Authored by AB Kuai.Dong, Skyland Fund Ambassador
Japan has emerged as a strategic hub for crypto companies seeking global expansion while maintaining operational stability. With affordable exchange rates, accessible work visas, and streamlined permanent residency policies, many crypto projects and exchanges have established offices in Japan over the past year.
This article explores the key players operating in Japan, detailing their team sizes and market influence.
Large-Scale Teams (100+ Employees)
Binance Japan
- Background: Acquired SEBC (a licensed Japanese exchange) in 2022, rebranding it as Binance Japan in late 2023.
- Key Partnerships: Collaborates with Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking to develop JPY-pegged stablecoins.
- Expansion: Expanded its Tokyo office significantly after Singapore’s visa restrictions and U.S. regulatory pressures redirected staff to Japan.
BitFlyer
- Position: Leading licensed Japanese exchange.
- Investors: Backed by major financial institutions like Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.
- Recent Move: Acquired FTX’s Japanese subsidiary to strengthen its domestic dominance.
Coincheck
- Highlights: Active in listing new tokens and partnering with Animoca Brands and Circle.
- Development: Plans a SPAC-backed Nasdaq listing (May 2024).
Bitbank
- Unique Offering: Supports overseas corporate accounts with multilingual customer service.
- Investments: Backs Oasys (a gaming blockchain) and partners with Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank.
SBI Crypto
- Parent Company: Subsidiary of SBI Holdings, a top Japanese securities firm.
- Operations: Manages Bitcoin/Litecoin mining pools and employs a globally diverse team.
Mid-Sized Teams (Tens of Employees)
Cardano (ADA)
- Japanese Roots: Co-founders based in Japan; ADA once hailed as "Japan’s Ethereum."
- Community Engagement: Hosts regular offline events.
Backpack
- Investors: Supported by Multicoin and Solana Foundation.
- Tokyo Office: Focuses on R&D for its exchange and multi-chain wallet.
B2C2
- Role: Major liquidity provider for XRP and other protocols like Blockdaemon.
- Global Presence: Tokyo office handles key Asian market operations.
Cointelegraph Japan
- Scope: Manages Cointelegraph’s Asian editions (Chinese, Indonesian, Korean).
Others:
- MEXC: Offshore operational hub.
- Amber Japan: Formerly DeCurret; acquired by a local consortium.
- Oasys/Astar/Jasmy: Blockchain projects with gaming and DePIN pivots.
- CoinPost: Hosts Japan’s influential WebX Summit.
Compact Teams (Fewer Than 20 Members)
Skyland Ventures
- Focus: Largest registered crypto fund in Japan; invests in Chinese projects (e.g., Taiko, Merlin).
Azuki
- Japanese Studio: Handles NFT design and local promotion.
Mask Network
- Reputation: Widely recognized in Japan; sponsors major conferences.
Other Notable Names:
- Intmax: Layer2 chain led by "Bitcoin Lady" Mai Fujimoto.
- TON/Ripple: Active local ambassadors.
- Animoca Japan/YGG Japan: Gaming/metaverse ventures.
FAQ
Q1: Why do crypto firms choose Japan?
A: Favorable regulations, visa policies, and proximity to Asian markets.
Q2: Which exchanges dominate Japan?
BitFlyer, Coincheck, and Binance Japan lead in licensed services.
Q3: Are there Japanese blockchain unicorns?
Yes—Cardano, Jasmy, and Astar have strong local roots.
👉 Explore crypto opportunities in Japan