Ripple and JETRO-Backed Web3 Salon Empower Blockchain Startups in Japan

Ripple has announced a new strategic partnership with Web3 Salon, a blockchain initiative supported by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), to boost Japan’s Web3 ecosystem. This collaboration is focused on accelerating early-stage startups in Japan that are building on blockchain technology—particularly those developing on the XRP Ledger (XRPL).

As part of the effort, Ripple will provide up to $200,000 in funding per selected project over the next year. The investment will come from Ripple’s XRPL Japan and Korea Fund, established in June 2023 to support Web3 innovation across East Asia, especially in Japan and South Korea.

The initiative prioritizes startups working in decentralized finance (DeFi), digital payments, and tokenization—three key areas seen as foundational to the next phase of blockchain adoption. Beyond financial support, Ripple is also offering startups access to its global network of partners, potentially accelerating product development, scaling, and cross-border collaboration.

By partnering with Web3 Salon and JETRO, Ripple strengthens its foothold in Asia’s fast-evolving digital asset space. The move reflects the growing significance of Japan as a hub for blockchain innovation, regulatory progress, and enterprise-grade Web3 solutions. Ripple’s focus on XRPL-native startups also signals its commitment to building real-world use cases and expanding the utility of its decentralized ledger.

With global blockchain competition heating up, Ripple’s proactive engagement in Japan could catalyze a new wave of XRP Ledger-powered projects, driving adoption and innovation across the region’s fintech landscape. As Japan deepens its Web3 efforts, this collaboration could be a turning point for its blockchain startup scene.