Major retail stores in Japan are now accepting Bitcoin as a method of payment, with more expected to follow this year. In April Bic Camera, a huge electronics retail chain, began accepting Bitcoin in 2 of its stores and many more are expected to follow this year.
In addition to this, the Japanese government has also announced that beginning this July, there will be no consumption tax on Bitcoin transactions.
There's been a huge buying frenzy of Bitcoins by Japanese, and it is very likely to be a major reason for the recent price increases. This is also good news for alt-coins! More people learning about blockchain technology and more money flowing into it is good for everyone! Let's hope the trend continues!
Here is some further reading:
https://news.bitcoin.com/the-japanese-using-bitcoin-expected/
https://news.bitcoin.com/japan-bic-camera-starts-accepting-bitcoin/