According to a survey conducted by Nomura and its digital asset arm, Laser Digital, nearly 80% of institutional investors in Japan intend to invest in cryptocurrencies within the next three years. Most respondents plan to allocate between 2% and 5% of their portfolios to digital assets, reflecting a growing acceptance of crypto as a diversification tool rather than merely a speculative investment. The survey, which included responses from 518 investment professionals, shows a notable increase in positive sentiment towards crypto, with 31% of respondents now viewing the asset class favorably, up from 25% in 2024. This shift is supported by Japan's established regulatory framework for digital assets, which has evolved since the 2014 Mt. Gox collapse. The country's regulatory clarity has encouraged major companies, such as SBI Holdings and bitFlyer, to develop a robust crypto ecosystem. Additionally, over 60% of investors expressed interest in income-generating strategies like staking and lending, indicating a transition towards viewing crypto as part of a broader financial toolkit. However, challenges such as valuation frameworks, counterparty risks, and high volatility remain significant barriers to adoption.