Mercari, the popular online marketplace in Japan, has announced that it will start accepting Bitcoin payments for its services. This is a major milestone for the adoption of cryptocurrency in the country, as Mercari is one of the largest and most widely used platforms for buying and selling goods online.
Mercari’s decision to accept Bitcoin comes after the Japanese government recognized Bitcoin as a legal form of payment in 2017 and introduced regulations to protect consumers and prevent money laundering. Since then, more than 200,000 stores in Japan have started accepting Bitcoin, and the number is expected to grow as more people become aware of the benefits of using digital currency.
Mercari’s CEO, Shintaro Yamada, said that the company wants to offer more options and convenience to its users, and that Bitcoin is a natural fit for its business model. He said that Mercari’s mission is to create value in a global marketplace where anyone can buy and sell anything, and that Bitcoin can help achieve that goal by enabling fast, secure, and low-cost transactions across borders.
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Mercari will use BitFlyer, one of the largest and most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges in Japan, to process its Bitcoin payments. Users will be able to choose Bitcoin as a payment option when they check out on Mercari’s website or app, and scan a QR code to complete the transaction. The amount of Bitcoin will be calculated based on the current exchange rate at the time of purchase. Mercari will then convert the Bitcoin to Japanese yen and transfer it to the seller’s account.
Mercari said that it will launch its Bitcoin payment service in the first half of 2024, and that it will initially be available for selected categories of goods, such as electronics, fashion, and books. The company said that it plans to expand the service to more categories and regions in the future, and that it hopes to attract more customers and sellers who are interested in using cryptocurrency.
Mercari’s announcement has been met with positive reactions from both the crypto community and the general public in Japan. Many users have expressed their excitement and support for Mercari’s move, saying that it will make online shopping more convenient and fun. Some users have also said that they will start using Mercari more often because of its Bitcoin payment option.
Mercari is not the only online platform that accepts Bitcoin in Japan. Other notable examples include Rakuten, Japan’s largest e-commerce company, which allows users to pay with Bitcoin on its online mall, travel site, and mobile app; DMM.com, a major online entertainment and media company, which accepts Bitcoin for its digital content and services; and GMO Internet, a leading internet service provider, which offers Bitcoin as a salary option for its employees.
Japan is widely regarded as one of the most progressive and friendly countries for cryptocurrency in the world. The country has a vibrant and active crypto scene, with many startups, investors, developers, and enthusiasts who are driving innovation and adoption. Japan also hosts some of the largest and most influential crypto events, such as the Tokyo Blockchain Week and the Japan Blockchain Conference.
Mercari’s decision to accept Bitcoin is a significant step forward for the crypto industry in Japan, and a sign of confidence in the future of digital currency. By embracing Bitcoin, Mercari is not only offering more value and choice to its users, but also contributing to the growth and development of the crypto ecosystem in Japan.
