SBI and Ripple: Pioneering Japan’s Digital Finance Revolution

Japan has emerged as a leading market for Ripple’s XRP, driven largely by the support of financial heavyweight SBI Holdings and a favorable regulatory environment. By 2025, XRP is deeply integrated into SBI Japan’s financial services—from cross-border remittances to investment offerings—and backed by collaborations between SBI and Ripple. At the same time, Japan’s retail sector is slowly embracing XRP for payments, and public sentiment toward the cryptocurrency remains notably positive. This report examines SBI Japan’s adoption of XRP (including key integrations, regulatory context, and partnerships with Ripple) and the broader uptake of XRP in Japan’s retail economy, supported by official statements and industry data.

SBI Japan’s Integration of XRP in Financial Services

XRP-Powered Remittance Services at SBI

SBI Holdings (through its subsidiary SBI Remit) has been a pioneer in leveraging XRP for faster, cheaper cross-border payments. SBI Remit utilizes Ripple’s distributed ledger technology and XRP as a bridge currency to provide near-instant remittances with low fees. In fact, SBI Remit was the first in Japan to implement Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service in 2021, using XRP to bridge yen-to-peso transfers for Philippines-bound remittances. This Ripple-SBI Remit-Coins.ph partnership marked a major milestone, as XRP began moving real customer funds between Japan and the Philippines, cutting transaction costs in one of Japan’s most expensive remittance corridors. SBI’s leadership lauded the potential of this solution; Nobuo Ando, SBI Remit’s director, said the launch of ODL in Japan was “just the start” and expressed “tremendous potential in leveraging blockchain technology to transform…payment transactions”, hinting at plans to expand XRP-powered remittances to other regions.

Building on that success, SBI has expanded XRP remittances to more markets. In September 2023, SBI Remit launched an XRP-based international transfer service to bank accounts in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia. This expansion – done in partnership with Ripple and SBI Ripple Asia – uses XRP as a bridge currency to ensure quick, low-cost transfers for Southeast Asian remittances. Under the hood, SBI’s crypto exchange (SBI VC Trade) executes real-time XRP transfers whenever a remittance is initiated, seamlessly converting between XRP and local currencies. The strategy is to tap XRP’s speed and efficiency to serve Japan’s large migrant worker population, for whom traditional remittances have been slow and expensive. SBI’s CEO Yoshitaka Kitao has emphasized that “real demand” for XRP in areas like international remittances is key to its success, viewing XRP as “the ideal solution” for moving money abroad compared to Bitcoin’s more limited utility. By 2025, SBI is even partnering with conventional banks to broaden these services. Notably, in early 2025 SBI Remit announced a new collaboration with SBI Shinsei Bank to enhance international money transfers, leveraging Ripple’s technology to improve speed and cost for customers. This bank-fintech partnership (launched January 31, 2025) is creating a model for how XRP and RippleNet can be used jointly by banks and remittance providers to deliver seamless global transfers. Through such initiatives, SBI has made XRP a cornerstone of its remittance operations, offering near real-time service to numerous countries and planning further expansion to additional corridors and even corporate payment.

XRP in SBI’s Investment and Shareholder Programs

SBI isn’t just using XRP for payments; it’s also integrating the token into investment services and corporate programs. SBI’s crypto trading platform, SBI VC Trade, was one of the first exchanges in Japan to list XRP, and it initially focused on XRP trading due to SBI’s close relationship with Ripple. In late 2020, SBI VC Trade launched a crypto lending service, allowing customers to lend out their XRP holdings for interest. Users can loan XRP for fixed terms (e.g. 84 days) and earn a yield (0.1% annual interest in the initial offering). This service gave investors a way to generate returns on XRP, reflecting SBI’s confidence in XRP’s asset value. SBI’s support persisted even during turbulent times – as U.S. exchanges delisted XRP due to an SEC lawsuit, SBI VC Trade kept XRP available and doubled down on integrating it into products (noting that in Japan, XRP was clearly not deemed a security).

In 2025, SBI Holdings took an unprecedented step by including XRP in its shareholder rewards. The financial giant announced that shareholders can opt to receive their benefit in the form of XRP, under a program to be executed by SBI VC Trade. Specifically, eligible investors (holding a certain number of SBI shares) may choose an XRP reward equivalent to ¥2,000, which will be credited to their SBI VC Trade account. This marks the first time a Japanese company of SBI’s size is distributing a cryptocurrency to shareholders as a perk. SBI’s announcement, made in February 2025, stated that coupon codes for XRP will be provided to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2025, and the XRP distribution is expected by July 31, 2025. By offering crypto alongside traditional rewards (like health products), SBI is signaling its faith in XRP’s legitimacy and appeal. Company statements highlight that SBI sees this as part of strengthening Ripple’s influence in Japan’s finance sector. Indeed, SBI’s long-term CEO Yoshitaka Kitao has been very bullish on XRP – he recently reiterated his expectation that XRP’s price would “soar” once courts definitively rule it is not a security, underscoring the company’s view of XRP as a valuable asset. Such measures not only reward SBI’s investors with XRP, but also normalize XRP as an investment in Japan, increasing its visibility and adoption among mainstream stakeholders.

New Partnerships and Initiatives Driving XRP Usage

SBI’s pro-XRP strategy includes forging partnerships and initiatives that embed Ripple’s technology into Japan’s financial ecosystem. Many of these ventures are joint efforts with Ripple or other fintech players, aimed at enhancing XRP’s utility. For example, SBI has partnered with Malaysian payments firm Tranglo to facilitate RippleNet remittances in local Asian currencies. Tranglo (part-owned by Ripple) helps bridge SBI’s XRP-based remittance infrastructure with payout channels in Southeast Asia, reinforcing the network effect of XRP usage across borders. This is aligned with SBI Remit’s goal to capture growing remittance flows in ASEAN countries by offering superior speed and cost via XRP.

Another headline collaboration is SBI Ripple Asia, a joint venture that has rolled out Ripple-powered solutions for banks in Japan. One flagship project from this venture is MoneyTap, a mobile payment app that connects dozens of Japanese banks through Ripple’s blockchain network. MoneyTap allows bank customers to send domestic payments 24/7 via a simple smartphone app, using just phone numbers or QR codes, and settles transactions instantly through Ripple’s technology. The Japan Bank Consortium behind MoneyTap, led by SBI, comprises 61 banks accounting for over 80% of Japan’s banking assets. This means the vast majority of Japan’s banks have at least indirect access to Ripple’s network. While MoneyTap initially uses Ripple’s xCurrent (a DLT solution that doesn’t require XRP) for domestic transfers, it is “XRP-capable” and often described as an XRP-powered app. SBI and Ripple’s vision is that, by 2025, these banks could also leverage XRP for certain use cases, especially cross-border settlements. In fact, Yoshitaka Kitao announced his aim that “all banks in Japan” might adopt XRP by 2025, a bold prediction that underscores SBI’s commitment to push XRP into the mainstream banking infrastructure. Already, over 60 Japanese banks (around 80% of the sector) have partnered with Ripple for faster cross-border payments, often via the consortium and SBI’s evangelism. This broad alliance between SBI, Ripple, and Japanese banks is boosting liquidity on the XRP Ledger and setting the stage for mass adoption. MoneyTap itself is a template that has drawn global attention as a model of bank-led innovation. It even inspired trials for in-store payments: in 2019, SBI tested MoneyTap’s QR code system for retail purchases at a restaurant, aiming to eventually enable full-scale XRP-backed payment services in physical shops. Through collaborations like these – spanning remittance firms, fintech providers, and banks – SBI and Ripple are steadily knitting XRP into the fabric of Japan’s financial services.

Japan’s Regulatory Stance on XRP and Its Impact on SBI

Japan’s regulatory environment has been distinctly supportive of XRP compared to some other jurisdictions. The Financial Services Agency (FSA), Japan’s top financial regulator, has explicitly stated that XRP is not a security under Japanese law. In early 2021, amid global uncertainty due to the U.S. SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple, the FSA confirmed that XRP does not meet the definition of a security in Japan and is instead classified as a “crypto asset” (cryptocurrency) under the Payment Services Act. This clear stance meant that XRP could continue to be freely traded and used in Japan without triggering securities regulations, a position that stood in stark contrast to the U.S. SEC’s view.

The FSA’s regulatory clarity greatly benefited SBI and other Japanese institutions dealing with XRP. Almost immediately after the SEC lawsuit news, SBI Holdings issued a public statement aligning with the FSA’s view. Citing analysis from the Nomura Research Institute, SBI noted that in Japan “the interpretation that XRP is a ‘cryptographic asset’ and not a ‘security’ … is established, and this will not be affected by the SEC’s lawsuit”. SBI emphasized that XRP’s status as a crypto asset means its trading on licensed exchanges in Japan can continue without issue. Indeed, while many U.S. platforms halted XRP trading in 2021, Japanese exchanges refused to delist XRP, openly stating that under Japanese law XRP is a legitimate cryptocurrency. This regulatory green light allowed SBI’s businesses to carry on with XRP initiatives unabated. For example, SBI’s crypto exchange kept XRP available and even expanded services (like lending and XRP giveaways) during this period, which would have been difficult if XRP had fallen into a legal gray zone. An SBI official noted that the SEC case had virtually “no impact” on their operations, since Japan’s FSA had made it clear XRP was not a security. In short, Japan’s rules – some of the world’s most comprehensive for crypto – provided a stable framework for XRP. This enabled SBI to deepen its integration of XRP (in remittances, payments, and investments) without legal hurdles, and even encouraged others in Japan’s finance industry to explore XRP. The supportive stance of regulators and the close collaboration between SBI and authorities (e.g., SBI securing an FSA license for MoneyTap’s electronic payments in 2018) have made Japan a rare case where a major cryptocurrency’s adoption was helped rather than hindered by regulation. As a result, XRP enjoys an official legitimacy in Japan that bolsters public and institutional confidence in its use.

SBI–Ripple Collaborations Enhancing XRP Usage in Japan

The partnership between SBI and Ripple has been instrumental in driving XRP adoption across Japan. SBI Holdings was an early investor in Ripple and formed SBI Ripple Asia in 2016 to promote Ripple’s technology in the region. This close relationship means many of Ripple’s initiatives in Japan are essentially collaborations with SBI. For instance, MoneyTap, discussed earlier, is a jointly developed product of SBI Ripple Asia, showcasing how Ripple’s real-time settlement tech can be deployed in Japan’s domestic banking. While MoneyTap primarily addresses domestic transfers, it creates a Ripple network footprint that could later incorporate XRP for international payments. By 2025, over 60 banks are on this Ripple-powered network, laying the groundwork for widespread XRP use if and when those banks decide to activate XRP for liquidity. Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse has praised Japan’s approach to crypto and met with Japanese officials to reinforce Ripple’s commitment to the market. In turn, SBI’s leadership has been outspoken in support of Ripple – Yoshitaka Kitao served on Ripple’s board of directors, and has frequently touted Ripple’s technology to Japanese bank CEOs and regulators. This high-level advocacy has undoubtedly helped Ripple secure partnerships with Japanese banks. According to SBI, “more than 60 Japanese banks, covering 80% of the country’s banking sector, have partnered with Ripple” for cross-border solutions . Such penetration is a direct result of the SBI-Ripple alliance championing XRP and RippleNet as the standard for next-generation payments in Japan.

Beyond banking, SBI and Ripple have teamed up to tackle specific remittance corridors. The Japan-Philippines remittance corridor is a prime example: SBI Remit’s ODL deployment was done in close coordination with Ripple, effectively making Ripple’s Manila partner (Coins.ph) and SBI’s exchange the endpoints of an XRP payment rail. This tripartite collaboration (Ripple, SBI Remit, Coins.ph) proved the viability of using XRP at scale in a compliant manner. Following that success, SBI and Ripple are likely to replicate the model in other corridors (the 2023 expansion to Vietnam and Indonesia suggests a continued joint effort. Each new corridor often involves Ripple bringing in a local partner and SBI providing the Japanese end, with both leveraging XRP to settle between yen and the foreign currency. Additionally, SBI collaborates with Ripple on infrastructure projects – for example, Ripple’s broader Asia-Pacific strategy (where they sign on new banks at a rapid pace) is bolstered by SBI’s consortium, which can feed those banks into RippleNet easily. In one noteworthy cross-industry collaboration, SBI Ripple Asia in 2019 announced trials of using MoneyTap for retail point-of-sale payments, effectively demonstrating how banks and Ripple could penetrate the cashless payments market together. This trial used QR codes and aimed to eventually enable consumers to pay merchants via an app linked to Ripple’s backend, potentially involving XRP for settlement in the future. While full rollout of that in-store payment system is still pending, it’s an example of how SBI and Ripple are exploring every avenue – bank transfers, remittances, and retail payments – in tandem. The synergy between SBI and Ripple has made Japan a showcase for XRP utility. As Ripple expands its global ODL network, Japan often serves as a case study, and Ripple’s executives frequently cite the country as one of its largest markets with real XRP usage. In summary, the tight SBI-Ripple collaboration has created an ecosystem in Japan where banks, payment providers, and even end-users can tap into XRP’s benefits, reinforcing each other’s efforts to drive adoption.

XRP Adoption in Japan’s Retail Sector

Businesses and E-Commerce Accepting XRP Payments

Outside of banking, Japan’s retail and e-commerce sectors have begun to warm up to XRP as a payment method, though adoption is in early stages. A landmark development came in May 2022 when SBI Motor Japan, a subsidiary of SBI that sells used cars to international buyers, announced it would accept payments in XRP. This made SBI Motor Japan the first cross-border e-commerce platform in Japan to support XRP payments, alongside Bitcoin. According to SBI’s announcement, transactions in XRP (or BTC) from customers are settled via SBI VC Trade (the group’s crypto exchange) to manage conversion and compliance. Notably, SBI Motor Japan exports around 5,000 used cars annually, primarily to African nations – regions where many buyers lack traditional banking access. By enabling direct crypto payments, including XRP, the company tapped into growing crypto demand in those countries. SBI highlighted that this move meets the needs of unbanked customers and that crypto transactions can proceed even outside normal banking hours, improving reliability for cross-border commerce. The XRP payment option on SBI Motor’s site is seen as a success for practical XRP utility, as it extends XRP’s use case to buying real-world goods. Ripple executives also cheered this as a win for XRP adoption, since it showcased crypto’s usefulness in e-commerce trade.

Beyond SBI’s initiatives, uptake of XRP by other businesses is gradually emerging. In Japan, some retail stores and online services have experimented with accepting cryptocurrencies for payments – for example, electronics retailer Bic Camera famously accepts Bitcoin. While XRP is not yet as commonly accepted as Bitcoin for in-person payments, there are instances where it’s supported. Certain cryptocurrency payment gateways and apps operating in Japan allow merchants to accept multiple coins, XRP included. For instance, overseas payment processor BitPay added XRP support, meaning that any Japanese online merchant using BitPay could technically take XRP from customers. Additionally, Japan’s e-commerce giant Rakuten has a cryptocurrency exchange and wallet, and though Rakuten’s services initially focused on BTC/ETH, the company did add XRP trading support. Rakuten Wallet even enables users to convert crypto into Rakuten Cash (electronic money) for shopping, and an extension to XRP would effectively allow spending XRP at thousands of Rakuten Pay locations. These indirect methods are paving the way for broader retail acceptance. On the ground, there have also been small businesses and crypto-themed cafes in Tokyo where XRP is accepted alongside other coins, often catering to crypto enthusiasts. While such examples are boutique, they contribute to normalizing crypto payments.

Moreover, SBI Ripple Asia’s MoneyTap app could play a role in retail adoption. Although MoneyTap transactions are essentially bank transfers, the app’s convenience (QR code scanning and instant settlement) can rival other mobile payment methods. In trials, consumers used MoneyTap to pay at restaurants via QR code. If banks decide to integrate XRP liquidity into MoneyTap for interbank settlement, users could be transacting indirectly through XRP without even knowing. In essence, the infrastructure is being built such that, in a few years, paying with XRP-backed apps might feel no different than using popular digital wallets. As of 2025, the number of major Japanese brick-and-mortar retailers directly accepting XRP remains limited; however, the groundwork laid by SBI and others indicates this could expand. The first-mover examples like SBI Motor Japan’s e-commerce integration are likely to inspire other merchants (especially those dealing with international customers or tech-savvy clientele) to consider XRP. With Japan’s consumer base being highly tech-friendly and the government promoting cashless payments, XRP stands to benefit as part of the broader cryptocurrency payment trend.

XRP in Consumer Remittances and Transfers

One of the most impactful real-world uses of XRP in Japan is in remittances by everyday consumers, even if many users don’t interact with the cryptocurrency directly. Services like SBI Remit have essentially embedded XRP into their back-end, so a user sending money overseas might unknowingly be utilizing XRP to get better rates. For example, a Filipino worker in Japan who uses SBI Remit’s mobile service to send money home will have their yen converted into XRP, zipped over to the Philippines via RippleNet, and converted to pesos on the other side, all in minutes. The user experience is a fast, low-cost remittance, thanks to XRP as the bridge. This is a significant improvement over traditional remittance channels which could take days and charge high fees. With over 400,000 foreign workers in Japan from countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and China, the demand for cheap remittances is high. SBI’s ODL deployment directly catered to this: the Japan-Philippines XRP corridor not only lowered costs but also allowed 24/7 transfers, an advantage highlighted by Ripple and SBI when launching the service. As of 2025, these services have scaled up. SBI Remit’s XRP-based remittances to the Philippines have grown, and the inclusion of Vietnam and Indonesia corridors means Japanese consumers from those countries can also benefit. Transactions that once took considerable time now settle almost instantly, which is crucial for families waiting on funds.

Additionally, other companies are joining the fray. Remixpoint, the owner of BITPoint exchange, and other remittance providers in Japan have shown interest in using crypto (including XRP) for remittances. The general trend is that crypto-powered remittances are gaining traction, especially for routes involving developing nations where banking infrastructure is weaker. Japanese consumers have options to send money via specialized apps that use crypto behind the scenes, and XRP’s speed makes it a preferred choice for such services (as opposed to, say, Bitcoin which is slower and incurs higher fees). There is also a peer-to-peer element: some individuals are directly using XRP to send money to friends or family abroad. Given that XRP transactions cost just a fraction of a penny and settle in seconds, tech-savvy users can simply exchange wallet addresses and move funds without any remittance company at all. However, that remains a niche for now, as most people prefer the convenience of an app or service handling the conversion and compliance. What’s important is that XRP has proven its worth in the remittance domain – it’s literally delivering money to where it’s needed, faster and cheaper. This utility is often cited by Ripple and SBI in promoting XRP. Yoshitaka Kitao has pointed out that international transfers (like worker remittances) create real demand for XRP, unlike some speculative uses of crypto (80% of Japanese Banks Set to Embrace XRP for Global Payments by 2025 | Nasdaq). He and others believe that as more people use XRP-linked remittance services, it will drive adoption organically (people care about getting money home, not the technology used, but if XRP consistently provides a better service, it will be adopted even unknowingly). In summary, Japanese consumers are increasingly using XRP for what it was designed for: moving value across borders efficiently. This trend is set to continue, especially as SBI and Ripple expand ODL to more corridors, turning what used to be an experimental idea into an everyday reality for expatriates in Japan.

Public Perception and Market Trends in Japan Regarding XRP

Public perception of XRP in Japan is markedly positive, buoyed by the coin’s strong use cases and the endorsement of major players like SBI. Surveys and market data consistently show that Japanese crypto investors hold XRP in high regard. In fact, XRP enjoys popularity second only to Bitcoin in Japan by many metrics. A mid-2020 survey by BitMax (a crypto exchange run by the messaging app LINE) found that 25% of Japanese respondents chose XRP as their favorite cryptocurrency – virtually tying with Bitcoin at 26% – whereas only 9% chose Ethereum. This was a striking result, demonstrating that XRP had overtaken Ethereum in the eyes of Japanese retail investors. The Japan Virtual Currency Exchange Association (JVCEA) reported similar findings in late 2019: XRP accounted for the second-largest share of crypto holdings in Japan, behind Bitcoin. By 2024, XRP remained one of the most actively traded crypto assets in Japan, often ranking at the top of volumes on exchanges like bitFlyer and Coincheck. Ripple’s XRP has a large, loyal following (sometimes dubbed the “XRP army”) in Japan’s crypto community, which is partly a result of the coin’s early introduction and continuous availability on Japanese exchanges (it was listed on domestic platforms as early as 2014 and has been a staple since).

One reason for the positive perception is the narrative of utility and institutional support. Japanese media frequently highlight real-world applications of XRP – for instance, when SBI launched XRP remittances or when a new bank joins RippleNet, it makes headlines in financial news. This creates an image of XRP as a “bank-approved” crypto with a clear purpose, distinguishing it from many other cryptocurrencies. The endorsement by respected figures like SBI’s CEO Kitao (who often speaks about XRP’s future) also reassures investors. Kitao has publicly stated his confidence in XRP’s legal status and growth potential, even offering price predictions (such as XRP reaching new highs once regulatory uncertainty is removed) (XRP Price Today: Japanese Financial Giant SBI Holdings Offers XRP in Shareholder Benefits Package | Coinspeaker). Such optimism from a prominent Japanese financier reinforces local investors’ bullish sentiment. Moreover, the fact that Japan’s regulators consider XRP a valid crypto asset (not a security) gives the public additional confidence – there’s no fear of a sudden ban or crackdown. When the U.S. SEC sued Ripple, many Japanese XRP holders viewed it as a foreign issue; domestically, the FSA’s stance meant “business as usual”. In interviews and online forums, Japanese investors often expressed that they trust their regulators’ view of XRP. Many held onto their XRP through the legal saga, a decision that seemed vindicated when U.S. courts in 2023 delivered a partial victory to Ripple (declaring XRP sales on exchanges were not securities). That news was celebrated in Japan, and XRP’s price surged globally, which further validated Japanese holders’ loyalty.

Market trends in Japan also show a growing integration of XRP into mainstream financial products, which influences public perception. For example, when SBI announced XRP rewards for shareholders, it wasn’t just a corporate perk – it signaled to the average person that XRP is as credible as cash or stock dividends. Likewise, the inclusion of XRP in investment funds (SBI launched a crypto asset fund for institutional investors in 2021 that included XRP) and lending programs has made XRP more respectable. It’s common to see XRP tickers alongside forex rates in some Japanese financial media, reflecting how normalized it has become. This mainstreaming means that even people who aren’t crypto enthusiasts have heard of XRP in Japan, often in a positive light (e.g., as the technology banks use for speedy transfers). Public sentiment is also shaped by price trends – XRP’s price movements are closely followed. While the token has seen volatility, Japanese traders have participated actively in XRP markets, sometimes contributing a majority of global XRP trading volume on certain days. XRP’s resilience (surviving the long bear market and legal challenges) has, in the eyes of many Japanese investors, proven its strength. There is a sense that Japan is ahead of the curve in crypto adoption – as exemplified by embracing XRP – which fosters a bit of national pride in their forward-thinking approach. As one foreign exchange news outlet noted, “Ripple is the most actively traded crypto in Japan” and remains among the top three by market cap, which Japanese holders see as validation of their investment choices. Of course, not everyone is uniformly positive – there are skeptics who recall XRP’s past price hype and the fact that it hasn’t reclaimed its 2017 highs. However, the general trend is that XRP is seen as a practical, enterprise-backed asset rather than just a speculative coin. This differentiated reputation, combined with real adoption metrics, suggests that Japan will continue to be a stronghold for XRP. Looking ahead, many in the Japanese crypto community expect that if Ripple and SBI achieve their goal of having most banks use XRP by 2025, it will further cement public trust and could even make Japan a model for XRP adoption worldwide.

Conclusion

In 2025, Japan stands out as a beacon of XRP adoption, driven by a confluence of corporate initiative, regulatory clarity, and public enthusiasm. SBI Holdings has deeply integrated XRP into its ecosystem – from powering international remittances that serve everyday people, to offering XRP as dividends and investment products – thereby bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets. Japan’s Financial Services Agency has provided a clear regulatory green light for XRP, enabling innovation rather than stifling it, which in turn allowed SBI and Ripple’s partnership to flourish. Together, SBI and Ripple have laid down the infrastructure (like MoneyTap and RippleNet corridors) that could see a majority of Japanese banks using XRP for fast, low-cost transactions in the near future.

On the retail front, XRP is gradually making its way into consumers’ lives – whether through buying goods on e-commerce sites with XRP, sending money home via an XRP-powered remittance app, or simply holding XRP as a favored investment. The acceptance of XRP by businesses like SBI Motor Japan and the prospect of wider merchant adoption show that XRP’s utility is not confined to banks alone. Meanwhile, Japanese consumers and investors generally view XRP positively, often ranking it alongside Bitcoin as a top crypto asset. This contrasts with some Western markets and is a testament to the successful narrative of utility that has been built around XRP in Japan.

As of now, XRP in Japan enjoys a unique trifecta: institutional use, regulatory support, and popular trust. SBI Japan’s ongoing efforts – including new partnerships (e.g. with Shinsei Bank) and technology rollouts – continue to enhance XRP’s role in finance. Market indicators suggest that Japan will remain a critical hub for XRP, potentially influencing adoption in other countries that observe its success. Executives from SBI and Ripple frequently point to what’s happening in Japan as an example of how digital assets can be harnessed within a compliant, innovative framework. If their vision holds, the next few years could see XRP move from being an alternative digital token to becoming an invisible but essential part of Japan’s financial plumbing, with consumers hardly aware that the cryptocurrency is what’s enabling their instant payments and transfers. In summary, Japan’s XRP journey in 2025 is a compelling case study of mainstream adoption: it highlights that with supportive stakeholders and clear rules, a cryptocurrency can indeed achieve real-world usage at national scale.

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