Ripple CEO: ‘Japan’s leaders are committed to advancing crypto’

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse says Japan is “committed to advancing crypto” after meeting Web3 and AI-focused member of Japan’s House of Representatives, Taira Masaaki. The meeting took place at the XRP Community Day on Friday (JST).

XRP fans and heavy-hitting names in Japanese politics, banking, and business gathered Friday at the XRP Community Day for “networking and insights” in relation to the popular blockchain asset and network.

In attendance were Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and member of Japan’s House of Representatives, Taira Masaaki, who both took to X to share their thoughts on the meeting.

Garlinghouse praised what he views as the Japanese government’s “clear frameworks and constructive policy,” noting that it fosters innovation and protects consumers, while Taira posted in Japanese (translated by Google): “We exchanged views on how to utilize blockchain to maximize Japan’s potential.”

XRP, major cryptos becoming more political

A far cry from crypto’s cypherpunk origins, this development with Taira comes as Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen recently endorsed Kamala Harris for the U.S. presidency, highlighting a trend of blockchain behemoths weighing in more and more on political matters.

The posts from both Garlinghouse and Taira gathered praise, but not all commenters were impressed.

One user wrote: “This comes at an interesting time as we are being bombarded by posts about [Larsen] endorsing Kamala Harris for president. Everyone in the crypto industry knows she will continue the Gensler ways of zero clarity. Care to comment [Brad Garlinghouse]?”

Japanese users also commented on tax issues and asked about support of other political figures .