Kodomo NISA account applications to begin October 2026

Major Japanese securities firms, including Rakuten Securities, SBI Securities, and PayPay Securities, have announced they will begin accepting applications for the new ‘Kodomo NISA’ (Children's NISA) starting October 1, 2026. While the actual investment system is scheduled to launch in January 2027, early account registration is being prioritized to manage the anticipated high demand.

The Kodomo NISA is a new tax-exempt investment framework designed for minors aged 0 to 17. It allows for an annual investment limit of 600,000 yen and a total lifetime tax-free limit of 6 million yen, specifically for investment trusts. Unlike the previous Junior NISA, funds can be withdrawn starting from age 12 with the child's consent for purposes such as education or living expenses.

Public sentiment regarding the new system is mixed. Surveys indicate that approximately 64.6% of parents with minors are interested in using the system, often to separate children's assets from household finances. However, some social media discourse reflects opposition, with critics arguing the policy may exacerbate wealth inequality by favoring families who already possess the capital to invest.