Mercari, Japan’s leading second-hand marketplace, just unlocked a significant milestone in the nation’s crypto adoption story. Through its crypto division, Mercoin, the platform has officially listed XRP ($2.20), making it instantly tradable by over 20 million monthly active users. This move not only boosts XRP’s accessibility but also blends cryptocurrency into the daily financial habits of Japanese consumers.

XRP Joins Mercoin’s Lineup of Supported Assets

CoinPost first reported the development, which Emi Yoshikawa, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Ripple, later confirmed. Mercoin now supports XRP, alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum, which it listed in March 2023 and May 2024, respectively. Users can purchase XRP starting from as low as 1 Japanese yen, using either their existing Mercari wallet balance, points, or a direct bank transfer.

This simplified entry point is a strategic shift. Unlike other platforms that often require crypto literacy or a financial background, Mercoin appeals to a broad consumer base already familiar with Mercari’s marketplace interface. Users accustomed to buying and selling physical items can now access digital assets with the same ease.

From Financial Sector Tool to Household Asset

XRP has enjoyed strong institutional backing in Japan for years. Ripple’s deep-rooted relationship with SBI Holdings — a significant financial conglomerate in the region — laid the groundwork for this partnership. SBI’s subsidiaries, including SBI VC Trade and SBI Remit, have long championed XRP. Their efforts positioned the token as a practical solution for cross-border payments, on-demand liquidity, and even real-world purchases such as used cars.

However, until now, most of XRP’s applications in Japan revolved around corporate or specialised financial use. That dynamic is rapidly changing.

Crypto Adoption at the Consumer Level

With XRP’s integration into Mercoin, crypto trading becomes a seamless extension of daily digital activity for millions. Nearly 90% of Mercoin users are first-time crypto traders, a sign that the app’s intuitive design and minimal barriers to entry resonate with newcomers. More importantly, this rollout signals a cultural shift in how crypto is perceived and used across Japan.

The platform doesn’t introduce radically new use cases for XRP, but it dramatically expands its reach. What was once confined to banks, fintechs, and exchanges is now accessible through a consumer-friendly app. For many users, XRP has become a casual addition to their digital wallet, much like loyalty points or prepaid credits.

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This integration represents more than a technical listing — it reflects a redefinition of who interacts with cryptocurrency and how it is used. XRP is now just a few taps away for millions of Japanese users already engaged with the Mercari ecosystem. By embedding digital assets into everyday consumer behaviour, Mercoin is quietly normalising crypto participation across the country.

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