Mercari, a leading marketplace in Japan, has entered into a strategic partnership with Stripe to support the international expansion of its operations and those of other Japanese creative businesses.
Stripe’s integration will enable Mercari to provide users worldwide with a smooth shopping experience. This includes accepting multiple currencies and local payment methods, as well as achieving high authorization rates for cross-border transactions.
Mercari is also leveraging Stripe to power its new Mercardi Global App. The app aims to facilitate the establishment of online stores by content creators, such as animators and gamers, allowing them to sell directly to global audiences. With Stripe, these businesses will be able to offer a range of payment options from credit cards to popular digital wallets.
Strategic Partnership Highlights
The partnership is part of Japan’s broader strategy outlined by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The ministry sees the content industry—comprising anime, manga, games, publishing, and music—as a key growth sector. The target is to achieve overseas sales worth approximately USD 135 million (JPY 20 trillion) by 2033.
Mercari’s global expansion will begin in Taiwan and Hong Kong before moving to other regions. Both companies are committed to ensuring Japanese businesses, including marketplaces and creative industries, have the necessary infrastructure for international growth.
