Adoption
Japan's Bitcoin Industry Launches Aurora for Global Anime Fans
Japan Bitcoin Industry Co., Ltd. has introduced Aurora, a self-custodial Bitcoin payments platform designed to assist Japanese companies in selling to international fans who often encounter obstacles with traditional payment systems. The launch took place during the Bitcoin Asia conference in Hong Kong, where JBI aimed to tap into a global audience that has been underserved.
The platform targets the thriving market for Japanese anime, manga, and games, which reached ¥2.17 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 26% year-over-year growth. Despite this demand, many overseas fans struggle to pay for streaming services, digital merchandise, and exclusive content due to geographic payment restrictions.
Aurora allows international customers to pay in Bitcoin via the Lightning Network, providing Japanese merchants with a straightforward point-of-sale and API layer for managing invoicing, payment tracking, and integrations. JBI emphasizes that it does not handle the funds directly; each merchant operates its own self-custodial Lightning node, receiving Bitcoin payments directly from customers. This structure aims to provide businesses with a clearer regulatory standing while alleviating the operational challenges that have historically hindered the adoption of Bitcoin payments.
JBI draws on its experience from its consumer platform, UseBitcoin.jp, which has facilitated Lightning payments for digital gift cards over the past two years. The company is encouraging media, potential merchants, and wallet providers to engage with their team at the Bitcoin Asia 2026 event in Hong Kong.
FAQ
What is Aurora?
Aurora is a self-custodial Bitcoin payments platform launched by Japan Bitcoin Industry Co., Ltd. to help Japanese companies sell to international fans, particularly in the anime, manga, and gaming markets.
How does Aurora benefit international customers?
Aurora allows international customers to pay in Bitcoin via the Lightning Network, enabling them to bypass traditional payment system obstacles and access streaming services, digital merchandise, and exclusive content.
What is the role of Japanese merchants in the Aurora platform?
Japanese merchants operate their own self-custodial Lightning nodes and receive Bitcoin payments directly from customers, allowing them to manage invoicing, payment tracking, and integrations without JBI handling the funds.
What experience does Japan Bitcoin Industry Co., Ltd. have with Bitcoin payments?
JBI has experience from its consumer platform, UseBitcoin.jp, which has facilitated Lightning payments for digital gift cards over the past two years, helping them understand the operational challenges of Bitcoin payments.
How can media and potential merchants engage with JBI?
Media, potential merchants, and wallet providers are encouraged to engage with the JBI team at the Bitcoin Asia 2026 event in Hong Kong to learn more about Aurora and its offerings.