$XRP everyday payment utility is expanding in Japan through its integration with Rakuten, which has more than 100 million users.
In a recent episode of Ripple’s Onchain Economy, Yasuo Matsuda, Senior Analyst at Rakuten Wallet, explained how $XRP has become part of Rakuten’s digital payment ecosystem.
Rakuten customers can use Rakuten Points to purchase $XRP, convert $XRP into Rakuten Cash, and subsequently spend it through Rakuten’s payment ecosystem.
$XRP Becomes Easier to Use for Everyday Spending
Matsuda noted that the integration gives users a more seamless way to move from $XRP holdings to everyday purchases.
Customers can convert $XRP into Rakuten Cash and use the balance at participating Rakuten merchants and across Rakuten’s online marketplace. The ability to purchase $XRP using Rakuten Points also lowers the barrier for users who may be hesitant to spend their own money on crypto.
Matsuda noted that Rakuten has more than 100 million members in Japan, representing a user base equivalent to roughly 80% of the country’s population.
That scale could give $XRP significant exposure beyond traditional crypto users if even a fraction of Rakuten’s customers begin interacting with the asset.
@Rakuten reaches more than 100 million users in Japan. Customers are able to use Rakuten Points to buy $XRP, convert $XRP to Rakuten Cash and spend it through @RakutenPay_App.
Watch the full video: https://t.co/97ISzifPX7
In this episode of Onchain Economy, Rakuten Wallet Senior… pic.twitter.com/2zOQ7ntuO9
— RippleX (@RippleXDev) August 12, 2026
Rakuten Wallet Highlights $XRP’s Payment Role
Rakuten Wallet has offered $XRP through margin trading since 2020, according to Matsuda. However, customers had repeatedly asked for access to spot $XRP trading.
The subsequent addition of spot $XRP has expanded its utility within Rakuten’s ecosystem, allowing users to move from $XRP to Rakuten Cash and then use the funds for purchases.
Matsuda described $XRP’s transaction speed as a characteristic that helps make blockchain payments more practical. On the other hand, stablecoins can address volatility concerns associated with crypto assets.
He suggested that the combination of fast blockchain payments and stablecoins could bring the financial industry closer to a broader transformation.
$XRP and Stablecoins Could Open New Markets
Beyond payments, Matsuda pointed to tokenized real-world assets and security tokens as emerging markets that could be enabled by blockchain technology.
He argued that financial institutions, which historically took a defensive approach toward blockchain, are exploring opportunities to participate in new on-chain markets.
Matsuda also highlighted $XRP’s liquidity and its longstanding focus on payments as potential advantages for transfers and trading.
The Rakuten integration, therefore, represents more than just another exchange listing. By connecting $XRP with Rakuten Points, Rakuten Cash, and its payment network, the initiative creates a bridge between crypto ownership and everyday commerce.
Given Rakuten’s user base exceeding 100 million people in Japan, the development gives $XRP one of its widest potential consumer-payment touchpoints in the country.
