Mercoin Adds XRP to Platform, Boosts Crypto Accessibility in Japan

Mercoin, a prominent Japanese crypto services provider and a subsidiary of Mercari Inc., has announced the addition of XRP to its trading platform, effective from April 24. This move marks the third cryptocurrency to be listed on Mercoin, following Bitcoin and Ethereum, and signifies a significant step in integrating widely adopted financial ecosystems into the crypto space.

Users of Mercoin can now purchase XRP for as little as 1 yen, approximately $0.007, using various payment methods including bank recharge balances, Merpay sales, and Mercari points. This low entry point is designed to attract new users and make crypto trading more accessible. Mercoin's user base has grown rapidly since its launch, surpassing 3 million users by December 2024 and recording the highest number of new crypto account openings in the industry.

Emi Yoshikawa, the former Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Ripple, highlighted the significance of Mercoin's XRP listing. She noted that this development is a major step in bringing cryptocurrency to Japan's mainstream, given Mercari's status as Japan’s largest resale platform with over 20 million monthly active users. Over 3 million of these users engage in crypto trading, with 90% being first-time traders. This integration is expected to further boost the adoption of XRP in Japan, where it is already widely used through Ripple’s partnership with SBI Holdings for payments and liquidity.

Mercoin's focus on simplicity and security in crypto trading is evident in its user-friendly service design. By adding XRP, the company aims to expand trading opportunities for its users, making virtual currencies more accessible alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum. This move is part of Mercoin's broader strategy to make crypto trading accessible and secure for beginners, thereby fostering greater adoption in the region.