Saving for the future is making some investors ‘NISA broke’

A man shops for cheap vegetables at a supermarket in Kawasaki last month. Those trying to keep up with their investments are finding they need to cut back on other expenses to make their payments. | JOHAN BROOKS

Oct 10, 2026

You may not have noticed any celebrations, but Oct. 4 was 投資の日 (tōshi no hi, Securities Investment Day), which was established in 1996 by the Japan Securities Dealers Association. That’s because the number 10 can be read as “tō” and the number 4 can be read as “shi”: thus tō-shi, 10-4, 投資 (investment).

Although 投資の日 is relatively well known, NISAの日 (Nīsa no hi, NISA Day) on Feb. 13 has yet to receive much attention. NISA stands for Nippon Individual Savings Account, the tax-exempt investment system for residents of Japan.

As 2027 approaches, however, we’re bound to hear the term NISA more frequently. The Japanese government is planning to reintroduce こどもNISA (kodomo nīsa, Kids NISA) at the beginning of next year. Previously known as Junior NISA, こどもNISA will allow those under 18 to invest up to ¥600,000 ($3,800) a year until they hit the maximum holding limit of ¥6 million, without taxes on gains or distributions. It’s meant to help children build assets in the long term, so withdrawals are subject to age restrictions.

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