Shiba Inu Joins Major Japan Marketplace With Access to 23 Million Users

Japanese marketplace giant Mercari has added Shiba Inu to its cryptocurrency lineup, giving its 23 million monthly users direct access to SHIB.

The listing forms part of Mercari’s broader expansion of its cryptocurrency trading service, which launched in 2023 through its subsidiary, Mercoin. Initially, the platform allowed users to purchase Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP using proceeds from marketplace sales or reward points earned on the app. 

Shiba Inu Joins Mercoin’s List of Supported Assets 

Mercoin specifically designed the service for beginners with little or no cryptocurrency experience. As a result, the platform has attracted more than 4 million accounts within three years. Now, by adding 12 new cryptocurrencies, including Shiba Inu, Mercoin has expanded its supported assets to 15, offering users a wider range of investment options.

The rollout is supported by Coincheck’s Crypto as a Service (CaaS) infrastructure, which enables external platforms such as Mercoin to integrate cryptocurrency trading and custody services.

Speaking at a recent conference, as reported by local news outlet Nada News, Mercoin CEO Keita Nakamura revealed that approximately 85% of the platform’s users were new to cryptocurrency. He noted that the company deliberately focused on BTC, ETH, and XRP in its early stages to simplify the onboarding process and help users take their first step into digital assets.

Having successfully lowered barriers to entry, Mercari is now moving into the next phase of user engagement by offering Shiba Inu and a broader selection of cryptocurrencies tailored to different interests and preferences.

Why Shiba Inu Fits Mercari’s Strategy

SHIB’s inclusion is particularly notable because of its strong community-driven appeal. According to Nakamura, many users view cryptocurrencies not only as investment vehicles but also as digital collectibles that they enjoy accumulating and tracking over time.

This behavior closely aligns with Shiba Inu’s culture and loyal global community. Unlike many traditional cryptocurrencies, SHIB has built a strong identity around community participation, making it attractive to casual investors and newcomers alike. 

Moreover, Shiba Inu is included in Japan’s Green List, a designation that simplifies exchange listings and broadens investor access. As a result, new Japanese investors can benefit from a more favorable tax regime, with crypto gains taxed at a flat 20% rate instead of rates that can reach as high as 55%.   

Additionally, SHIB’s low unit price lowers the psychological barrier to entry. At press time, the token traded at approximately $0.000004698 with a market cap of $2.77 billion. Consequently, users can acquire large quantities of SHIB with relatively small amounts of capital, making it an accessible option for first-time investors.

Shiba Inu Trading Activity Falls Sharply

While Mercari’s listing expands SHIB’s exposure, the token enters the platform during declining market activity.

According to data cited by BSCNews from Artemis, Shiba Inu recorded approximately $673.2 million in daily trading volume on July 18, 2025. Since then, average daily volume has fallen to around $100 million, representing an 84% decline in less than a year. 

At press time, SHIB’s 24-hour trading volume stood at $66.72 million, down 3% over the previous day. As trading activity continues to contract, meme-based cryptocurrencies such as SHIB face increasing pressure to maintain relevance, attract new users, and sustain community engagement. 

In this context, Mercari’s decision to list SHIB could provide the token with fresh exposure to millions of potential retail participants in one of the world’s largest consumer marketplaces.