Top 6 AI-Driven Cryptocurrencies: Which Tokens Can You Buy in Japan and How to Purchase Them

What Are AI-Related Crypto Assets? An Overview of Blockchain–AI Integration

AI-related crypto assets represent a new class of digital tokens that fuse artificial intelligence technologies with blockchain infrastructure. These projects leverage advanced AI processing and the transparency and security of decentralized networks, offering breakthrough features that go beyond what conventional cryptocurrencies can achieve.

Key applications include:

Automating and Optimizing Tasks

Trading bots powered by AI analyze market data in real time and automatically identify optimal trading opportunities. This enables rational investment decisions, free from human biases and errors. For example, AI can learn price patterns and autonomously execute profit-maximizing strategies.

Optimizing Data Processing

AI efficiently and accurately processes the vast amounts of data stored on blockchains. This streamlines data organization, analysis, and forecasting, leading to higher-quality decision-making. The technology is especially effective for analyzing complex transaction records and market trends.

Enabling Decentralized AI Applications

By combining AI and blockchain, developers can build decentralized AI services that require no central administrator. This approach delivers enhanced data transparency, protects user privacy, and boosts overall system security.

Examples of AI-related crypto asset applications include:

1. Market Forecasting: Analyzing historical trading and news data to project future price movements
2. Fraud Detection: Instantly identifying abnormal trading patterns to prevent illicit activity
3. Algorithmic Trading: Assessing complex market environments to calculate optimal buy/sell timing
4. Portfolio Management: Recommending ideal asset allocation based on investor risk profiles
5. Smart Contract Optimization: Enhancing contract execution efficiency and improving security
6. Regulatory Compliance: Real-time transaction monitoring to ensure adherence to relevant laws
7. KYC Automation: Automating facial recognition and document verification for streamlined identity checks
8. ICO Prediction: Analyzing project success probabilities to support investment decisions
9. Energy Usage Optimization: Improving mining energy efficiency
10. Wallet Security: Detecting suspicious activity and safeguarding assets

Most AI-related crypto assets function as utility tokens within their platforms. Users spend tokens to buy or rent AI models and access platform services. Tokens also serve as rewards for contributions or active participation, helping to energize the ecosystem.

Pros and Cons of AI-Related Crypto Assets

Pros

Rapid Data Processing and Analytics

AI enables instant analysis of massive data sets that once took significant time to process. This means investors can track market movements in real time and act quickly. For example, thousands of trades can be analyzed within seconds to spot emerging trends.

Major Efficiency Gains

Automation reduces reliance on human resources and drives higher operational efficiency. AI excels in repetitive tasks and complex calculations, delivering lower costs and higher productivity.

Outstanding Scalability

AI systems maintain performance even as data volumes rise. As blockchain networks grow and data increases, these systems can efficiently process new workloads and support platform expansion.

Enhanced Security

AI instantly detects abnormal transactions and unauthorized access, minimizing hacking and fraud risk while protecting user assets. Machine learning enables quick response to emerging threats.

Cons

High Implementation and Operational Costs

Deploying AI requires powerful hardware and specialized development resources. Maintaining and updating these systems demands ongoing investment, which can be a major hurdle—especially for smaller projects.

Technology Immaturity

The fusion of AI and blockchain remains in early development, with risks such as unexpected bugs or system failures. The absence of established standards may cause compatibility issues across different platforms.

High Market Volatility

AI-related crypto assets are new and often experience sharp price swings. While investors may see rapid gains, they also face significant downside risk.

Challenges with Data Privacy and Transparency

Balancing privacy and transparency when AI processes user data remains a key issue. Striking the right balance between blockchain transparency and user privacy is essential.

AI Token Use Cases and Applications

AI Agents

AI agents autonomously execute tasks based on user instructions. For example, they can trade when specific conditions are met or periodically optimize portfolios, eliminating the need for round-the-clock monitoring.

Decentralized Computing Systems

Idle computing resources worldwide are pooled for distributed processing of large AI tasks. This gives users access to advanced AI capabilities without having to invest in expensive hardware.

Zero-Knowledge Machine Learning (zkML)

This technology delivers high-performance AI computing while protecting privacy. AI models can be trained and inferred without exposing user data, allowing for secure use even with sensitive information.

AI Model Transactions

Developers can trade their AI models in a marketplace, monetizing their work and giving users flexible access to AI features.

In summary, AI-related crypto assets offer innovation and new business opportunities, but require specialized expertise and prudent risk management. Investors should deepen their technical understanding and carefully assess their risk tolerance before entering the space.

Six Notable AI Tokens

NEAR Protocol (NEAR): Available Domestically

NEAR Protocol is a high-performance blockchain platform using a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. Its standout feature is the innovative Nightshade sharding technology.

Technical Features

Sharding divides the blockchain network into smaller segments (shards), with each node processing only a part of the network’s data. This greatly increases overall throughput and scalability. Unlike traditional blockchains—where every node processes all transactions—NEAR Protocol eliminates that limitation.

NEAR also emphasizes interoperability with Ethereum, enabling two-way token transfers via the Rainbow Bridge. The Aurora layer-2 solution allows Ethereum dApps to run on NEAR, letting developers combine Ethereum’s ecosystem with NEAR’s speed and low costs.

AI Integration

NEAR Protocol promotes "User-Owned AI," a decentralized framework giving users full control over their data and assets. The NEAR Foundation supports open and transparent development, avoiding closed and profit-driven AI models.

This approach empowers users to protect privacy while benefiting from AI-driven productivity, personalization, and economic opportunities. For example, users can provide data for AI model training and receive token rewards.

Recently, NEAR launched an incubation program for user-owned AI infrastructure. The first round included six innovative teams—Mizu, Pond, Nevermined, Hyperbolic, Ringfence, and Exhibits—developing a decentralized AI ecosystem.

Render (RNDR): Available Domestically

Render Network is a decentralized platform that connects users needing GPU compute power with those owning idle GPUs, enabling affordable, high-quality 3D rendering.

Platform Mechanism

3D artists and content creators post rendering jobs; GPU owners worldwide process these jobs. The RNDR token facilitates payments—users pay for rendering with RNDR, and GPU owners earn RNDR for their computing power.

This system allows tasks that once required costly rendering farms to be completed at lower cost. Pooling unused GPUs creates a global resource pool, driving efficient allocation.

Blockchain Technology Utilization

Render Network uses blockchain and smart contracts to build a secure, transparent marketplace. Smart contracts automate transactions and ensure reliability, enabling direct trades without intermediaries.

RNDR initially launched on Ethereum, then migrated to Solana for faster transactions and lower fees. Solana’s high throughput enables efficient job assignments and payments.

Use Cases

Render Network supports film production, game development, architectural visualization, and VR/AR content creation—especially projects needing high-quality 3D rendering, reducing costs and production time.

The Graph (GRT): Available Domestically

The Graph is a decentralized protocol for efficiently indexing and querying blockchain data. Developers use it to access on-chain data and build dApps.

Technical Foundation

The Graph organizes and indexes blockchain data via subgraphs (open APIs). Developers create subgraph manifests to indicate which data to index, then use GraphQL to query the data.

Since mainnet launch, The Graph has grown to support over 30 blockchain networks—including Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism—enabling unified data management across multiple chains.

AI Integration

Semiotic Labs is a lead development team for The Graph, actively advancing AI and cryptographic technology. They’ve built tools to optimize indexer (data indexing node operator) revenue.

AutoAgora uses AI to generate pricing models automatically, analyzing supply and demand for optimal pricing, allowing indexers to maximize earnings and offer competitive services.

Allocation Optimizer applies AI to calculate resource allocation for subgraphs, supporting efficient network management.

The Graph team also plans to use AI for natural language access to blockchain data, allowing users to retrieve data by simply entering questions—no technical expertise required.

Internet Computer (ICP): Available Internationally

Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) is a next-generation blockchain platform with a distinctive architecture, aiming to power Web3.

Technical Innovation

ICP uses advanced cryptography, such as threshold encryption and state machine replication, to deliver robust security and efficiency.

Its standout feature is seamless integration with standard internet technologies. ICP smart contracts can host websites and directly respond to HTTP requests, providing familiar user experiences while leveraging blockchain advantages.

Decentralized AI (DeAI) Initiatives

ICP focuses on decentralized AI (DeAI), boosting AI model reliability and transparency. Smart contracts safeguard models against tampering and enable secure data management in distributed environments.

ELNA AI is a platform on ICP for developing and monetizing AI agents. Developers publish AI models, earn revenue, and provide transparent execution records on the blockchain.

Kinic uses AI to optimize Web3 app usage, analyzing user behavior to recommend dApps and optimize transactions.

ICP thus builds an innovative ecosystem that unites AI and Web3 beyond traditional blockchain frameworks.

SingularityNET (AGIX): Available Internationally

SingularityNET is a decentralized marketplace aiming to democratize AI access, letting anyone use AI models and services created by developers worldwide.

Platform Features

SingularityNET uses blockchain to ensure transparency and reliability, recording all transactions and services on-chain for secure use of AI services.

The AGIX token is used for payments—developers publish AI models/services, users pay with AGIX. Services include image recognition, speech analysis, text processing, predictive analytics, and more.

Partnerships and Ecosystem

SingularityNET has partnered with Cardano and Filecoin. Cardano integration improved scalability and security; Filecoin collaboration enabled efficient management of large datasets for AI training.

Token Merger and ASI Alliance

SingularityNET, Fetch.ai (FET), and Ocean Protocol (OCEAN) are merging tokens as part of the Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) Alliance. AGIX and OCEAN are moving to FET, which will ultimately become the unified ASI token.

This merger combines resources and technology, forming a powerful decentralized AI ecosystem. The integrated platform will offer broader AI services, benefiting both developers and users.

Bittensor (TAO): Available Internationally

Bittensor is a pioneering network connecting machine learning models worldwide, building collective intelligence. Researchers and developers contribute AI models as part of a larger network.

Technical Foundation

Bittensor is built on the Substrate framework and compatible with Polkadot. It uses an energy-efficient PoS consensus mechanism, substantially reducing environmental impact versus traditional PoW systems.

Bittensor also strengthens data privacy and security—user data is encrypted and processed securely on a decentralized network, with no reliance on centralized databases.

Machine Intelligence Marketplace

Bittensor lets developers and researchers earn direct rewards for contributing AI models, which are evaluated by the network. High-performing models earn greater rewards, promoting ongoing innovation and quality improvement.

Consumers can easily access intelligent machines suited to specific needs, such as selecting top models for natural language processing.

TAO Token Utility

TAO tokens reward contributors, pay transaction fees, and serve as a governance tool—holders participate in proposals and votes on platform direction, enabling community-led development.

How to Buy AI Tokens in Japan: Exchanges and Procedures

How to Use Major International Exchanges

By using leading international crypto exchanges, you can access AI tokens not listed domestically. General steps are:

Step 1: Account Registration and Identity Verification

Go to the official website of the exchange and register a new account. Set your email and password, then complete KYC verification—usually requiring ID (passport or driver’s license) and a facial photo. Verification can take hours to days.

Step 2: Buy Crypto Assets on Domestic Exchanges

Buy XRP (Ripple), USDT (Tether), or other crypto assets on a domestic exchange. XRP is suited for transfers due to low fees and fast speed. Choose your purchase method (bank transfer, credit card, etc.) as provided by the exchange.

Step 3: Transfer to International Exchange

Send your purchased assets to your wallet address at the international exchange. Double-check the address—mistakes can mean losing funds. Transfers typically take a few minutes to tens of minutes.

Step 4: Buy AI Tokens

On the trading screen, select the desired AI token pair (e.g., ICP/USDT, TAO/USDT). Market orders execute immediately at current prices; limit orders let you specify a price. Once filled, the purchase is complete.

How to Use Major Domestic Exchanges

AI tokens listed domestically (NEAR, RNDR, GRT, etc.) can be bought directly from major Japanese exchanges. Typical steps:

Step 1: Account Registration and Identity Verification

Register with the official site of a major domestic platform. Enter your email and phone number, then submit identification (driver’s license, My Number card, etc.). Domestic verification is usually fast—often under one day.

Step 2: Deposit Japanese Yen

Deposit yen via bank transfer, convenience store payment, or quick deposit. Bank transfers often involve user fees; quick deposits may be free or low cost. Deposits typically appear within minutes to hours.

Step 3: Buy AI Tokens

Select the desired AI token pair (e.g., NEAR/JPY, RNDR/JPY) on the trading screen. Enter the quantity or amount, select order type (market or limit), confirm, and execute the trade by clicking the purchase button.

Tips for Buying

• Check Fees: Fee structures vary—review before trading
• Security Measures: Always enable two-factor authentication for account security
• Price Volatility Risk: Crypto prices are volatile—invest only what you can afford to lose
• Diversify Investments: Spread funds across multiple tokens to reduce risk

Conclusion

The convergence of AI and blockchain is unlocking new potential for the crypto market. AI-related crypto assets may become central to the digital economy, attracting attention from both investors and developers.

These projects combine AI and decentralized networks to deliver innovative use cases—market forecasting, fraud detection, algorithmic trading, smart contract optimization, and more. Projects like NEAR Protocol, Render, The Graph, Internet Computer, SingularityNET, and Bittensor each offer unique technical and practical strengths, reflecting the diversity of the sector.

However, there are challenges: high implementation costs, immature technology, volatility, and data privacy concerns all require careful evaluation. As a new field, AI-related crypto assets may also present unforeseen risks.

When investing, keep these principles in mind:

• Deepen Technical Understanding: Fully grasp each project’s technical features and real-world use
• Practice Effective Risk Management: Invest only surplus funds and diversify holdings
• Monitor Market Trends: Stay current on developments in AI and blockchain
• Adopt a Long-Term Perspective: Focus on long-term project value rather than short-term price swings

AI-related crypto assets offer both technological innovation and new business opportunities, but demand specialized knowledge and prudent risk management. With the right strategy and understanding, investors can benefit from the growth of this emerging sector.

FAQ

What Are AI-Related Crypto Assets, and How Do They Differ From Traditional Cryptocurrencies?

AI-related crypto assets are tokens built with integrated artificial intelligence technologies. Compared to traditional cryptocurrencies, they deliver enhanced automation and efficiency, combining decentralization with commercial utility.

Which AI-Related Crypto Assets Can Be Bought in Japan?

Major AI-related tokens available in Japan include NEAR Protocol (NEAR) and Render (RNDR). These are listed on top domestic exchanges and are attracting increased interest as AI advances.

Which Exchanges Can Be Used for Buying AI Crypto Assets in Japan?

In Japan, AI crypto assets are available on domestic exchanges such as Coincheck and Bitbank. These platforms list AI tokens and feature user-friendly interfaces for newcomers.

What Are the Risks of Investing in AI-Related Crypto Assets?

Investing in AI-related crypto assets involves exposure to rapid market swings and regulatory changes. Not holding these assets may also mean missing future profit opportunities (opportunity cost).

What Identity Verification and Procedures Are Required to Buy Crypto Assets?

Buying crypto requires submitting identification such as a driver’s license or My Number card. If your current address differs from your documents, update your records. Once verified, you can proceed with purchases.

What Is the Growth Outlook for AI Crypto Assets?

AI crypto assets are expected to grow rapidly as digital transformation, innovation, and Web3 expand. Between 2026 and 2030, the market size for AI tokens could triple, supported by increased institutional participation and broader industry adoption of AI.

How Are Crypto Asset Transactions Taxed in Japan?

In Japan, profits from crypto sales are classified as miscellaneous income and subject to progressive tax rates up to 45%. Including 10% resident tax, the total rate can reach 55%. Tax applies to sales, swaps, staking rewards, NFT purchases, and more. Annual tax filing is required.