Japan’s SBI Group is looking to issue non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the XRP Ledger during the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. The NFTs will feature the official character of the Expo, “MYAKU-MYAKU,” and will be distributed to millions of visitors attending the event. These NFTs will have no cash value and cannot be bought or sold, but will come with proof of authenticity. Visitors can obtain NFTs by completing missions at the Expo and using the Expo mobile payments app.
As Japan’s SBI Group gears up to release NFTs during the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, some American companies are backing away from the NFT market due to declining interest. PayPal recently announced that it will be removing NFT purchases from its purchase protection program starting in May 2025. Similarly, GameStop shut down its NFT marketplace earlier this year, citing regulatory uncertainty in the crypto space as the main reason. Trading of NFTs has been on the decline for over a year, with the number of active wallets involved in NFT trading decreasing.
The World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, is set to be a showcase of digital innovation and crypto-friendly initiatives. In 2023, the Osaka Digital Exchange Co. launched Japan’s first-ever digital securities trading platform, called Osaka Digital Exchange (ODX). This platform will allow for the trading of security tokens issued by real estate firms such as Ichigo Inc. and Kenedix Inc., with the inaugural trading focusing on securities backed by property investments from Ichigo. The Expo is expected to highlight Japan’s growing embrace of digital assets and blockchain technology.
The official character of the World Expo 2025, “MYAKU-MYAKU,” will be featured in the NFTs minted on the XRP Ledger. These NFTs will be distributed to Expo visitors starting from April 13, 2025. The NFTs will not have any cash value and cannot be bought or sold, but will come with proof of authenticity. Visitors can acquire NFTs by participating in Expo activities and using the Expo mobile payments app. The SBI Group’s decision to issue NFTs at the Expo signals a growing interest in digital assets and blockchain technology in Japan.
As Japan’s SBI Group prepares to release NFTs at the World Expo 2025, some American companies are scaling back their involvement in the NFT market. PayPal announced that it will be removing NFT purchases from its purchase protection program, while GameStop has shut down its NFT marketplace. The decline in NFT trading activity over the past year has led to questions about the long-term viability of the NFT market. Despite these challenges, the World Expo 2025 in Osaka is expected to showcase cutting-edge digital initiatives and highlight Japan’s growing adoption of digital assets and blockchain technology.
The Osaka Digital Exchange Co. launched Japan’s first digital securities trading platform, ODX, in 2023, paving the way for greater adoption of blockchain technology and digital assets in the country. The platform will allow investors to trade security tokens issued by real estate firms, with a focus on securities backed by property investments. The introduction of ODX reflects Japan’s increasing recognition of the potential of blockchain technology and digital securities in transforming traditional financial systems. As Japan prepares to host the World Expo 2025, the country is positioning itself as a leader in digital innovation and crypto-friendly initiatives.
