In a significant move towards furthering the adoption of cryptocurrency, Mercari, one of Japan’s largest consumer-to-consumer e-commerce platforms, is set to allow users to purchase products listed on its flea market app using Bitcoin (BTC).
The integration of Bitcoin as a payment option is expected to commence in June and will be facilitated through Mercari’s Tokyo-based crypto exchange subsidiary, Melcoin.
Mercari’s Japan-centric crypto journey
Mercari’s decision to introduce Bitcoin payments comes as a response to the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies in Japan and aims to provide users with a seamless and innovative payment option. Users will continue to view prices for listed items in Japanese yen, with the added choice to pay in Bitcoin.
Sellers and vendors will receive the paid Bitcoin, which will be converted into the local fiat currency through the marketplace’s exchange partner, ensuring a hassle-free transaction process.
This initiative aligns with Mercari’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technology and providing its users with convenient and efficient solutions. With approximately 22 million monthly users, the platform wants to tap into the ever-expanding crypto market and enhance user experience.
Mercari’s cryptocurrency ventures
Mercari’s foray into the world of cryptocurrency is not a recent development. The company has been gradually incorporating digital assets into its platform to cater to the evolving preferences of its user base. Mercari launched the Mercari Bitcoin crypto trading service to simplify cryptocurrency trading, allowing users to buy and sell BTC using the proceeds from their sales on the platform.
Furthermore, the company’s loyalty program has taken a crypto-centric approach, enabling users to exchange their points for various cryptocurrencies. This strategy not only enhances user engagement but also encourages the adoption of digital currencies among Mercari’s user community.
Japan’s pro-crypto environment
Japan has emerged as a pro-crypto nation, with a regulatory framework that encourages businesses to offer cryptocurrency-related services to their customers. This favorable environment has paved the way for e-commerce platforms like Mercari to play a pivotal role in driving cryptocurrency adoption in the country.
Rakuten, another prominent e-commerce platform in Japan, has also been a pioneer in embracing cryptocurrencies. It allows users to convert their loyalty points into cryptocurrencies. It has ventured into developing a native nonfungible token (NFT) platform, further solidifying the crypto landscape in the Japanese e-commerce sector.
The impact on Bitcoin adoption
Mercari’s decision to incorporate Bitcoin payments into its platform is expected to have a positive impact on Bitcoin adoption in Japan. With the platform’s substantial user base and the convenience of Bitcoin payments, it is likely that more individuals in the tech-savvy nation will explore and adopt cryptocurrency as a viable payment option.
As cryptocurrency continues to gain traction globally, the move by Mercari signifies a broader trend of mainstream acceptance, further legitimizing digital currencies as a means of conducting everyday transactions. It also reflects the growing recognition of Bitcoin’s potential as a store of value and medium of exchange in the traditional financial landscape.
