Shigeru Ishiba, the newly elected head of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), who is widely expected to become the country's next prime minister, has emphasized the potential of blockchain and NFT technologies in driving regional economic development in Japan. According to a recently published policy document, Ishiba believes that "blockchain technology and NFTs can support the expansion and creation of added value for local products in Japan, such as food and travel experience products." Masaaki Taira, a member of the House of Representatives who is leading efforts to support the Web3 industry within the LDP, is expected to be appointed as Japan's Minister of Digital Affairs. If approved by a vote in the House of Councillors (upper house) plenary session, Prime Minister Ishiba will be confirmed as Japan's 102nd Prime Minister. The LDP, together with the Komeito party, holds a majority in both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, so Prime Minister Ishiba is expected to be elected as the new Prime Minister without any problems.