Cryptocurrency exchange Bitget will stop serving customers in Japan, with a phased shutdown that began this week. As of August 3, 2026, Japanese residents can no longer open new accounts on the platform. The exchange said in official notices posted August 2 that all open trading positions will be automatically closed by December 31, 2026.
The timeline for Japanese users
Bitget's exit follows a clear schedule. From August 3, new account registrations for Japanese residents are blocked. Existing users can still trade and withdraw funds until the end of the year. After December 31, any remaining open positions will be closed automatically. The exchange hasn't said whether withdrawals will be restricted before that date, but the notices make the deadline firm.
Why Bitget is leaving
The official notices don't give a reason for the exit. Bitget is registered in Seychelles and operates globally. Japan's crypto market is one of the largest in Asia, but it's also tightly regulated. The Financial Services Agency requires exchanges to register and follow strict rules on custody, leverage, and reporting. Several international exchanges have struggled to comply, and some have pulled out. Bitget's decision fits that pattern, though the company itself hasn't commented beyond the shutdown notice.
What users need to do
Japanese customers have about five months to close their positions and withdraw funds. After December 31, the exchange will handle closures automatically — meaning users could lose control over timing and price. Anyone with open trades should plan to exit well before the deadline. Bitget's support team is likely fielding questions, but the company hasn't announced any special assistance or extended timelines.
The December 31 deadline is now the key date for affected users. With no new accounts allowed, Bitget's Japan chapter is effectively over.
