Mercari to Start Accepting Bitcoin Payments in Japan
Mercari, one of Japan’s largest e-commerce platforms, has announced that it will begin accepting Bitcoin (BTC) as a form of payment starting in June. The company’s Tokyo-based crypto subsidiary, Melcoin, will process Bitcoin payments and convert them into yen for vendors. While prices will still be listed in fiat yen, customers will have the option to choose BTC as a payment method when making purchases on the website. This move follows Mercari’s launch of the Mercari Bitcoin crypto trading service and its integration of a loyalty points system with its crypto trading arm.
Rakuten and Mercari: Japan’s Bitcoin Gateways
Both Mercari and Rakuten, another leading Japanese e-commerce platform, have become popular “gateways” for Bitcoin and crypto investors and traders. Rakuten has been active in the crypto space for even longer than Mercari, operating the Rakuten Wallet crypto trading service and integrating its loyalty points program with its crypto arm. A recent survey found that many Japanese people who started trading coins at the end of 2022 chose either Mercari’s Bitcoin Trading app or Rakuten’s Rakuten Wallet platform. This announcement from Mercari further solidifies the growing acceptance of Bitcoin in Japan’s e-commerce industry.
Hot Take: A Major Step for Bitcoin Adoption in Japan
Mercari’s decision to accept Bitcoin payments is a significant development for the adoption of cryptocurrencies in Japan. As one of the country’s largest e-commerce platforms, Mercari’s acceptance of BTC as a payment method provides more legitimacy to digital currencies. This move may encourage other businesses in Japan to consider integrating cryptocurrencies into their operations. Additionally, it highlights the growing popularity of platforms like Mercari and Rakuten as gateways for individuals interested in entering the crypto market. Overall, this announcement signals a positive trend for Bitcoin adoption in Japan’s e-commerce industry.
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