Japan’s financial technology landscape received a significant boost as PayPay Corporation, a leading cashless payment platform backed by SoftBank Corp., acquired a 40% equity stake in Binance Japan, the local subsidiary of global cryptocurrency exchange Binance. The companies described the move as both a capital and business alliance aimed at combining PayPay’s 70 million‑user payment network with Binance’s blockchain infrastructure.
The partnership was confirmed Thursday in statements shared with several media outlets and in posts by Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) on social media.
Not AI. #BNB🤝🇯🇵 https://t.co/6SwzTKi0x5 pic.twitter.com/Hzd4DWiYtl
— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) October 9, 2025
According to Binance, the alliance seeks to connect digital payments and crypto assets within a regulated framework that supports Japan’s ongoing shift toward a Web3‑enabled economy.
“By combining PayPay’s extensive user scale with Binance’s innovative technology, we will be able to make Web3 more accessible to people across the country and deliver secure, seamless digital‑asset services,” Takeshi Chino, General Manager for Binance Japan, said in the joint statement.
Masayoshi Yanase, Corporate Officer of PayPay Corporation and Head of the Finance Business Strategy Division, added: “By investing in Binance Japan, which is a part of Binance, the world’s largest digital‑asset exchange by trading volume, we will provide Binance users with solutions that combine the convenience and security of PayPay. We will continue contributing to the development of Japan’s financial infrastructure by enabling a wide range of financial services tailored to user needs.”
Integrating established payments with blockchain technology
Under the alliance, PayPay and Binance Japan plan to co‑develop products and services that merge cashless payments and crypto transactions. Initial initiatives include:
- Allowing Binance Japan users to purchase cryptocurrencies directly with “PayPay Money.”
- Adding “PayPay Money” as a withdrawal option when selling crypto assets.
The companies said these functions aim to give users a more fluid experience between fiat and digital currencies while increasing convenience and compliance.
Binance described the collaboration as a way to “meet the growing demand for integrating traditional finance with digital assets head‑on,” reinforcing Japan’s reputation as one of the world’s most advanced digital economies.
Strategic significance and market impact
Industry analysts view the alliance as one of Japan’s most notable tie‑ups between an established fintech leader and a global crypto exchange. It positions Binance Japan to expand user access while leveraging PayPay’s regulatory experience and consumer trust.
The partnership also supports Binance’s ongoing strategy to operate through locally regulated entities. Binance Japan, registered with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau as a crypto‑asset exchange operator, has been offering spot trading and earn services since August 2023.
PayPay’s move extends its influence beyond payments into the digital‑asset economy, signaling rising institutional confidence in cryptocurrency’s role within Japan’s regulated financial system.
Institutional perspectives on Web3 growth in Japan
Analysts note that this collaboration could accelerate mainstream exposure to blockchain‑based services, encouraging responsible adoption while maintaining oversight through Japan’s strict crypto regulations.
“Partnerships between incumbent financial players and licensed crypto firms are pivotal in fostering trust,” said a Tokyo‑based fintech researcher unaffiliated with either company. “The challenge now is ensuring robust consumer protection as crypto functionality becomes integrated with daily payments.”
The alliance aligns with broader Web3 initiatives supported by Japan’s government to modernize payments and digital‑asset infrastructure.
Company overviews
PayPay Corporation operates one of Japan’s largest cashless payment services, accepted at millions of merchants and used for bill payments and peer‑to‑peer transfers. Part of the SoftBank Corp. group, it offers customer protection and 24/7 support, and continues to expand into wider financial services.
Binance is a global blockchain ecosystem that operates the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users, serving more than 290 million people across 100 countries.
Binance Japan, its registered local subsidiary, focuses on compliance with Japanese regulations and localized digital‑asset services tailored to domestic users.
Toward a unified digital finance ecosystem
Through this alliance, Binance Japan and PayPay say they will explore broader integration of blockchain technology into everyday transactions, from instant settlement features to potential crypto‑linked rewards and merchant solutions, aiming to strengthen Japan’s role in regional Web3 growth.
“This strategic alliance represents a significant step toward the future of digital finance in Japan,” Chino said.
Oleksii Shumak
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