According to an official announcement, LINE Pay—the built-in payment service of Japan’s popular messaging app LINE—will begin trialing LINK cryptocurrency payments for online merchants in Japan starting March 2022. LINK is the native token of LINE’s proprietary blockchain (distinct from Chainlink’s LINK token). During the pilot phase, users can make commission-free payments via LINE Pay using LINK, aiming to “expand payment choices, enhance convenience, and increase real-world utility” for the token.
This initiative aligns with LINE’s 2021 blockchain roadmap, which prioritized forging partnerships with payment providers through dedicated teams.
How LINK Payments Work
When selecting LINK as their payment method in LINE Pay, users’ LINK holdings from the LINE BITMAX exchange automatically transfer to their LINE Pay wallet to complete transactions. As a launch incentive, participants will receive 10% of their payment amount in LINK as a bonus.
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LINE’s Long-Term Vision for Cryptocurrency Adoption
Post-trial, LINE Pay plans to progressively integrate LINK into Japan’s cashless economy, starting with online merchants. Under its “Designed for Everyone” philosophy, LINE aims to make LINK a seamless part of daily life—a cryptocurrency accessible to all.
The Origins of LINE: Disaster Response Turned Tech Phenomenon
LINE’s origin story traces back to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. When traditional communication networks failed during the catastrophe, parent company NHN’s Japanese team rapidly developed LINE as a simple, reliable messaging alternative. Launched publicly within three months, the app became vital for news dissemination and safety confirmations.
By Q3 2020, LINE boasted 84 million monthly active users in Japan (66% population penetration), outperforming global rivals like Twitter and Instagram in local preference rankings (Statista).
Building the “Most Lifestyle-Integrated Blockchain”
Not content with messaging dominance, LINE expanded into fintech via blockchain, declaring its intent to “merge user lifestyles with LINE Blockchain” during its 2018 strategy summit. Key milestones include:
| Year | Initiative | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Launched global exchange BITBOX | Limited reach due to Japan licensing barriers |
| 2019 | Debuted Japan-focused LINE BitMax | Integrated directly into LINE app ecosystem |
| 2021 | Established LINE NEXT for NFT expansion | Simplified NFT creation/trading platform |
Two-Tier DApp Ecosystem
1. Reward DApps: Vetted by LINK Secretariat, these apps distribute tokens for user contributions (e.g., music platform SomeSing pays LINK for song uploads).
2. General DApps: Open to all developers, resembling Ethereum’s decentralized apps.
Unlike typical ICO-driven models, LINE distributes LINK based on user participation—fostering a collaborative ecosystem among users, creators, and developers.
FAQ: LINE’s Crypto Strategy Explained
Q: How does LINE Pay’s LINK trial benefit merchants?
A: Zero transaction fees during the pilot phase reduce payment processing costs while attracting crypto-savvy customers.
Q: Can international users access LINE BitMax?
A: No—the exchange exclusively serves Japanese residents via LINE’s domestic app integration.
Q: What makes LINK different from other payment tokens?
A: Its deep integration with LINE’s 84M-user ecosystem and reward-based distribution model encourage organic adoption.
Q: How does LINE NEXT simplify NFTs?
A: By allowing LINE account holders to manage NFTs without private keys and enabling direct creator-to-consumer sales.
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Competitive Landscape: Global Social Platforms Embrace Crypto
While LINE mirrors Korea’s Kakao (with its Klaytn blockchain), other tech giants are advancing too:
– Twitter: Exploring Bitcoin tipping and NFT authentication
– Facebook: Piloting Novi digital wallet with stablecoins
– Reddit: Testing community points as tradable tokens
LINE’s strategic advantage lies in its entrenched user base and phased approach—first payments, then DeFi/NFTs—making cryptocurrency accessible to mainstream audiences.