Ripple Partners with Japan’s Web3 Salon to Drive Blockchain Growth Across Asia
Summary
- Ripple and Japan’s Web3 Salon form a strategic partnership to accelerate blockchain innovation across Asia.
- The initiative will support XRPL (XRP Ledger) startups with funding of up to $200,000 per project.
- This collaboration marks a significant step in expanding Ripple’s footprint in the Japanese Web3 ecosystem.
- The partnership aims to foster developer growth and strengthen XRPL adoption in Asia.
- By joining forces, Ripple and Web3 Salon are positioning themselves as key drivers of Web3 innovation in the region.
Ripple and Web3 Salon Partner to Boost Blockchain Innovation in Asia
Asia’s blockchain landscape is gaining new momentum as Ripple teams up with Web3 Salon, a project supported by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). This strategic partnership aims to strengthen the region’s Web3 ecosystem by offering grant funding of up to $200,000 per project, specifically targeting promising startups building on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) in Japan. The move further underscores Ripple’s long-term commitment to Asia’s growing digital asset economy.
Key Details of the Partnership
In an official announcement on X, Ripple revealed its collaboration with Web3 Salon to support emerging XRPL startups through financial backing and ecosystem support. This initiative is part of Ripple’s broader effort to foster blockchain innovation and growth in Asia, with the partnership focusing on both developer empowerment and startup acceleration.
Web3 Salon, backed by JETRO and powered by the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, is a prominent player in Japan’s push toward next-generation internet technologies. The collaboration falls under Ripple’s 1 billion XRP commitment to ecosystem development, including the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund. The program will offer startups not only funding but also technical and business resources to build and scale solutions on the XRP Ledger.
Christina Chan, RippleX’s Senior Director of Developer Growth, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership:
“Ripple is proud to collaborate with Web3 Salon to unlock new opportunities in Japan’s thriving startup ecosystem. Together, we hope to fuel innovation and support the next generation of leaders.”
A Strategic Expansion in Japan
Japan continues to play a key role in Ripple’s Asia-Pacific strategy. Known for its regulatory clarity and strong consumer protections, the country has seen Ripple forge partnerships with major institutions such as SBI Holdings, HashKey DX, and Mercari. This latest initiative with Web3 Salon reinforces Ripple’s presence and influence in one of the world’s most forward-thinking blockchain markets.
According to projections, over 80% of Japanese banks are expected to adopt Ripple’s XRP technology by the end of 2025. Ripple’s efforts in Japan span beyond payments and include use cases in supply chain finance, NFTs, and broader Web3 applications.
Hinza Asif, President of Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, commented on the collaboration:
“Japan is one of the most exciting and challenging markets for Web3 and blockchain adoption. Through this partnership with Ripple, we aim to support visionary founders and strengthen the bridge between global innovation and Japan’s tech landscape.”
Broader Context and Economic Significance
The timing of the announcement is noteworthy. It comes amid growing speculation around the conclusion of Ripple’s long-running legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as the regulatory body’s 60-day window for resolution approaches. At the same time, legal uncertainty has resurfaced with a second unexpected filing from Justin Keener, further clouding the case.
On the economic front, Japan is navigating one of its most challenging periods in recent history, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba recently describing the current downturn as “worse than Greece,” largely attributed to fallout from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war. Against this backdrop, the Ripple–Web3 Salon partnership presents a beacon of opportunity—leveraging blockchain innovation to stimulate economic recovery, create jobs, and enhance global connectivity.
