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Ripple’s connection with Japan is once again grabbing attention, and this time, it’s not just about partnerships but bold expectations around $XRP’s future. As institutional ties grow stronger, fresh comments from market voices are adding to the conversation, especially with Japan playing a central role in Ripple’s expansion strategy.

Japan’s Bold $XRPClaim

Crypto user, Stellar Rippler, spotlighted a strong statement coming from SBI Holdings CEO Yoshitaka Kitao, who said, “$XRPwill be very expensive.”

He didn’t stop there. Kitao also pointed toward the ongoing legal uncertainty, suggesting that a favorable court decision for Ripple could have a major impact on $XRP’s value.

“It seems that he is thinking that the court’s decision will be made in a few weeks. If the decision is made and Ripple’s $XRPis a coin, I think it will be a big price… If the conclusion is positive, I think it will be great.”

This adds weight to earlier comments from David Schwartz, but coming from SBI’s top executive, the message carries stronger institutional backing.

SBI and Ripple: A Long-Term Play

SBI’s relationship with Ripple goes back to 2016 through SBI Ripple Asia, where both have worked on cross-border payment solutions across Japan, South Korea, India, and the Philippines. These aren’t just plans on paper but real payment corridors using $XRP.

SBI also remains Ripple’s largest external shareholder, making its continued support a key factor in $XRP’s broader narrative.

New Moves Strengthen the Case

Recent developments show this partnership is still expanding. In February 2026, SBI launched a 10 billion yen (around $64 million) blockchain bond that rewards investors with $XRP, marking a first for a major Japanese financial institution.

At the same time, plans are in place to introduce Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin in Japan via SBI’s licensed exchange. On the development side, SBI Ripple Asia has teamed up with the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan to support startups building financial tools on the $XRPLedger.

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