Ripple Doubles Down on Japan with JETRO-Backed Web3 Push

Ripple's latest play? A Japan-focused Web3 initiative with government muscle behind it. The crypto giant just locked arms with JETRO—Japan's trade org—to fuel blockchain adoption in the land of the rising sun.

Why it matters: Japan's regulators have been playing nice with crypto lately (unlike some *other* G7 nations). With JETRO's stamp of approval, Ripple bypasses the usual red tape—because nothing moves markets faster than bureaucrats catching FOMO.

The cynical take: Another 'strategic partnership' that'll either mint millionaires or gather dust in a corporate deck. But hey—at least it's not another stablecoin hearing.

Ripple is strengthening its presence in Asia’s blockchain landscape with a major initiative targeting Japan’s growing digital asset sector. Teaming up with Web3 Salon, a project supported by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and powered by Asia Web3 Alliance Japan—Ripple, is launching a structured program to support emerging Web3 startups focused on building real-world solutions on the XRP Ledger (XRPL).

Fueling Startups with Strategic Grants

At the Core of the partnership is Ripple’s grant program, which offers up to $200,000 per project to Japanese startups working on XRPL use cases, such as DeFi, tokenized real-world assets, and digital payments. The funding comes through Ripple’s Japan & Korea Fund, a branch of its broader $1 billion XRP ecosystem commitment launched in 2022.

Selected projects will also receive access to Ripple’s global network of investors, advisors, and technical mentors, providing more than just capital, but also DEEP ecosystem integration and long-term business guidance.

Web3 Salon to Lead Mentorship and Market Readiness

While Ripple handles funding and builds connections with new startups, Web3 Salon will focus on founder development. Meanwhile, Web3 Salon will take care of startup founders to grow and succeed. That means giving them mentorship, connecting them to investors, helping them follow Japan’s strict rules, and guiding them on how to launch and grow their business. With Japan’s strong but complex regulatory environment, the partnership aims to make it easier for startups to thrive in the country’s tech-driven economy.

Major Events Planned Through March 2026

WrathofKahneman, a well-known XRPL community member, confirmed this partnership ties directly into Ripple’s broader Asian expansion strategy. He also emphasized the scheduled event roadmap as a sign of Ripple’s deeper, ongoing commitment to Japan.

Meanwhile, Ripple and Web3 Salon plan to host four major events across Japan through early 2026. These gatherings will feature pitch competitions, policy panels, investor networking, and educational workshops, designed to accelerate ecosystem growth and foster collaboration between innovators, regulators, and enterprise leaders.

Japan’s Web3 Opportunity

With a reputation for regulatory clarity and tech-savvy entrepreneurship, Japan stands at the edge of a new wave in digital finance. Ripple’s collaboration with Web3 Salon, backed by JETRO, reflects a strong institutional push to reduce entry barriers and empower blockchain pioneers in one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.