Japan’s digital finance space is taking a notable step forward as Rakuten rolls out new functionality that brings XRP closer to everyday use. Through its crypto arm, Rakuten Wallet, users can now trade XRP and use it for payments across a vast merchant network.
XRP finds real-world utility through Rakuten ecosystem
The update also introduces a feature allowing customers to convert Rakuten loyalty points into XRP directly within the app. With over 3 trillion loyalty points, worth roughly $23 billion, in circulation, this move unlocks a significant pool of value that can now flow into crypto.
Starting today, @Rakuten_Wallet users in Japan can convert @Rakuten Points into XRP, spot trade in-app, and spend across 5M+ merchant locations. 🇯🇵
With 44 million Rakuten Pay users and $23B in loyalty points now redeemable for XRP, this is one of the largest retail deployments… pic.twitter.com/P7I52bGjVL
— RippleX (@RippleXDev) April 30, 2026
XRP payments can be made at over 5 million locations across Japan using QR codes connected to Rakuten Pay. That gives XRP immediate exposure to a deeply embedded retail infrastructure.
According to RippleX, this marks one of the largest real-world retail deployments of XRP so far. With Rakuten Pay boasting around 44 million active users, the integration significantly broadens the token’s reach beyond trading into daily commerce. Meanwhile, in March, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) officially issued new regulatory guidance classifying XRP as a non-security.
Market sentiment rises, but price lags behind
Despite the strong adoption narrative, XRP’s price has yet to reflect the momentum. Data from Santiment shows that social sentiment around XRP has climbed to its second-highest level in two years, partly driven by the Rakuten announcement.
However, Santiment cautions that such developments rarely trigger immediate price surges. Instead, market reactions often take shape after the initial wave of excitement fades.
At the time of reporting, XRP was trading at $1.37, down 1.77% in 24 hours and 3.66% over the past week. The asset holds a market cap of approximately $84.42 billion, with around 62 billion tokens in circulation. Notably, its valuation has dropped by about 55% over the past nine months.
To encourage adoption, Rakuten Wallet has introduced a limited-time promotion, offering XRP rewards to users who meet specific purchase thresholds, an added incentive aimed at accelerating early participation.
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