7 minute read
Is Pocket Option Available in Japan? A Comprehensive Review
from Pocket Option
Yes, Pocket Option is available in Japan, but there are important legal and regulatory considerations Japanese traders should be aware of before using the platform.
Pocket Option, an international binary options trading platform operated by Gembell Limited, has attracted attention from traders around the world, including Japan. However, Japan has strict financial regulations, especially concerning high-risk trading instruments like binary options.
In this article, we’ll explore Pocket Option’s availability in Japan, the legal landscape, what traders need to know before using it, and possible alternatives for Japanese residents.
💥 Trade with Pocket Option now: Open An Account or Visit Brokers 👈
Understanding Pocket Option and Its Global Reach
Pocket Option launched in 2017 and quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface, a wide range of trading assets, social trading features, and low deposit requirements. It offers binary options, forex, and CFDs, targeting a global audience.
The platform operates under the oversight of the International Financial Market Relations Regulation Center (IFMRRC) — a non-governmental organization, not a major regulatory authority like Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) or the U.S. SEC.
The core appeal of Pocket Option is its simplicity: traders can predict whether the price of an asset will go up or down in a fixed time frame and earn up to 95% profit per trade.
While this sounds attractive, the simplicity also makes it highly speculative and potentially risky — a major concern in countries with stringent financial regulation.
Is Pocket Option Legal in Japan?
Technically, Japanese residents can access Pocket Option, but the platform is not licensed or regulated by Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA).
The FSA is the governing body responsible for overseeing financial and securities transactions in Japan. It has a strict policy toward binary options and mandates that any financial service provider offering investment products in Japan must obtain a license and operate within defined legal frameworks.
Pocket Option does not hold a Japanese license. Therefore, it is considered an unregulated offshore broker from the FSA’s perspective. This raises red flags for both consumer protection and regulatory compliance.
Important Legal Note:
Japan has cracked down on unlicensed binary options platforms in recent years. The FSA has blacklisted multiple offshore brokers that target Japanese users without proper authorization. While Pocket Option is not officially banned or blacklisted at the time of writing, its lack of licensing means it operates in a legal gray area for Japanese residents.
Can Japanese Residents Trade on Pocket Option?
Yes, they can — but it comes with risks.
Japanese residents can technically register, deposit funds, and trade on Pocket Option using the platform’s web or mobile interface. The company doesn’t geo-block Japanese IP addresses, and the website is accessible from within Japan. Some users even report being able to make deposits via popular payment methods like credit cards and e-wallets.
However, this doesn't mean the platform is officially approved or regulated. Here's why that matters:
No legal protection: If a dispute arises or the platform freezes your funds, you cannot seek help from the Japanese FSA.
Risk of sudden bans: The FSA could choose to block access or fine users for trading with unregulated brokers.
Withdrawal complications: Since Pocket Option isn’t a Japanese entity, bank withdrawals or chargebacks may face scrutiny from local financial institutions.
Trading on unlicensed platforms like Pocket Option from Japan is at your own risk. While the platform itself is functional and widely used, it doesn't offer the same legal security as regulated Japanese brokers.
💥 Trade with Pocket Option now: Open An Account or Visit Brokers 👈
What Are the Risks of Using Pocket Option in Japan?
Regulatory Risk: Japanese laws do not explicitly criminalize using offshore brokers, but encouraging or promoting them is a legal gray zone. You may not be penalized for using Pocket Option, but your funds are not protected.
Financial Risk: Binary options are high-risk, all-or-nothing trades. Many traders lose more than they gain. The Japanese FSA has restricted the marketing of these instruments for this reason.
Platform Reliability: As an offshore broker without FSA oversight, Pocket Option is not bound by Japanese laws on fair trading or dispute resolution.
Tax Complications: Earnings from unregulated offshore trading platforms may be difficult to declare properly on your Japanese tax return. Inaccurate reporting could lead to penalties or audits.
Currency and Deposit Risks: Currency conversion fees, withdrawal restrictions, and delays may affect your capital when moving money in and out of Japan.
Why Is Binary Options Trading Heavily Regulated in Japan?
Japan has one of the most developed financial systems in the world, with a strong emphasis on consumer protection. Binary options, due to their speculative nature, have been associated with fraud, manipulation, and high loss rates — particularly among novice traders.
In response, the FSA has imposed rules such as:
Requiring licensed brokers to offer minimum trade durations of 2 minutes or more (to prevent rapid-fire gambling-style trades).
Enforcing real-time price feeds and strict risk disclosures.
Banning bonus schemes and other high-pressure marketing tactics.
Pocket Option, in contrast, offers trade durations as low as 5 seconds and often promotes bonuses and contests — features that would be non-compliant under Japanese law.
Are There Legal Alternatives to Pocket Option in Japan?
Yes. If you are looking for safer, legally compliant platforms, consider the following FSA-regulated brokers that offer binary options (in a regulated form) or similar instruments:
GMO Click Securities
Hirose FX
IG Japan
Rakuten Securities
These platforms may have more conservative offerings but provide full legal protection, audited trading systems, and fair market pricing. They also report earnings directly to Japanese tax authorities, simplifying your tax obligations.
What About Using a VPN to Access Pocket Option?
Some traders in Japan consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access Pocket Option discreetly. While this can technically obscure your IP address, it doesn’t change the fact that you are violating Japan's financial guidelines.
Even if Pocket Option isn't blocked in your region, using a VPN to bypass legal restrictions could result in:
Frozen accounts or funds
Legal issues if discovered
Violation of Pocket Option’s own terms of service
Simply put, using a VPN to access a financial service isn’t a reliable long-term solution — especially when dealing with real money.
What Does the Japanese Trading Community Say?
Within online trading forums and communities like Reddit, Quora, or Japanese finance blogs, opinions on Pocket Option are mixed. Some users praise its ease of use and generous demo accounts, while others warn against potential withdrawal issues and lack of regulation.
A recurring theme is "proceed with caution" — even those who trade on the platform advise limiting the amount of money you deposit and never treating it as a long-term investment tool.
If you're looking to learn trading or earn side income, many experts recommend starting with demo accounts on regulated platforms or focusing on forex/stock trading through legal brokers instead.
Final Verdict: Should You Use Pocket Option in Japan?
You can use it, but you probably shouldn’t.
While Pocket Option is technically accessible in Japan and offers attractive features for binary options enthusiasts, the platform is not licensed or legally authorized by Japan’s financial regulators. This means:
You are trading without legal protection.
You could face problems with withdrawals or tax compliance.
You may be exposed to unnecessary financial risk.
If you are serious about trading in Japan, your best option is to use locally licensed brokers that operate under the strict oversight of the FSA. These platforms may be less flashy than Pocket Option, but they offer the transparency, security, and legal safeguards you need.
💥 Trade with Pocket Option now: Open An Account or Visit Brokers 👈
Read more:
