Ripple has announced a significant partnership with Web3 Salon, backed by Japan’s External Trade Organization (JETRO), marking a decisive move to accelerate blockchain innovation across Asia’s most regulated and promising digital asset market.
The Ripple collaboration centers on the company’s commitment to provide up to $200,000 in grant funding per project over the next year, targeting early-stage Japanese startups building on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). This initiative draws from Ripple’s broader 1 billion XRP developer fund, specifically through the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund.
Grant recipients will be selected based on growth potential, technological sophistication, and alignment with Ripple’s investment priorities, particularly in decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenized real-world assets, and digital payments. Beyond capital, startups gain access to Ripple’s extensive global network of partners, experts, and customers.
Strategic Ripple Alliance
“Ripple is proud to collaborate with Web3 Salon to unlock new opportunities in Japan’s thriving startup ecosystem,” said Christina Chan, Senior Director of Developer Growth at RippleX. “Together, we hope to fuel innovation and support the next generation of leaders.”
Web3 Salon, powered by the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, will handle founder support through mentorship programs, workshops, and curated networking opportunities. The partnership includes four major community events through March 2026, featuring startup pitch competitions, industry panels, investor networking sessions, and educational workshops on tokenization and compliance.
Ripple’s Asian Gateway
Japan’s appeal extends beyond its technical talent and regulatory clarity. The country’s structured approach to cryptocurrency regulation provides a stark contrast to the ongoing legal uncertainties Ripple faces in the United States with the SEC lawsuit. This regulatory certainty makes Japan an attractive base for Ripple’s continued expansion.
“Japan is one of the most exciting and challenging markets for Web3 and blockchain adoption,” said Hinza Asif, President of Asia Web3 Alliance Japan. “Through this partnership with Ripple, we aim to support visionary founders and strengthen the bridge between global innovation and Japan’s tech landscape.”
The partnership builds on Ripple’s existing Japanese presence, including its 2016 joint venture with SBI Holdings and recent collaborations with HashKey DX and Mercari for XRPL-powered enterprise solutions. Industry projections suggest that 80% of Japanese banks could adopt Ripple’s technology by the end of 2025, potentially driving significant network utility and value.
This multi-stakeholder platform aims to foster dialogue between public and private sectors, helping startups navigate Japan’s complex but promising Web3 landscape. The initiative represents more than traditional grant funding—it’s designed to lower barriers to entry and accelerate ecosystem-wide growth.
The timing proves strategic as Ripple continues global expansion despite ongoing legal challenges in the United States. By strengthening its position in Asia’s most forward-thinking digital asset markets, Ripple is building alternative pathways for growth while potentially insulating itself from US regulatory headwinds.
This partnership signals Ripple’s evolution from a payments-focused company to a comprehensive blockchain infrastructure provider, combining capital investment with hands-on developer support and policy engagement across one of Asia’s most promising digital finance markets.
