Ripple has announced a strategic partnership with Web3 Salon, a blockchain initiative supported by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), aimed at strengthening Japan’s Web3 ecosystem. This collaboration focuses on accelerating early-stage startups in Japan leveraging blockchain technology, particularly those developing on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). Under this effort, Ripple will provide up to $200, 000 in funding per selected project over the coming year. The investment will be sourced from Ripple’s XRPL Japan and Korea Fund, established in June 2023 to promote Web3 innovation throughout East Asia, with a special emphasis on Japan and South Korea. The initiative targets startups involved in decentralized finance (DeFi), digital payments, and tokenization—three critical areas identified as central to the next wave of blockchain adoption. In addition to financial backing, Ripple will offer startups access to its extensive global partner network, potentially accelerating product development, scaling, and facilitating cross-border collaboration. Through its partnership with Web3 Salon and JETRO, Ripple is reinforcing its presence in Asia’s rapidly evolving digital asset sector.

This development underscores Japan’s increasing importance as a hub for blockchain innovation, regulatory advancement, and enterprise-grade Web3 solutions. Ripple’s emphasis on XRPL-native startups highlights its dedication to fostering real-world applications and expanding the utility of its decentralized ledger. As global competition in blockchain intensifies, Ripple’s active engagement in Japan may spark a surge of XRP Ledger-powered projects, enhancing adoption and innovation within the region’s fintech ecosystem. As Japan advances its Web3 initiatives, this collaboration has the potential to become a pivotal moment for its blockchain startup landscape.