on 60+ forex pairs with a maximum retail leverage up to 25:1.
Oanda Pros and Cons
Advantages of Oanda
The advantages of Oanda are listed below.
- Comprehensive Platforms
- Robust Education
- Highly Regulatory Trust
Disadvantages of Oanda
The disadvantages of Oanda are listed below.
- Higher Spreads
- Proprietary Platform Limitations
- Inactivity Fees
Dukascopy
best for trading flexibility
Dukascopy operates under JFSA with a Japan office. Dukascopy offers a Japanese website, minimum deposit requirements in yen, and local bank deposit options. Dukascopy provides spreads from 0.3 pips for Japanese clients.
-
Regulations:
-
Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
-
Platforms:
About Dukascopy
Dukascopy is a Swiss online bank founded in 2004, offering forex, CFD, and options trading through its proprietary platform, aling with standard banking services such as e-banking and credit cards. Dukascopy is regulated by FINMA, Dukascopy emphasizes advanced technology and competitive trading conditions. Dukascopy CEOs are Dr. Andre Duka and Veronika Duka, who are the founding shareholders.
Dukascopy Features
The features of Dukascopy are listed below.
- Dukascopy is regulated by the JFSA, under license number 2408 with an office in Japan.
- A full Japanese website is available for Dukascopy Japanese traders.
- Dukascopy offers Japanese traders a transaction fee discount program, which refunds 20% of the transaction fees and needs to be requested by 30 days from the last payment made from the client.
- Japanese traders will find a Dukascopy minimum deposit of ¥10,000.
- Japanese local bank deposits are available.
- Dukascopy spreads start from 0.3 pips on 38 forex pairs for Japanese clients with a maximum leverage of 25:1.
Dukascopy Pros and Cons
Advantages of Dukascopy
The advantages of Dukascopy are listed below.
- Regulated Security
- Competitive Trading Conditions
- Diverse Asset Range
Disadvantages of Dukascopy
The disadvantages of Dukascopy are listed below.
- Limited Educational Resources
- Withdrawal Fees
- Inactivity Fees
NAGA
best for copy trading
NAGA operates through an international entity with no Japanese website. NAGA requires a minimum deposit in dollars and offers spreads from 1.2 pips. NAGA provides copy trading functionality for Japanese clients.
-
Regulations:
-
Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
-
Platforms:
About NAGA
NAGA is a German fintech company founded in 2015, offering social trading and investing services across forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and indices. NAGA provides a proprietary trading platform alongside MT4 and MT5. NAGA is regulated by CySEC and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. NAGA is known for its social trading features and copy trading functionality. The NAGA CEO is Michael Milonas since 2024.
NAGA Features
The features of NAGA are listed below.
- NAGA accepts Japanese-based traders through their international entity regulated by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines under number 24501.
- The Japanese language is not available for NAGA Japanese clients on the website.
- Japanese clients have to make a NAGA minimum deposit of $50.
- The JPY base currency is not available for Japanese clients of NAGA. EUR, GBP, USD and PLN are.
- NAGA spreads start from 1.2 pips on 48 forex pairs with a maximum leverage up to 500:1 for Japanese clients trading under the global entity.
- Japanese clients can copy trade under the global entity via the proprietary NAGA Autocopy copy trading platform.
NAGA Pros and Cons
Advantages of NAGA
The advantages of NAGA are listed below.
- User-Friendly Platform
- Social and Copy Trading Features
- Diverse Asset Selection
Disadvantages of NAGA
The disadvantages of NAGA are listed below.
- High Spreads
- Limited Account Types
- No US Clients
Interactive Brokers
best for professional traders
Interactive Brokers functions under JFSA regulation. Interactive Brokers offers a Japanese website, no minimum deposit, and local bank deposit options. Interactive Brokers provides access to spreads from 0.1 pips for Japanese clients.
-
Regulations:
-
Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
-
Platforms:
About Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is a global electronic broker founded in 1978, offering trading in stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies across 150 markets in 33 countries. Interactive Brokers provides advanced trading platforms, low commissions, and access to a wide range of financial instruments. Interactive Brokers is known for its sophisticated technology and serves both retail and institutional clients. Interactive Brokers is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities worldwide. The CEO of the Interactive Brokers Group is Milan Galik.
Interactive Brokers Features
The features of Interactive Brokers are listed below.
- Interactive Brokers is regulated by the JFSA under number 187 in Japan.
- A full Japanese website is available for IBKR Japanese traders.
- IBKR international account (IBLLC Account) does not have any minimum deposit for Japanese traders.
- Japanese traders find several base currencies available: JPY, NZD, EUR, USD, GBP, AUD, HKD, and more.
- Japanese local bank deposits are available.
- Japanese clients have access to IBKR spreads starting from 0.1 pips on 100+ currency pairs.
Interactive Brokers Pros and Cons
Advantages of Interactive Brokers
The advantages of Interactive Brokers are listed below.
- Low Trading Fees
- Advanced Trading Tools
- Wide Market Access
Disadvantages of Interactive Brokers
The disadvantages of Interactive Brokers are listed below.
- Not user-friendly
- No MetaTrader Support
- Additional Fees
Is Forex Trading Legal in Japan?
It is legal to trade forex in the country.
With that said, it may not be the easiest place to find a broker since Japan is regulated by two of the strictest regulatory bodies in the region. These are the JFSA (Japanese Financial Services Authority), and the FFAJ (Financial Futures Association of Japan). If you are a forex trader, then the JFSA is the regulatory body that oversees this sector.
Typically, as a retail trader trading in Japan, you can look forward to maximum leverage of 25:1 while trading. You should remember that negative balance protection is also not mandatory as it is in some regions.
How to trade forex in Japan
Typically, Japanese forex brokers do not tend to accept international clients. This means that you should generally be based in Japan if you are registering an account. With that said, all of the brokers listed are international brokers operating around the world and servicing many countries.
Opening your account, you will need proof of your identity which can be your passport. You will also need to have some proof of residence to hand. This can be a recent bank statement or utility bill. Once you have these two items you can pass the verification process and you will then be asked to make a deposit in JPY usually.
You should also note that certain forex trading instruments such as options and futures, may only be available to professional traders, but CFDs are permitted.
What should Japanese traders look for in a forex broker?
With all of our best-recommended brokers, there are a few key points that you should always look out for when making your choice:
1. Give priority to FFAJ or JFSA regulated forex brokers
This is typically something essential which you must do. The reasoning here is due to the fact that brokers not regulated by one of the Japanese bodies, typically can’t offer services without any special concessions. Adding to that, both the FFAJ, and the JFSA are very well recognized as some of the most trusted regulators in the financial world.
2. Look for brokers with low forex costs and commissions
The next thing that you should certainly be on the lookout for, is a broker who offers low trading costs and competitive commission. The fees which you will commonly find are the overnight fee, and the spread. These are worth monitoring as there is some great difference between brokers which can certainly impact you as a trader. Good leverage which often comes from many brokers, is something to look for as well.
Generally speaking, any spread which is 0.6 pips or below starting out, can be considered good, though this depends on the assets you are trading.
3. Are you a beginner? Look for the Negative Balance Protection
Negative balance protection is a great feature for keeping your funds secure and making sure you can never lose more than you deposit. This is mandatory under many jurisdictions, but not in Japan. With that said, many major forex brokers still offer it. If you’re new to trading, it is advisable to go with a broker who offers this protection.
How to verify if a forex broker is regulated in Japan
You can verify your brokers’ regulation quickly and conveniently by visiting the JFSA official website if you want to know more and through contact with the local authorities.
You can also check directly through the JFSA list of allowed FIBO (Financial Instruments Business Operators). This will confirm your broker’s status and that you are trading in a safe environment.