Japan Embraces Crypto in Corporate Culture: Leads the Crypto Race?

In a striking sign of Japan’s growing embrace of cryptocurrencies, two major developments have spotlighted the nation’s evolving digital asset strategy.

Financial powerhouse SBI Holdings has launched a credit card points program that converts rewards into crypto, while Tokyo-based Remixpoint has become the first publicly listed Japanese company to pay its CEO entirely in Bitcoin.

Though these initiatives vary in scale, both reflect deeper integration of crypto into Japan’s corporate and financial systems.

Read Also: XRP in Japan: How Will Japanese Banks’ Adoption Impact XRP Prices?

SBI Holdings Turns Credit Card Points into Crypto

SBI Holdings, one of Japan’s largest financial institutions with over $214 billion in assets under management, is making waves by introducing a novel credit card reward system.

Through its subsidiary, SBI VC Trade, the company now allows users to redeem their APLUS credit card points for Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP (XRP).

“This is the first time that cryptocurrencies have appeared as exchange prizes for APLUS points,” the firm stated in its press release.

While the current scope of the program is limited, users can convert 2,100 points into crypto worth just 2,000 yen (roughly $13.64), the symbolic value is much greater. It demonstrates a significant step toward normalizing crypto usage among traditional finance users in Japan.

Despite the small transaction limit and sparse details on custody and transfer mechanisms, this initiative hints at broader pro-crypto sentiment within Japan’s financial sector.

As major firms continue testing crypto adoption, it lays groundwork for future expansion and more robust integration of Web3 services.

Remixpoint’s Bold Move: Paying the CEO Entirely in Bitcoin

While SBI’s crypto-for-points scheme captures attention on the retail side, Remixpoint is pushing the envelope at the executive level.

In a historic decision, Remixpoint announced that its new CEO and President, Yoshihiko Takahashi, will receive 100% of his compensation in Bitcoin. The company, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, is the first in Japan to pay its top executive solely in crypto.

“My decision to receive my entire compensation in Bitcoin is a clear signal that I am ‘in the same boat’ as our shareholders,” Takahashi stated.

This move comes amid legal constraints in Japan that prevent corporate insiders from holding significant amounts of company stock due to insider trading laws.

By opting for BTC compensation, Remixpoint aligns its leadership’s economic fate with shareholders, creating a powerful incentive for performance while embracing the financial future.

This is more than a symbolic gesture. Remixpoint holds over $116 million in digital assets, including:

1. 1,051 BTC

2. 901 ETH

3. 13,920 SOL

4. 1.2 million XRP

5. 2.8 million DOGE

These holdings reflect the company’s strategy to hedge against the depreciation of the Japanese yen and diversify currency risks.

Following the announcement, Remixpoint’s stock rose 0.71%, indicating investor confidence in the firm’s crypto-forward strategy.

Read Also: Japan’s Crypto Reform: Flat Tax, ETFs, and a New Investment Era

XRP Market Signals Bearish Divergence

While corporate enthusiasm builds, XRP’s market signals suggest caution. Despite a 4% gain over the past week, on-chain data from Glassnode shows a significant exchange inflow of 283 million XRP, indicating many investors are likely cashing out amid the rally.

The Chaikin Money Flow (CMF), a key indicator of market momentum, has also trended downward, currently sitting near 0.01 and potentially falling below zero.

A break below the lower bound of XRP’s ascending price channel could push the token down to $2.14, unless new demand intervenes.

Japan's Crypto Outlook: Corporate Momentum, Retail Testing

These developments showcase a two-pronged strategy in Japan’s crypto adoption:

1. Retail Experimentation: SBI’s small-scale rewards program serves as a gateway for newcomers to enter crypto via familiar platforms like credit cards.

2. Corporate Commitment: Remixpoint’s decision to pay its CEO in Bitcoin and invest heavily in crypto signals institutional confidence and long-term strategy.

Together, they highlight Japan’s intent to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the decentralized economy.

While challenges remain, regulatory clarity, market volatility, and consumer education, the current trajectory paints an optimistic picture for crypto integration in the country.

Stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of crypto. Explore in-depth market updates, expert insights, and the latest adoption trends—only on the Bitrue Blog.

Read Also: New Bitcoin Regulation in Japan: Slash Taxes and ETF Ban Revoke

FAQ

What is SBI’s crypto rewards program?

SBI’s program allows APLUS credit card holders to redeem points for Bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP. Currently, 2,100 points can be exchanged for 2,000 yen (~$13.64) worth of crypto.

Why is Remixpoint paying its CEO in Bitcoin?

Due to insider trading regulations preventing executives from holding company stock, Remixpoint is compensating its CEO in BTC to align his interests with shareholders.

Is this common in Japan?

Not yet. Remixpoint is the first publicly traded company in Japan to pay an executive entirely in crypto, though other global leaders have adopted similar strategies.

What are the risks for XRP investors right now?

On-chain indicators suggest profit-taking is occurring. If demand doesn’t rise, XRP could fall below current support levels, potentially reaching $2.14.

What does this mean for Japan’s crypto industry?

These moves signal increased institutional confidence and set the stage for more widespread crypto adoption, possibly leading to friendlier regulations.