Mercari will allow users to buy items with Bitcoin starting June 2025 via its Melcoin subsidiary. The prices will still be shown in yen, but sellers get yen after real-time conversion. Additionally, XRP trading will be introduced, making the platform more accessible for new users.
In a significant move, Mercari, a leading e-commerce platform in Japan, is set to revolutionise the crypto payment landscape. Starting June 2025, users will finally be able to purchase items using Bitcoin (BTC) through its crypto exchange subsidiary, Melcoin. This shift marks a huge step forward in integrating cryptocurrency into daily transactions.
How exactly will this work? Mercari’s app, known for its flea market-style listings, will still show prices in Japanese yen. However, buyers will now have the choice to pay with Bitcoin. The catch? Sellers will still receive payments in yen, thanks to Melcoin’s partnership ensuring real-time conversion from Bitcoin to the local currency. Convenient, right?
Adding to the excitement, Mercari also plans to introduce trading for XRP. This follows a positive reception of Bitcoin and Ethereum trading functions. Now, users can engage in buying and selling XRP using either Mercari points or Merpay balances, which is a game changer for beginners—especially since about 90% of Mercari’s users are just stepping into the crypto world.
It’s worth noting that Mercari isn’t alone in this shift; Rakuten, another big player in Japan’s e-commerce market, has been adopting cryptocurrency for a while. They even allow customers to convert loyalty points into various digital currencies. With these tech-savvy platforms paving the way, it seems Japan is leading the charge in making cryptocurrency a part of everyday life.
