XRP Outpaces Ethereum in Japan’s Altcoin Race—Regulators Watch Closely
Ripple’s XRP just flipped Ethereum in Japan’s cutthroat altcoin markets—no small feat in a nation where crypto compliance costs more than a Tokyo penthouse. The FSA-approved asset now commands over 34% of alt trading volume, leaving ETH scrambling to keep up.
Behind the surge? Banking partnerships and that sweet, sweet regulatory clarity—something Ethereum’s still chasing after years of ’upcoming upgrades.’ Traders are voting with their wallets, even as purists sneer at XRP’s centralized roots.
One thing’s certain: when Japan’s institutional money moves, it doesn’t care about crypto Twitter’s favorite narratives. Just ask the Bitcoin Maxis still waiting for their ’inevitable’ dominance.

XRP’s Growing Impact in Japan’s Banking Sector
is experiencing a noteworthy shift in its financial landscape. Reports indicate that around 80% of the country’s banks are preparing for XRP integration this year. This preparation process further solidifies the coin’s position in the market.
According to SBI VC Trade’s data, XRP’s trading volume clearly outshines, whileandrank fourth and fifth respectively. The fact that XRP has captured Ethereum’s long-held second position signals a significant shift in Japanese investor behavior.
Ripple’s strategic partnerships in Japan have laid the foundation for this success. Through strong relationships with Japanese banks and large enterprises, XRP has been adopted as a reliable investment vehicle in the country.
The Backstory of XRP’s Rise in Japan
SBI Group CEOhas drawn attention with his supportive remarks about XRP. Kitao highlights the practical advantages of XRP in international money transfers while criticizing Bitcoin$94,741 as an asset lacking “intrinsic value.”
According to Kitao, XRP’s incorporation into daily life is key to its long-term success. The rapid adoption of the altcoin by banks in Japan makes this perspective increasingly visible.
Additionally, XRP has been made available through, one of Japan’s popular shopping applications. The broad user base of Mercoin has helped the popular altcoin gain recognition among individuals purchasing cryptocurrencies for the first time. Emi Yoshikawa, a former Ripple$2 executive, noted that a significant portion of Mercoin users comprises newcomers to the cryptocurrency market. This presents an opportunity for XRP to strengthen its position in Japan by reaching new audiences.