Japan's private-share market gathers pace with new trading platform

Startups Japan's private-share market gathers pace with new trading platform Nstock lets startup employees cash out before IPOs, drawing on regulatory reforms Nstock President Shoji Miyata said the new trading platform aims to facilitate 20 billion yen ($126 million) in trades over three years. (Photo by Tsubasa Suruga) TSUBASA SURUGA November 9, 2026 16:32 JST TOKYO -- Japan's nascent market for trading shares of unlisted startups is gaining pace, with a new platform opening on Monday that lets employees cash out stock options awarded to them before any initial public offering, potentially easing pressure on young companies to list prematurely. Read Next Equities Japan greenlights new trading platform for unlisted shares Startups Japan aims to ease startup fundraising with looser lending rules Startups Japan backs fusion, recycling startups in $125m public-private funding Technology VC firm with ties to Siri to launch Japan fund for AI, space startups Technology Japan helps universities commercialize new tech through global partnerships Artificial intelligence Japanese university startups develop AI robot arms for delicate tasks Latest on Startups Startups Grab to cut maximum take on Vietnam rides to 32% from 40% Startups Fukushima tries to reinvent itself as hub for drones, robots and rockets Startups Singapore's Insignia Ventures backs rural Japan for Davos-inspired academy Sponsored Content About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.