What Are Meme Coins? 7 Top Tokens to Watch

What Are Meme Coins?

Meme coins are cryptocurrencies with relatively small market capitalizations and extremely high price volatility. Among altcoins, these coins are particularly obscure, with limited market cap and liquidity. Key features of meme coins include fast transaction speeds, zero or very low transaction fees, and often a high degree of anonymity.

While they may not stand out in the broader market, meme coins can see dramatic price spikes in short periods when they attract attention—whether from a celebrity’s social media post, a major partnership announcement, or a technical upgrade. Conversely, coins that fail to capture interest often languish at low prices for extended periods.

Meme coins are known as high-risk investment vehicles, but they also have the potential for rapid, substantial price appreciation—sometimes multiplying in value several to dozens of times in a short timeframe. This high-risk, high-reward profile attracts investors, but there are also scam coins created solely for fraudulent purposes. Careful due diligence into a project’s credibility and its team’s track record is essential.

There is no strict definition for meme coins. Investors typically judge them subjectively based on factors like low market cap, lack of recognition, and minimal trading volume. Generally, coins with market capitalizations below several hundred million yen, or those unlisted on major exchanges, are commonly regarded as meme coins.

Top Meme Coins Available for Purchase in Japan

Sui (SUI): High-Speed Blockchain Poised to Power the Next Generation of Web3

Sui (SUI) is a high-speed, low-cost Layer 1 blockchain platform gaining traction as a foundational technology for next-generation Web3. The Sui Network operates permissionlessly, supporting a wide range of decentralized applications (dApps).

Sui's standout technical feature is its proprietary programming language, Sui Move, which enables an impressive throughput of up to 120,000 transactions per second—far surpassing Ethereum. The Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) consensus mechanism delivers both robust security and efficient network operations.

SUI tokens are used for network gas fees and staking rewards. The total supply is capped at 10 billion tokens, with inflation kept in check by design. Developed by Mysten Labs, founded by former Meta (Facebook) executives, the project boasts a highly skilled engineering team from leading companies, earning strong technical credibility.

Sui is available on select Japanese exchanges and is considered one of the most promising assets for future growth.

Filecoin (FIL): Innovative Decentralized Storage Network

Filecoin (FIL) offers a decentralized storage network leveraging blockchain to store data securely and efficiently. Users worldwide can contribute surplus storage capacity and receive FIL tokens as rewards.

This decentralized model greatly enhances data reliability and accessibility, positioning Filecoin as a compelling alternative to centralized systems such as Amazon S3 and Google Cloud. Notably, Filecoin excels in censorship resistance and privacy protection compared to traditional cloud services.

Built on IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) technology and utilizing content addressing, Filecoin allows data to be referenced persistently without reliance on specific servers or devices—dramatically improving redundancy and reliability. In Japan, IPFS has seen practical adoption by government institutions, such as the Ministry of Justice’s Map XML Adapt project.

FIL tokens are available on several major Japanese exchanges, and their value is expected to rise as the decentralized storage market expands.

Chainlink (LINK): Oracle Network Bridging Smart Contracts and External Data Oracle Network

Chainlink (LINK) is a decentralized oracle network that securely connects smart contracts to external data—a critical function in the blockchain ecosystem, since blockchains cannot natively access outside information.

A standout feature is the Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP), allowing secure transfer of data and value between different blockchains. This unlocks new potential in DeFi, NFTs, blockchain gaming, and more. For instance, Ethereum smart contracts can reference data from Polkadot or Solana.

Chainlink dramatically expands the utility of blockchain apps by providing smart contracts with secure, real-time external data, such as stock prices, weather, and sports results. Adoption is growing rapidly in insurance, supply chain management, prediction markets, and other sectors.

LINK tokens are available on many Japanese exchanges and are expected to see long-term growth as demand for oracle services increases.

Solana (SOL): Next-Generation Blockchain Delivering High-Speed, Low-Cost Transactions

Solana (SOL) is a Layer 1 blockchain platform founded by former Qualcomm engineer Anatoly Yakovenko, renowned for its high-speed, ultra-low-cost transaction processing. Solana’s unique Proof of History (PoH) mechanism enables throughput of thousands to tens of thousands of transactions per second, fundamentally addressing Ethereum’s scalability challenges.

With the Tower BFT (Byzantine Fault Tolerance) protocol, Solana significantly reduces network communication overhead, delivering rapid consensus and high security. Transaction fees are extremely low, around $0.00025 per transaction, making Solana ideal for micropayments and NFT trading.

Recently, Solana has become a focal point for institutional investors, with rapid real-world adoption through partnerships with major payment companies and participation in DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) projects.

Major US asset managers have released bullish price forecasts and long-term growth scenarios. Multiple US firms have applied for Solana ETFs, now under regulatory review. SOL tokens can be bought on several leading Japanese exchanges.

Avalanche (AVAX): High-Performance Multi-Chain Platform

Avalanche (AVAX) is a blockchain platform developed by Ava Labs, co-founded by renowned cryptographer Emin Gün Sirer, an early contributor to Bitcoin. Avalanche’s unique Avalanche Consensus algorithm enables fast, low-cost transaction processing.

This consensus innovation solves the scalability challenges that have long plagued Bitcoin and Ethereum, drawing strong interest from institutional investors and major corporations. Avalanche’s subnet feature allows organizations and developers to build custom blockchains while leveraging mainnet security.

Avalanche is growing its business portfolio: major Japanese gaming firms have built NFT solutions on Avalanche subnets and introduced systems supporting yen payments. Leading Asian payment platforms offer Web3-compatible coupons for Southeast Asia, while top Korean gaming companies have launched on-chain RPGs via Avalanche subnets.

Major US financial institutions are conducting proof-of-concept projects for private equity fund issuance and redemption, actively exploring Avalanche’s financial applications. AVAX tokens are available on various Japanese exchanges, and Avalanche is expected to grow as an enterprise blockchain solution.

Render Token (RNDR): Pioneer of Decentralized 3D Rendering Networks

Render Token (RNDR) is the utility token of Render Network, a decentralized rendering network designed to make 3D rendering more affordable and efficient. The network connects creators and studios needing high-performance GPU computing power with users who have idle GPU resources, offering services that are far cheaper and higher quality than traditional centralized rendering farms.

RNDR tokens serve as payment for rendering services, and node operators providing GPU resources earn RNDR for their computational work. This model puts surplus GPU capacity worldwide to work, reducing costs and improving accessibility across creative industries.

Render Network has grown rapidly in recent years, handling ultra-high-resolution rendering for major entertainment projects in Las Vegas and providing high-quality 3D rendering for AR/VR devices from leading US tech firms. Its adoption is expanding in film production, architectural visualization, game development, and more, solidifying its leadership in decentralized rendering.

Toncoin (TON): Blockchain Integrated with Messaging Apps

TON (The Open Network) is a decentralized Layer 1 blockchain platform originally launched by a globally popular messaging app, engineered for high-performance handling of large-scale applications and transactions. Its founding team published a white paper outlining a secure, scalable blockchain integrated with messaging services, drawing substantial attention from the crypto community.

After regulatory hurdles paused the original project, a dedicated developer community revived it as “Free TON.” Today, the project has evolved into The Open Network. Integration with a messaging app serving hundreds of millions of users has positioned TON as a major player in blockchain’s mainstream adoption.

The TON ecosystem includes gaming tokens that have recently gained significant attention, helping drive the adoption of play-to-earn models. Its market capitalization ranks among the top 10, confirming its status as a mainstream crypto asset. Toncoin is listed on multiple Japanese exchanges, and its growth strategy leverages the messaging app’s vast user base.

Can Meme Coins Create Millionaires?

In summary, the crypto market—including meme coins—has repeatedly produced “millionaire” investors, so it is theoretically possible. Notably, early investors in Dogecoin, PEPE Coin, and other meme coins have seen returns ranging from hundreds to thousands of times their initial investment.

Meme coins are extremely volatile and can appreciate dozens to hundreds of times in a short period, meaning even a modest investment can yield substantial wealth with the right timing. For example, a $1,000 investment could grow to over $100,000 in just a few months.

However, the risks are equally high, and it is entirely possible to lose most or all of your investment. Behind every success story are countless failures. To succeed in meme coin investing, you need a solid understanding of the technology, thorough evaluation of the team’s credibility, careful market analysis, and strict risk management.

Invest only surplus funds you can afford to lose, and treat meme coins as a component of your overall portfolio. Diversifying across several promising projects, rather than concentrating on a single coin, is recommended to help mitigate risk.

Risks and Benefits of Meme Coins

Benefits

Significant Profit Potential Meme coins’ biggest appeal is the potential for price increases of several times, dozens, or even hundreds of times in a short period. Successful early investments can yield extraordinary returns, and even small investments can result in life-changing gains. Prices tend to surge when a project is listed on a major exchange or announces a partnership with a large company.

Early Access to Emerging Technologies and Projects Many meme coins are innovative projects with low recognition but substantial growth potential. By joining early, investors can directly benefit from new blockchain applications or unique solutions addressing existing problems.

Low Barriers to Entry Meme coins are generally very affordable, so investors can acquire thousands or tens of thousands of coins with investments as small as a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. This makes it easier for beginners and those with limited capital to enter the crypto market.

Liquidity Opportunities Some meme coins see rapid increases in trading volume and get listed on major exchanges when they attract attention, providing early investors with significant profit opportunities.

Risks

Extreme Price Volatility Meme coins have low liquidity, so even small trades can trigger large price swings. Price changes of over 50% in a single day are common, and there’s always a risk of losing most of your investment quickly. Such volatility can be stressful and make sound decision-making difficult.

Fraud Risk The meme coin market is rife with “rug pulls” (abandoned projects after raising funds) and scam coins created for fraudulent purposes. Extra caution is needed for projects with anonymous teams or unclear white papers.

Project Failure Risk Most meme coins are immature projects that face technical challenges, funding shortages, competition, or regulatory changes. Many meme coin projects shut down within just a few years.

Liquidity Risk Low trading volumes mean that even large holdings can be hard to liquidate without causing steep price drops, making it difficult to realize theoretical profits. There’s also a persistent risk of delisting from exchanges.

Regulatory Risk Global regulators are tightening rules around crypto assets, and meme coins may be subject to restrictions or sharp value drops if targeted by new regulations.

How to Buy Meme Coins: Exchanges and Steps

Using Overseas Exchanges

Step 1: Register and Verify Your Account Visit a leading overseas exchange’s website and register with your email or phone number. Complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, which usually requires submitting an ID (passport or driver’s license) and a photo. Verification may take several hours to several days.

Step 2: Purchase and Transfer Crypto Assets via Domestic Exchanges Buy a crypto asset suitable for transfers (like XRP or XLM, which offer fast transfers and low fees) at a major Japanese exchange. Deposit yen via bank transfer or convenience store payment, then purchase your chosen crypto asset. Confirm your wallet address on the overseas exchange and send the asset there, carefully checking for address entry errors.

Step 3: Buy Meme Coins Once your crypto arrives at the overseas exchange wallet, select the desired meme coin trading pair. Choose a market order (buy instantly at market price) or limit order (buy at a specified price), enter your purchase amount, and confirm the order.

Using Domestic Exchanges

Step 1: Register and Verify Your Account Sign up on a major domestic exchange’s website or app. Register your email, upload ID documents (driver’s license, My Number card, etc.), and wait for approval. Domestic exchanges typically complete verification in one to two business days.

Step 2: Deposit Funds Deposit yen into your exchange wallet via bank transfer, online banking, or convenience store payment. Many exchanges offer free transfer fees with partner banks.

Step 3: Buy Meme Coins On the trading screen, select your desired meme coin. If a yen-based trading pair is available, you can buy directly. Choose a market or limit order, enter the quantity, and confirm your order. For added security, consider transferring assets to an external wallet after purchase.

Timing Your Meme Coin Purchase

To buy meme coins effectively, monitor market trends and indicators closely to pinpoint the optimal timing.

Identify Altcoin Season Watch the Altcoin Season Index and altcoin dominance. When Bitcoin’s share of total crypto market cap drops and altcoins gain ground, funds flow from Bitcoin to altcoins. Meme coin prices tend to rise in these periods, making them attractive investment windows.

Track Post-Bitcoin Halving Trends Consult indicators like the MVRV z-score (Market Value to Realized Value) for insight into post-halving price cycles. Historically, Bitcoin surges months to about a year after halving, which often boosts the altcoin market as well. Understanding this pattern helps you better time meme coin investments.

Buy During Price Corrections Given their volatility, meme coins are often best bought during sharp price drops. By calmly assessing projects during market corrections or temporary setbacks, you may invest at more favorable prices.

Understand Fund Flows Recognizing how capital moves in the crypto market is crucial. Typically, funds flow into Bitcoin, then major altcoins (Ethereum, BNB, XRP, etc.), and finally into smaller altcoins and meme coins—a “waterfall effect” that can help you time your entry.

Use Technical Analysis Apply indicators like moving averages, RSI, and MACD to gauge market sentiment. When RSI drops below 30 (oversold zone), a rebound is likely, which may signal a buying opportunity.

Check Fundamentals Always monitor project development, partnerships, and upcoming exchange listings. Investing before positive news can significantly boost potential returns.

FAQ

What Are Meme Coins? How Are They Different from Bitcoin and Ethereum?

Meme coins are cryptocurrencies with small market caps and low visibility. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, they exhibit higher volatility and potential returns, but generally have lower liquidity.

What Are the Benefits, Drawbacks, and Risks of Investing in Meme Coins?

Benefits include high potential returns from small investments. Drawbacks include extreme volatility and high risk of loss from project failure. Risks also include market manipulation and fraud.

What Should You Consider When Choosing Quality Meme Coins?

Check the development team’s credibility and look for photo ID disclosures. Confirm regular project updates. Assess trading volume and real-world use cases. Understand the high-risk, high-reward nature and be wary of scam coins.

Can You Earn Significant Profits with Meme Coins? What Are the Success and Failure Cases?

Significant profits are possible with meme coins. Successful cases involve early purchases and returns of several to dozens of times the initial investment. Failures often stem from scams or sharp price drops. Success depends on careful research and using only surplus funds.

How Do You Buy Meme Coins and Choose an Exchange?

Open an account at a domestic exchange and deposit yen to buy meme coins. For overseas purchases, send Bitcoin to exchange. When choosing an exchange, compare trading volume, fees, number of coins, and security.

What Are the Notable Meme Coins for 2024?

Promising meme coins for 2024 include Aethir, Ondo Finance, Lukso, AIT Protocol, and Foxy—each with innovative technology and strong growth prospects.