TL;DR
- Ripple will allocate up to $200,000 per startup in Japan for XRPL-based projects, prioritizing DeFi, tokenized real-world assets, and digital payments.
- Selected projects will receive funding, advisory support, and access to an international network of partners, based on scalability potential and technical strength.
- Japan has approved XRP for bank payments and expects full adoption by 2025, positioning the country as a favorable environment for crypto and blockchain development.
Ripple has announced the launch of a funding program aimed at Japanese startups working on its XRP Ledger network. The initiative will provide up to $200,000 per project over the next twelve months, focusing on the development of products related to decentralized finance, tokenized real-world assets, and digital payment solutions. This program is part of the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund and fits within a broader strategy committing 1 billion XRP to support projects in targeted markets.
The company will directly manage the selection and funding process. Selection criteria will prioritize growth potential, technological quality, and alignment with Ripple’s strategic interests. Beyond financial backing, selected startups will gain access to an international network of business partners, development specialists, and institutional users.
To expand the reach of this initiative, Ripple will partner with Web3 Salon, a local organization led by Asia Web3 Alliance Japan and supported by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). This partnership will provide training sessions, personalized mentorship, and opportunities to connect with regulators and investment funds. The goal is to build a collaborative platform that links developers with Japan’s financial system.
Ripple’s Strong Bet on Japan
Between June of this year and March 2026, both organizations will host four in-person events in Japan. These gatherings will feature pitch competitions, panels on regulations and tech adoption, compliance workshops, and investor networking rounds. The objective is to foster an environment where new crypto ventures can access capital, training, and institutional connections in a traditionally conservative market.
XRP Approved as a Payment Method
Japan is currently opening up to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Earlier this year, the country’s banks approved the use of XRP for payments, with plans to extend this adoption to all financial institutions by 2025. At the same time, Ripple is preparing to launch a stablecoin in the Japanese market, a project still awaiting local licensing approvals
