25th April 2025 – (Tokyo) Mercari, one of Japan’s leading e-commerce platforms, has introduced XRP trading functionality on its Mercoin crypto exchange app. The update, launched on 24th April, allows users to buy XRP using their Mercari (Merpay) account balances, Mercari points, or via direct bank transfers. Customers can open a wallet with a minimum deposit of just 1 yen ($0.007).
The move comes less than a year after Ethereum (ETH) trading was added to the platform, following the launch of Bitcoin (BTC) trading services in March 2023. As of December last year, over 3 million users were actively trading cryptocurrencies on Mercoin, with the company claiming the highest number of new crypto wallet openings in Japan’s domestic crypto exchange industry.
Mercari, which boasts over 23 million monthly users in Japan, has also teased upcoming XRP-themed events and campaigns aimed at familiarizing the public with the cryptocurrency. In its press release, the company hinted at plans to further promote XRP adoption through various initiatives.
Approximately 90% of Mercoin users are first-time crypto investors, highlighting the platform’s appeal to beginners. In July 2024, Mercoin launched a successful invitation campaign to promote Bitcoin trading, offering 200 yen worth of BTC to both inviters and invitees for every new user referred, with no cap on the number of invitations.
The expansion into XRP trading aligns with Mercari’s broader ambitions. Last month, the firm announced plans to enter the mobile telecommunications sector, further diversifying its portfolio. Meanwhile, Japanese companies like gaming developer Gumi have also embraced cryptocurrencies, with Gumi recently revealing a $106,000 Bitcoin giveaway for its shareholders.
