Japan’s blockchain scene is moving into a new phase, and the XRP Ledger (XRPL) is at the center of it.
A newly signed agreement between SBI Ripple Asia and major travel group Tobu Top Tours is laying the groundwork for a payment system that links tokens with NFTs, giving the technology uses far beyond digital art.
The initiative, set to go live in 2026, will allow companies to mint their own tokens and tie them to NFTs that can serve practical functions. Instead of being static collectibles, these NFTs could double as discount passes, souvenirs, or even multipurpose vouchers. For tourists, that means a trip to Osaka might come with an NFT that later unlocks perks for future travel.
This isn’t XRPL’s first large-scale trial in Japan. Earlier this year, SBI minted nearly a million NFTs tied to Expo 2025, proving the ledger’s efficiency and reliability. With nearly 30 million people expected at major events like the Osaka Expo, the new platform could see adoption on a scale rarely achieved in blockchain.
From Tourism to Everyday Use
Although tourism is the starting point, the ambition is wider. Dining, retail, and community services could also integrate into the system, enabling locals and visitors alike to use XRPL-based tokens in daily life. The vision is less about flashy speculation and more about embedding blockchain into everyday payments.
XRPL’s Expanding Toolkit
The project builds on XRPL’s evolution since it introduced NFT support in 2022 through the XLS-20 standard, which added safeguards such as royalties and spam protection. More recently, DynamicNFTs (XLS-46) opened the door to tokens that change over time, making them useful for tickets, gaming, or even identity verification.
By combining these features with SBI’s financial reach and Tobu’s position in the travel market, the partnership is expected to make XRPL one of the pillars of Japan’s emerging blockchain economy.
Source: https://coindoo.com/
