XRP has officially been added to Mercoin, the cryptocurrency platform operated by Japan’s leading resale marketplace, marking a major step forward in broadening crypto accessibility in the country.
As of April 24, users on Mercoin can now trade XRP, making it the third digital asset available on the app after Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). This new addition highlights Mercoin’s ongoing efforts to increase trading options for its users while promoting simplicity and accessibility in the crypto space.
One of the most appealing aspects for new and casual users is the affordability of entry. XRP can now be purchased at prices as low as ¥1, roughly $0.007, with multiple purchase options available. Users may fund their accounts using bank deposits, proceeds from Mercari sales, or their accumulated Mercari points. These flexible payment methods lower the barrier to entry, making it easier for first-time users to explore digital currencies.
Mercoin’s Expansion Strategy and User Growth
Launched in March 2023, Mercoin has experienced impressive growth by tailoring its offerings to beginners in the crypto space. Initially, the platform supported only Bitcoin. Ethereum was added 14 months later, and now with the introduction of XRP, Mercoin continues to expand its offerings to meet increasing demand.
The strategy has paid off. By December 2024, just under two years since its launch, Mercoin reported that its user base had exceeded 3 million. Even more noteworthy, around 90% of these users are new to crypto trading, underscoring the platform’s role in introducing digital assets to a broader audience.
By supporting XRP—currently the fourth-largest cryptocurrency in terms of market capitalization—Mercoin is addressing the growing appetite for alternatives beyond BTC and ETH. XRP also holds a significant position in global trading activity, with a 24-hour volume of $4.3 billion, ranking sixth in terms of overall trading activity in the crypto market.
Increasing XRP Awareness Across Japan
Mercoin has expressed intent to build on this momentum by promoting XRP more extensively throughout Japan. The company aims to draw more attention and expand its user base of XRP supporters within the country by exploring new marketing and educational initiatives, as originally outlined in this February 2025 report on future XRP trading developments.
The platform’s holistic strategy—centered around ease of use, small purchase thresholds, and familiar digital interfaces—continues to resonate well with Japanese users who may be curious about digital assets but hesitant to commit large sums upfront.
Community Reactions and Industry Input
Mercoin’s announcement has garnered a strong response from the crypto community, especially considering the influence of its parent company, Mercari Inc. Emi Yoshikawa, former Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Ripple, openly supported the move in a related statement. She emphasized the platform’s significant role in pushing crypto towards mainstream adoption.
According to Yoshikawa, Mercari serves as the top online resale marketplace in Japan with over 20 million monthly active users. This large audience generally consists of users selling second-hand goods, often accruing balances or points on the platform. These balances can now be directly converted into XRP starting from just ¥1, opening up new possibilities for entry-level crypto investments.
She also underscored that most crypto buyers on the platform are first-time participants, highlighting Mercoin’s success in bringing cryptocurrency access to a much wider population than typical crypto exchanges.
With XRP gaining more visibility and accessibility on one of Japan’s most widely used consumer platforms, the move suggests a major shift toward mainstream crypto integration in everyday financial ecosystems in the country. This launch could potentially set a precedent for similar platforms integrating digital currencies to reach untapped audiences.
