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Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Japan 2024

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Written By
Jemma Grist
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Written By
Jemma Grist
Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.
» Jemma Grist Profile Page
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Edited By
James Barra
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Edited By
James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. He has worked as a management consultant, where he delivered large-scale operational transformational programmes at some of Europe's biggest banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
» James Barra Profile Page
Updated
Jul 5, 2024

To day trade key markets like stocks listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) or currency pairs involving the Japanese yen (JPY), such as USD/JPY, you will need to register with an online broker.

The Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) regulates local brokers, though residents can also sign up with trusted international day trading platforms (though Japanese tax rules still apply).

We’ve listed the best day trading brokers in Japan following exhaustive tests. Many of these platforms tailor their services to active Japanese traders, offering domestic assets, JPY accounts, and convenient payment methods like the Tokyo-based JCB Card.

Top 10 Platforms For Day Trading In Japan

Following our hands-on assessments, these 10 platforms are the standout options for Japanese day traders:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    AvaTrade
    20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
    WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    Skrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, Boleto
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
    Go To AvaTrade
  2. 2
    IC Markets
    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.1 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    $200
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeCharge
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To IC Markets
  3. 3
    Deriv.com
    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    $5
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSC
    CFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
    Deriv Trader, MT5
    Neteller, Visa, Skrill, WebMoney, FasaPay, Perfect Money, Diners Club, Banxa, Paytrust, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, JCB Card, Sticpay, Trustly, Volet, Paysafecard, AstroPay, Maestro, Airtm, Boleto, JetonCash
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD
    Go To Deriv.com
  4. 4
    Exness
    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:2000
    FSA, CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSC, CBCS, CNMV
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Exness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Boleto
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR
    Go To Exness
  5. 5
    XM
    $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    $5
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA, CNMV, AMF
    Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures
    MT4, MT5
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-Pesa
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, SGD, PLN, HUF
    Go To XM
  6. 6
    DNA Markets
    Ratings
    3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    1.8 / 5
    1.6 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    ASIC
    CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto
    MT4, MT5
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, BPAY, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Bitwallet, AstroPay, Mastercard
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD
    Go To DNA Markets
  7. 7
    FOREX.com
    20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:400
    NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN
    Go To FOREX.com
  8. 8
    InstaForex
    Choose between: Club Bonus, 30 %, 55 % and 100 % bonuses
    All investments involve a degree of risk of some kind. Trading financial derivative products comes with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should not engage in trading these instruments unless you fully understand the nature of the transactions you are entering into, and the true extent of your exposure. These types of investments may be suitable for some investors, but they are not for everyone.
    Ratings
    4 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.7 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    $1
    0.10 of the lot (0.0001 of market lot for Cent.Standard and Cent.Eurica)
    1:1000
    BVI FSC
    Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Oil and Gas, Commodity Futures and InstaFutures
    MT4, MT5
    Skrill, Mastercard, Visa, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Przelewy24, Giropay, Rapid Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CZK
    Go To InstaForex
  9. 9
    Trade Nation
    200 Sign-Up Reward Points
    84% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    0 / 5
    $0
    0.1 Lots
    1:500 (entity dependent)
    FCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA
    Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only)
    MT4
    Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Skrill, PayPal, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK
    Go To Trade Nation
  10. 10
    IG
    Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To IG

Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons

  1. AvaTrade - AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for day trading, from CFDs to AvaOptions and now AvaFutures, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.
  2. IC Markets - IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.
  3. Deriv.com - Deriv.com is a low cost, multi-asset broker with over 2.5 million global clients. With just a $5 minimum deposit, the firm offers CFDs, multipliers and more recently accumulators, alongside proprietary synthetic products which can't be found elsewhere. Deriv provides both its own in-house charting software and the hugely popular MetaTrader 5.
  4. Exness - Exness is a Cyprus-based forex and CFD brokerage established in 2008. With over 800,000 clients, several awards and reputable licensing, the broker has maintained its position as a highly respected global brand. Active day traders can access the popular MT4 and MT5 platforms, raw spreads and multiple account types.
  5. XM - XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been known for its low fees on 1000+ instruments. XM is regulated by multiple financial bodies, including the ASIC and CySEC.
  6. DNA Markets - DNA Markets is a forex and CFD broker established in 2020. The broker operates two entities in Australia and the offshore jurisdiction, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Traders can access 800+ markets, with a Standard account for beginners and a Raw account for experienced traders. The reliable MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms are available, alongside Signal Start.
  7. FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
  8. InstaForex - InstaForex is a forex and CFD broker founded in 2007. The broker offers diverse market coverage to millions of clients, spanning traditional assets like currencies and shares, as well as other interesting opportunities such as IPOs.
  9. Trade Nation - Trade Nation is a top FX and CFD broker regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the UK and Australia. The firm offers low-cost fixed and variable spreads on 1000+ assets with robust trading platforms and training materials. The Signal Centre can also be used for trade ideas.
  10. IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Japan 2024 Comparison

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Japan 2024 Comparison
Broker Minimum Deposit JPY Account Markets Platforms Leverage
AvaTrade logo
$100 - CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
IC Markets logo
$200 ✔ CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
Deriv.com logo
$5 - CFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities Deriv Trader, MT5 1:1000
Exness logo
$10 ✔ CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto Exness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral 1:2000
XM logo
$5 ✔ Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures MT4, MT5 1:1000
DNA Markets logo
$100 - CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto MT4, MT5 1:500
FOREX.com logo
$100 ✔ Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral 1:400
InstaForex logo
$1 - Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Oil and Gas, Commodity Futures and InstaFutures MT4, MT5 1:1000
Trade Nation logo
$0 - Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only) MT4 1:500 (entity dependent)
IG logo
$0 ✔ CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)

AvaTrade

"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

AvaTrade Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
PlatformsWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more
  • Automated trading is supported through MetaTrader Expert Advisors (EAs), as well as the AvaSocial and DupliTrade tools
  • There's a great range of fee-free deposit methods, including bank wire, credit cards and popular e-wallets like Skrill

Cons

  • Traders from the US are not accepted
  • There’s an above-average $50 inactivity fee after three months, though this won't impact active day traders
  • It’s a shame that there are no rebate schemes for serious traders looking for additional perks - CMC Markets would be a better choice here
Visit AvaTrade
AvaTrade Review

IC Markets

"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IC Markets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$200
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.

Cons

  • Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
  • While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
  • Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
Visit IC Markets
IC Markets Review

Deriv.com

"Deriv.com will suit day traders looking to make fast-paced trades using CFDs and multipliers with high leverage up to 1:1000. The broker is also the industry leader in synthetic indices, which simulate real market movements and are available around the clock. "

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Deriv.com Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
RegulatorMFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSC
PlatformsDeriv Trader, MT5
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD

Pros

  • Beginners and experienced day traders can access a good range of 20+ technical indicators in Deriv Trader vs 30+ in MT5
  • Traders can use multipliers between 1 and 30, with take profit, stop loss and deal cancellation parameters
  • Deriv continues to offer fast and reliable 24/7 support and the WhatsApp service is particularly convenient

Cons

  • The range of 100+ assets trails some competitors such as Quotex which offers 400+
  • There's no loyalty program or rebate scheme for high volume traders
  • There are limited copy trading tools and analysis features compared to alternatives like IQ Cent
Visit Deriv.com
Deriv.com Review

Exness

"Exness remains an accessible broker for all experience levels, though experienced day traders will particularly appreciate the ultra-low commission rates, fast withdrawals and high-quality charting software."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

Exness Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorFSA, CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSC, CBCS, CNMV
PlatformsExness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:2000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR

Pros

  • There's a strong range of account types for all experience levels and requirements, including Cent, Pro and Raw spread solutions
  • The broker is accessible for beginners with low minimum deposits from $10 and flexible payment methods
  • Experienced strategy providers can open social trading accounts, with monthly commissions up to 50%

Cons

  • There are several regional restrictions for retail traders including the USA, Europe and the UK
  • Unlike most competitors, Exness doesn't provide its own education section
  • There are no promotional deals or loyalty schemes for high-volume day traders
Visit Exness
Exness Review

XM

"XM is one of the best forex and CFD brokers we have tested. The flexible account types will suit a variety of short-term trading styles while the $5 minimum deposit and smooth sign-up process make it easy to start trading."

William Berg, Reviewer

XM Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA, CNMV, AMF
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, SGD, PLN, HUF

Pros

  • XM continues to deliver diverse and multilingual educational materials and offers a useful live education schedule for its webinars and insights
  • Powerful MT4 and MT5 platforms are available with 60+ and 80+ technical charting tools
  • XM is a hugely respected broker authorized by tier-one regulators

Cons

  • There is weak regulatory oversight through the global entity
  • PayPal deposits are not supported
  • There's $5 inactivity fee after only 3 months, though this won't affect active traders
Visit XM
XM Review

DNA Markets

"DNA Markets is an excellent choice for short-term traders familiar with the MetaTrader platforms. The smooth sign-up process also makes it easy to get started while the $100 minimum deposit is accessible. That said, DNA Markets trails the top brokers in education, research and mobile trading. "

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

DNA Markets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto
RegulatorASIC
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD

Pros

  • You can access low trading fees with spreads from 0.0 pips in the Raw account and zero non-trading fees
  • Convenient account funding is available with 7 base currencies, a $100 deposit and a wide range of payment methods
  • After a recent upgrade, there are now over 800 assets available to trade via CFDs, with a particularly impressive range of 120+ cryptos

Cons

  • Although it continues to strengthen its client base and reputation, DNA Markets lacks the track record of top brokers like Vantage
  • Despite access to MT4 and MT5, there is no proprietary trading app for seamless account management whilst on the go
  • Unlike many alternatives, there are limited educational and research tools for traders seeking an all-in-one solution
Visit DNA Markets
DNA Markets Review

FOREX.com

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

FOREX.com Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto
RegulatorNFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:400
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
  • There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.

Cons

  • Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
  • There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
  • FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
Visit FOREX.com
FOREX.com Review

InstaForex

"InstaForex maintains its position as a top forex broker, with more currency products than most rivals. The tight spreads and low minimum deposits make it accessible to all experience levels, especially those familiar with the MT4 and MT5 platforms."

William Berg, Reviewer

InstaForex Quick Facts

Bonus OfferChoose between: Club Bonus, 30 %, 55 % and 100 % bonuses
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCurrencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Oil and Gas, Commodity Futures and InstaFutures
RegulatorBVI FSC
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$1
Minimum Trade0.10 of the lot (0.0001 of market lot for Cent.Standard and Cent.Eurica)
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CZK

Pros

  • There’s a decent range of free and fast payment methods including local bank transfers, bank cards and e-wallets
  • InstaForex delivers a superb day trading environment, with the powerful MT4 and MT5 platforms offering dozens of technical analysis tools, automation capabilities and multiple order types
  • The broker is a particularly good pick for serious forex traders, with over 100 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and a market-leading selection of curated forex market resources

Cons

  • The broker’s website and client cabinet feel outdated and difficult to navigate for newcomers
  • Market coverage and account conditions vary between entities.
  • The broker’s various entities are regulated different, traders must be aware which entity they are joining.
Visit InstaForex
InstaForex Review

Trade Nation

"Trade Nation is a good choice for newer traders looking for a wide range of financial markets on a user-friendly platform. There is no minimum deposit, free funding options and strong education."

William Berg, Reviewer

Trade Nation Quick Facts

Bonus Offer200 Sign-Up Reward Points
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only)
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA
PlatformsMT4
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.1 Lots
Leverage1:500 (entity dependent)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK

Pros

  • Multiple account currencies are accepted for global traders
  • There is a low minimum deposit for beginners
  • A choice of trading platforms and apps, including MT4, make the brand a good fit for savvy traders

Cons

  • Fewer legal protections with offshore entity
Visit Trade Nation
Trade Nation Review

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis
  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met
  • The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading

Cons

  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients
  • IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors
Visit IG
IG Review

Methodology

To find the best day trading platforms in Japan, we scoured our directory of 500 online brokers and extracted all those that accept Japanese traders.

We then ranked them by their overall rating, drawing on 100+ data points and findings from our hands-on tests.

  • We made sure each platform accepts Japanese day traders.
  • We assigned each broker a trust score taking into account their regulations.
  • We focused on brokers with competitive day trading fees.
  • We prioritized platforms with a diverse range of markets.
  • We favored brokers with reliable charting platforms.
  • We checked each broker’s leverage and margin requirements.
  • We examined each platform’s execution quality.

DayTrading.com broker testing methodology overview

How To Choose A Day Trading Broker In Japan

There are several factors to consider when choosing a day trading broker:

Trust & Regulation

The most trustworthy brokers are regulated by ‘green tier’ authorities which mandate transparent pricing, fair market practices and safeguarding measures.

This helps to protect active traders from misconduct and fraud, like the massive $105 million investment scam uncovered by Japanese regulators, as reported by Finance Magnates.

Day traders should feel reassured that the Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) is a proactive green tier regulator. Additionally, regulators like Australia’s ASIC may also license brokers that accept Japanese traders, providing stringent provisions like negative balance protection.

  • AvaTrade maintains a podium position for Japanese traders, with local regulation by the FSA, among other respected agencies and a long history since 2006. It also offers negative balance protection and a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect.

Day Trading Fees

Active traders make frequent transactions throughout the day, which can impact profitability if costs are high.

During our routine tests, we evaluate spreads and commissions on notable assets like USD/JPY, with the best brokers offering narrow spreads from 0.0 pips.

We also consider non-trading fees, which can mount up if making multiple deposits, especially if you’re transferring Japanese yen to an account based in another currency.

I also recommend considering whether you get access to premium research tools which might justify higher costs.

For example, day traders may benefit from daily forex analysis on JPY currency pairs, or economic updates from the Bank of Japan.

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Jemma Grist
Author
  • IC Markets consistently delivers superior pricing for active traders, with raw spreads averaging 0.14 on USD/JPY and 8.585 on the JP225 Index. Impressively, you also get free access to terrific research tools, including Trading Central‘s Market Buzz feature where you can view market sentiment and gauge price trends on Japanese assets.

Range of Markets

Having access to a wide range of markets is crucial for building a diversified portfolio and spreading risk across multiple asset classes.

Japanese traders, in particular, may want a platform with a range of currency pairs involving the JPY, as well as equities and indices listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), such as Toyota and the Nikkei 225.

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As the fourth largest export economy in the world, prominent Japanese export and import commodities such as oil, iron and gold, also offer attractive short-term trading investments.

Infographic showing popular day trading markets in Japan

  • IG offers thousands of day trading opportunities, notably four JPY pairs, TSE-listed stocks, as well as a range of Japanese ETFs, including the iShares MSCI Japan ETF.

Platforms & Tools

Day traders rely on a powerful and stable charting environment to analyze their chosen markets and build trading strategies.

The best brokers will offer a range of platforms and analysis tools, with MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader being some of the most common solutions. These platforms offer a superb range of technical indicators, chart types and timeframes, catering to various short-term trading strategies.

That said, I personally enjoy using TradingView, thanks to its sleeker design and super easy navigation.

It’s also been integrated by a growing number of brokers in recent years, notably VT Markets, which accepts Japanese traders.

author image
Jemma Grist
Author
Forex.com web platform showing EUR/JPY chart and integrated SMART Signals
FOREX.com – Web Platform & SMART Signals showing JPY currency pairs
  • FOREX.com is great for beginners and experts alike, offering a range of first-rate platforms including MT5 and a user-friendly bespoke solution powered by TradingView. The SMART Signals tool also delivers statistics-driven trade ideas, making the broker a top pick for aspiring traders.

Leverage & Margin

Transparent leverage and margin requirements are important for day traders who need to understand potential gains and risks upfront.

Leverage effectively allows you to boost your potential profits using only a small deposit.

For example, if I set up a trade on Toyota shares with 1:10 leverage, my outlay of 40,000 yen would be increased to 400,000 yen.

Conversely, this also means my losses could be magnified 10x, which highlights the importance of employing solid risk management.

author image
Jemma Grist
Author
  • XM offers very high leverage up to 1:1000 (only recommended for professional traders). The broker also has a 50% margin call (where you will be required to top up your margin level) and a stop-out level set to 20% (where your positions will start automatically closing if you do not meet the margin requirement).

Execution Quality

Fast-paced trading strategies have a greater chance of success if orders are filled quickly and efficiently.

The best brokers will ensure that time delays (latency) are minimized and that orders are executed at the requested price or better (slippage).

During our routine tests, we investigate whether brokers meet our preferred benchmark execution speeds of <100 milliseconds.

  • FxPro offers superior execution compared to many alternatives, with speeds as low as 13 milliseconds with 71.4% of orders completed at the requested price. It also offers a competitive range of JPY currency pairs, including minors like SGD/JPY.

Minimum Deposit

Typically, you’ll need up to 250 USD (approximately 38,920 JPY) to open a live trading account.

Based on our tests, though, many day trading platforms go much lower with some even requiring no minimum deposit – great for newer traders.

Leading brokers also offer low-cost, fast and hassle-free funding options. While Japan remains a largely cash-based economy, card payments such as JCB cards, are one of the more popular online methods according to findings by Adyen.

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Japanese traders may want to consider brokers that offer accounts denominated in JPY. These can help to reduce conversion fees and streamline account management.
  • Exness is a convenient choice for Japanese traders, with its JPY-based accounts, easy funding via JCB card, and just a $10 minimum deposit to get started. It’s one of the most accessible day trading brokers we’ve tested.

FAQ

Who Regulates Day Trading Platforms In Japan?

The Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) is responsible for overseeing online brokers in Japan.

That said, traders can also register with trusted overseas firms which are regulated by other reputable authorities, for example, the ASIC (Australia) or FCA (UK). That said, it’s important to continue adhering to the FSA’s regulations and tax rules in Japan.

Which Is The Best Broker That Accepts Day Traders From Japan?

Use our list of the best day trading platforms in Japan to find the perfect broker for your needs.

For example, if you’re looking for a fantastic selection of Japanese markets, IG offers JPY currencies, TSE-listed stocks, and an excellent range of ETFs. It also boasts some of the best research and education tools that I’ve seen.

Article Sources

The writing and editorial team at DayTrading.com use credible sources to support their work. These include government agencies, white papers, research institutes, and engagement with industry professionals. Content is written free from bias and is fact-checked where appropriate. Learn more about why you can trust DayTrading.com