Ripple Endorses Web3 Development in Japan through Strategic Partnership

Ripple, a leading global payments solutions provider, has announced a partnership with Web3 Salon, a project focused on nurturing blockchain talent in Japan. This collaboration aims to accelerate blockchain innovation, particularly in Japan, and deepen Ripple's presence in Asia's blockchain sector.

The partnership involves pitch competitions for top blockchain talent in Japan, with the fund designed to deliver financial, technical, and business support to startups developing solutions on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). Startups will be chosen based on their growth trajectory, technology sophistication, and alignment with Ripple's investment priorities.

A series of four major events are scheduled to take place before March 2026, with technical workshops focusing on tokenization, legal compliance, and international market entry forming part of the planned activities. These events aim to spotlight promising startups, analyze evolving regulatory frameworks, and promote dialogue among founders, policymakers, and enterprise stakeholders.

The partnership is supported by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan. JETRO's support underscores the goal of scaling fintech ventures by leveraging the benefits of blockchain infrastructure. The Asia Web3 Alliance Japan views the collaboration as an opportunity to support forward-thinking entrepreneurs and strengthen the bridge between Japan's advanced tech sector and global blockchain innovation.

Investor networking opportunities will also be provided, and Ripple will offer funding of up to $200,000 per project over the coming year. This funding is part of the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund and falls under Ripple's larger strategic pledge of 1 billion XRP.

The collaboration will also include mentorship programs, workshops, and curated engagement opportunities provided by Web3 Salon. Ripple's developer relations leadership expresses hope that the partnership will serve as a launchpad for the next generation of Web3 innovators.

The events will feature panel discussions with global thought leaders, and the partnership demonstrates how coordinated efforts among private enterprises, government bodies, and startup communities can produce substantial and scalable impact. The alliance is seen as part of a global movement to implement institutional-grade blockchain infrastructure in Japan, one of Asia's most progressive economies.