At the WebX 2025 conference in Tokyo, the main issues preventing blockchain payments from being integrated into daily life were discussed. Key companies highlighted three main hurdles: self-custody, transaction costs, and cross-chain interoperability.
Payments at the Forefront of WebX 2025
On the main stage of WebX 2025 in Tokyo, the topic of blockchain payments took center stage. Leaders from Trust Wallet, Japan Smart Chain, and UPCX outlined three main challenges that need to be addressed for blockchain payments to be integrated into daily life by 2026.
Trust Wallet's Challenge: The 'Last Mile'
Aoyin Chen, CEO of Trust Wallet, reported on the company's achievements: it has exceeded 200 million downloads and 15 million active monthly users. However, Chen emphasized that the main challenge is not user growth, but the user experience. He stated, 'The real challenge is not growth, it is experience.'
Prospects of Blockchain Payments in Japan
Japan Smart Chain highlighted the importance of local regulatory compliance. By building a full compliance infrastructure, the company hopes to offer users a 'magical' experience, exceeding typical payments. Russell Kummer from UPCX shared his story about a minimalist app that allowed users to pay with just a phone number, emphasizing the need to eliminate friction in consumer experience.
The closing discussion clearly outlined the timeline: if the industry can overcome experience, compliance, cost, and interoperability issues before 2026, blockchain payments may become integrated into daily life in Japan.
