A Curated Guide to NFT Marketplaces in Japan

NFT Marketplace Platform Overview

An NFT marketplace platform is an online site dedicated to NFT (Non-Fungible Token) transactions. NFTs are digital assets built on blockchain technology and can represent various forms of content, including digital art, music, and in-game items. Because each NFT possesses unique attributes, they serve as genuine "limited edition" digital collectibles, attracting global attention in recent years. As the NFT market expands rapidly, demand for specialized trading platforms has grown. These platforms provide creators and collectors with secure, streamlined trading environments.

Overview of Japan's Leading NFT Marketplace Platforms

Japan currently operates several distinctive NFT trading platforms. The following are seven notable examples:

• Major Exchange NFT Platform
• LINE NFT
• Adam byGMO
• Rakuten NFT
• HEXA
• SBI NFT
• tofuNFT

Platform Insights: Major Exchange NFT Platform

The NFT platform run by a leading Japanese exchange is an NFT marketplace service launched by one of Japan's largest digital asset exchanges. It leverages an off-chain network architecture, offering clear advantages—users do not pay network fees (gas fees) when transacting, which substantially reduces costs.

This platform specializes in tokenizing premium Japanese content, spanning anime, manga, and games—cultural products highly favored in Japan. Notably, it features assets from renowned blockchain games like "CryptoSpells" and "The Sandbox," as well as sports NFT cards such as "Sorare," plus collectible categories like "NFT Trading Cards." With its extensive product lineup and user-centric trading experience, this platform has become one of the most influential NFT marketplaces in Japan.

Platform Insights: LINE NFT

LINE NFT is an NFT trading platform developed by LINE, the social communication giant. Its main strength lies in its deep integration with the LINE ecosystem, reflected in three core areas:

First, users can log in directly with their LINE account, eliminating extra registration steps. This approach taps into LINE's massive user base of around 90 million in Japan, greatly lowering the barrier for everyday users to access NFTs. Second, LINE BITMAX Wallet serves as the NFT storage solution, enabling secure and convenient digital asset management. Third, the platform highlights domestic Japanese IP, curating a wide range of quality works.

On the innovation front, LINE NFT allows users to set purchased NFTs as LINE profile images or stickers, and even enables gifting or exchanging NFTs with friends, seamlessly blending digital collectibles with social engagement. The platform features popular anime like "PUI PUI Molcar" and "Demon Slayer," idol group "Momoiro Clover Z," and NFT works related to Yoshimoto Kogyo artists, meeting diverse collecting needs across user segments.

Platform Insights: Adam byGMO

Adam byGMO is operated by GMO Adam, a wholly owned subsidiary of GMO Group. Its primary advantage is harnessing GMO Group's extensive experience in internet technology and financial services to deliver enterprise-grade NFT trading services.

The platform integrates seamlessly with GMO Group's leading digital asset trading platform and the "Z.com Wallet" digital wallet, allowing users to purchase NFTs with cryptocurrency easily and efficiently. This ecosystem synergy not only enhances user experience but also offers robust security and stability. For those seeking to invest in NFTs using digital currencies, Adam byGMO provides a premium trading environment.

Platform Insights: Rakuten NFT

Rakuten NFT is an NFT trading platform launched by Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten Group, maximizing the Rakuten ecosystem's strengths. Its standout feature is direct login with a Rakuten ID and credit card support, streamlining the purchase process.

Even more compelling, Rakuten NFT allows users to buy NFTs with Rakuten points. For those who have accumulated substantial points within Rakuten's ecosystem, this function offers a new way to redeem points and lowers the financial threshold for NFT investment. By combining traditional e-commerce points systems with blockchain technology, Rakuten NFT opens a new route for mainstream NFT adoption.

Looking ahead, Rakuten NFT plans to introduce tools for individual creators to issue and sell their own NFT works and expand to international markets, further increasing its reach and user base.

Platform Insights: HEXA

HEXA, operated by Media Equity, is an innovative NFT marketplace distinguished by its minimal entry requirements—users can log in quickly via Twitter, bypassing complex registration.

Another standout feature is HEXA's content creation capabilities. Users can not only trade NFTs but also mint and list their original works or Twitter posts as NFTs. This empowers ordinary users to become NFT creators, greatly enriching the platform's content ecosystem.

HEXA also offers the "HEXA Metaverse" virtual space service, allowing users to display NFT collections in personal virtual rooms for a more immersive experience. Future plans include supporting NFT issuance on Ethereum and Polygon, as well as launching exclusive communities for NFT holders—upgrades that will boost platform competitiveness.

Platform Insights: SBI NFT

SBI NFT is run by SBI NFT, part of the SBI Holdings Group, and is notable for supporting direct NFT purchases in yen. The platform uses a registration and review system to manage NFT issuance and sales, effectively ensuring content quality and security—an approach well suited to NFT newcomers.

SBI NFT also offers flexible payment options: users can pay with cryptocurrencies (ETH/Polygon) or credit cards, accommodating a range of preferences.

SBI Group is active in NFT innovation, having developed the "SHIMENAWA" traceability service that uses NFT technology to track product openers, providing blockchain solutions for anti-counterfeiting and supply chain management. These real-world NFT applications showcase SBI's forward-looking approach to blockchain adoption.

Platform Insights: tofuNFT

tofuNFT, operated by COINJINJA, is a Japanese NFT marketplace with a unique strategy—while originating in Japan, it primarily targets international markets. Its core technical feature is multi-chain support, compatible with all EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) chains, which is rare among domestic platforms.

Thanks to its multi-chain architecture and global strategy, tofuNFT has experienced rapid growth, surpassing ¥10 billion in cumulative trading volume and becoming a leading multi-chain NFT platform worldwide. This achievement underscores the global competitiveness of Japan's technology teams and sets a benchmark for the country's NFT industry internationalization.

NFT Marketplace Services Supporting Credit Card Payments

As the NFT market matures, more platforms are offering credit card payment options. Purchasing NFTs with a credit card brings several clear advantages:

First, users need not master complex crypto concepts or set up digital wallets, lowering technical barriers. Second, prices are listed in yen, avoiding volatility risks and providing transparent payment amounts. Additionally, credit card purchases typically offer cashback, consumer protection, and other value-added benefits.

In Japan, the "Pie" service by XYZ Corporation is a prominent example. Pie specializes in credit card purchasing agency services for well-known international NFT platforms. Users simply provide a wallet address and email—no cryptocurrency required—to purchase NFTs via credit card. Pie completes the transaction within 24 hours and delivers the NFT to the user's wallet.

Pie displays all-inclusive yen pricing (including network fees) and charges a service fee of 5–15%. Importantly, Pie supports only platform-certified NFT series. While this limits the selection, certification effectively filters out counterfeit NFTs, providing extra security—especially valuable for NFT novices.

Core Features of Japanese NFT Marketplace Platforms

Japanese NFT platforms differ from international platforms in three key ways:

• Support for yen transactions
• Japanese language services
• Extensive local content

Feature Spotlight: Support for Yen Transactions

Japanese NFT platforms generally accept yen as the transaction currency, greatly enhancing convenience for domestic users. For those unfamiliar with crypto or hesitant about asset volatility, the ability to use fiat currency directly lowers barriers. Users can purchase NFTs as easily as shopping online, without complicated steps like buying crypto, setting up wallets, or understanding gas fees. This user-friendly approach is a major driver of mainstream adoption.

Feature Spotlight: Japanese Language Services

Language support is another core strength. Global platforms typically use English, posing challenges for non-native speakers. Japanese platforms, however, feature full Japanese interfaces and instructions, enabling seamless browsing, rule comprehension, and purchasing.

Moreover, Japanese platforms offer customer support in Japanese. Users can resolve technical issues or disputes efficiently in their native language, fostering trust and convenience. This linguistic and cultural affinity is a unique competitive edge and a primary reason many users prefer domestic platforms.

Feature Spotlight: Extensive Local Content

Japanese NFT platforms have a vibrant local content ecosystem. As a global hub for anime and manga, Japan boasts numerous world-famous IPs. Platforms leverage these assets, collaborating with anime studios, game developers, and music labels to create NFT products based on popular IPs.

Users can find exclusive anime character NFTs, in-game item NFTs, and music NFTs. For Japanese users and global fans, these offerings carry deep emotional and collectible value. As more IP holders recognize NFT opportunities, expect even more major Japanese cultural IPs to join the market, enriching the ecosystem further.

Emerging Trends in Japan's NFT Market

Recently, leading Japanese NFT projects have launched on the Financie (フィナンシェ) platform, marking a new market shift. Financie is a blockchain-based token issuance crowdfunding platform where project teams raise funds by issuing tokens. Supporters purchase tokens to participate in governance and share project growth rewards.

Key traits of the Financie model include:

• Token issuance crowdfunding
• Community engagement and governance rights
• Token value appreciation potential

This model offers new paths for NFT project funding and community building. Creators and project teams can secure development capital while turning supporters into active contributors. Token buyers gain not just investment exposure but participation in decision-making and exclusive benefits. Successful projects reward early supporters through rising token values.

Several top Japanese NFT projects have chosen Financie for token issuance and Web3 community development, establishing a notable industry trend. Notable Financie projects include:

• CryptoNinja Games (CNG)
• Live Like A Cat
• CoolGirl Project (CGL)
• Banana Game Lab
• Freelancer Hero Guild (FHG)
• NOX Gallery

This trend signals Japan's NFT market evolving from a pure trading arena to a community-driven ecosystem. As more projects build token economies on Financie, overall market activity should rise. Incentive models strengthen community cohesion, and thriving communities, in turn, drive NFT value growth—a virtuous cycle. This Financie-centered framework may positively impact NFT floor prices and inject new momentum into Japan's NFT market.

FAQ

Which are Japan's main NFT trading platforms, and what are their features?

Major platforms include Coincheck NFT (multi-cryptocurrency settlement), Adam byGMO (yen and credit card support), Rakuten NFT (Rakuten points integration), LINE NFT (built-in LINE wallet), and SBINFT Market (strict quality review). Each platform offers unique features to suit different user needs.

What legal requirements apply to NFT transactions in Japan?

Japan currently has no NFT-specific laws, but if NFTs involve profit sharing, they may be treated as securities and must comply with the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Standard NFT trades must follow local financial regulations.

What are Japan's NFT market advantages and characteristics compared to global markets?

Japan's NFT market is underpinned by rich anime and entertainment IP resources, low FUD levels, and strong domestic support. By blending traditional culture with innovative technology, Japanese NFT projects feature unique aesthetics and robust community recognition, with significant growth potential in future trading volumes.

What are the most popular NFT projects and collectible types in Japan?

Popular NFT types in Japan include traditional art (like ukiyo-e), classic IP derivatives, and original works by artists. Traditional art NFTs such as ukiyo-e have seen sustained transaction growth, while NFTs based on domestic anime and gaming IPs remain highly sought after.

How do you open an account and complete identity verification on Japanese NFT platforms?

Download the platform app, register your account, fill in personal details, and upload ID documents for verification. Once approved, you can begin trading.

How are taxes and transaction fees calculated for NFTs in Japan?

NFTs are classified as property in Japan, and transaction gains are taxed as personal income at a progressive rate of 15–55%. Tax is based on realized profit (sale price minus cost). Platforms charge fees, usually 1–5% of transaction value. For specific rates, consult Japan's tax authorities.