#Japan #Sumida #Tobu Top Tours #XRP Ledger #SBI Ripple Asia

Collaboration for a New Payment Experience

Tobu Top Tours Inc., based in Sumida, Tokyo, has recently entered into a basic agreement with SBI Ripple Asia Inc., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. This partnership aims to establish a unique payment platform that utilizes tokens issued by SBI Ripple Asia, specifically designed for partnering companies and organizations. The initiative is underway to link the non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that Tobu develops with these unique tokens, with an eye towards launching services in the first half of 2026.

Defining Roles and Objectives

Under this basic agreement, Tobu Top Tours will take the lead in acquiring partners, building a network of users and participating merchants, and planning marketing strategies that utilize NFTs. Meanwhile, SBI Ripple Asia will issue reliable tokens based on the XRP Ledger blockchain, enabling the customers of partner companies to use these tokens for payments on accommodations, dining, shopping, and various services. This payment platform leveraging the XRP Ledger is anticipated to become one of the most advanced models globally, with applications expected to extend across tourism, commerce, and regional revitalization.

As a result, users can expect a secure and convenient payment experience while businesses and local communities stand to benefit from a uniquely tailored fan economy that supports growth. Tobu aims to develop blockchain technology solutions that will further foster new growth models for regions and companies.

Expected Use Cases

Both companies are actively exploring various use cases to address social challenges and create new markets through the payment platform, including:

1. Tourism DX and Regional Economic Activation
They plan to issue unique tokens usable exclusively in specific tourist destinations or shopping streets. Travelers will be able to conduct smooth cashless transactions in these areas, stimulating consumption and encouraging economic circulation within the region. Moreover, travelers using these unique tokens will receive NFTs as “digital souvenirs” or “future accommodation discount vouchers,” helping maintain their connection to the area even after their trip.

2. Sustainable Recovery and Disaster Relief
Another initiative aims to construct a model that provides financial aid in the form of unique tokens usable only within the affected regions. This approach ensures that support money does not flow out of the region and is directly utilized at local businesses, contributing to the reconstruction of the local economy. Transparency in support expenditures will also be secured to ensure long-term assistance.

3. Expanding Fan Economy in Sports and Culture
The collaboration will involve professional sports teams, artists, and cultural institutions issuing unique tokens for their fan communities. These tokens can be used for purchasing merchandise and event payments while enabling fans holding NFT membership cards to enjoy special experiences linked to their spending with unique tokens, thereby maximizing engagement and creating new revenue streams.

Company Profiles

Tobu Top Tours Inc.

• - Founded: 1955
• - Capital: 3 billion yen
• - Business Focus: Travel management and services, including corporate and group travel, MICE, educational trips, and regional development projects. Tobu also emphasizes research and business development to foster new ventures.
• - Website: Tobu Top Tours

SBI Ripple Asia Inc.

• - Established: 2016
• - Capital: 350 million yen (including capital reserve)
• - Business Focus: Focused on promoting and developing blockchain-based solutions in Japan and Korea, SBI Ripple Asia drives innovations for cross-border payments and other financial services as a joint venture between SBI Holdings and the U.S. company Ripple.
• - Website: SBI Ripple Asia

The partnership between Tobu Top Tours and SBI Ripple Asia marks a significant step towards reshaping how payments can be made in the tourism and retail sectors, paving the way for a modern, token-based economy.