6 minute read
Is MEXC Available in Japan? What You Need to Know
from MEXC
by Exness_India
Yes, MEXC is available in Japan. While it may not be a licensed exchange under Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA), MEXC still allows users from Japan to register, trade, and access its full range of features. In this article, we’ll explore what this means, the legal and practical implications, and how Japanese users are engaging with the platform in 2025.
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What Is MEXC?
MEXC is a global cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2018 that has quickly grown in popularity thanks to its wide selection of trading pairs, deep liquidity, fast transaction speeds, and access to emerging altcoins. It offers spot trading, futures, staking, launchpads, and other DeFi services to millions of users worldwide.
Although headquartered in Seychelles, MEXC operates internationally, targeting both retail and institutional investors in crypto-friendly regions, including parts of Asia.
MEXC Is Available in Japan – But Not Licensed by the FSA
It’s important to clarify what "available" means in this context. MEXC is accessible to users in Japan — meaning people in Japan can:
Create an account on MEXC
Complete KYC verification
Deposit and withdraw crypto
Trade spot and futures markets
Participate in staking and launchpad events
However, MEXC is not a registered or licensed exchange under Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA). This means it operates in a gray area. Users can still legally access the exchange, but MEXC does not have a physical presence or direct regulatory oversight in Japan.
Many global exchanges follow a similar model when dealing with highly regulated jurisdictions like Japan, the U.S., or China. They allow access, but avoid direct promotion or physical operations to reduce legal exposure.
Can Japanese Users Register and Trade on MEXC?
Yes, they can. Japanese users can still:
Sign up using their Japanese email or phone number
Complete KYC with Japanese identification documents
Use the MEXC platform in Japanese language
Trade various cryptocurrencies with no apparent regional restrictions
There is no geoblocking for Japanese IP addresses, and MEXC’s interface is localized for Japanese users, which shows a clear intent to support this market — even without FSA registration.
While MEXC’s terms of service contain standard disclaimers about following local regulations, they do not explicitly ban Japanese residents. This is different from some exchanges (like Binance in past years) that have specifically restricted Japanese users.
Is It Legal to Use MEXC in Japan?
Yes, it is generally legal for individuals in Japan to use MEXC. Japanese law does not currently criminalize the use of offshore cryptocurrency exchanges by individuals. However, there are a few important considerations:
1. Tax Reporting
Japanese residents are required to declare their crypto gains as “miscellaneous income” (雑所得 – zatsu shotoku) under Japanese tax law. This applies to gains from trading on any exchange, domestic or international.
Using MEXC does not exempt users from this obligation. Users must keep accurate records of all trades and conversions to report to the National Tax Agency (NTA).
2. Consumer Protection
Because MEXC is not licensed in Japan, users do not benefit from FSA-enforced consumer protections. If MEXC were to suffer a breach, freeze funds, or go offline, there would be no domestic legal recourse for affected Japanese users.
This is a risk common to using unlicensed international platforms.
3. Regulatory Gray Zone
The FSA has warned consumers in the past about using non-registered exchanges, but there is no active ban on doing so. However, future legislation may tighten this.
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Why Japanese Users Still Choose MEXC
Despite the legal gray area, many users in Japan still prefer MEXC for several reasons:
1. Access to New Tokens
MEXC lists hundreds of altcoins and newly launched tokens, many of which are not available on domestic exchanges like bitFlyer, Coincheck, or GMO Coin. For Japanese traders seeking early access to high-risk, high-reward assets, MEXC is a top choice.
2. Lower Fees
MEXC generally offers lower trading fees than Japanese exchanges, which often charge higher spreads and commissions due to regulatory constraints.
3. No JPY Trading Restriction
Although MEXC doesn’t support direct JPY deposits or withdrawals, users can easily deposit USDT, BTC, or ETH from other platforms or wallets. Many Japanese users use stablecoins or bridge assets from domestic exchanges to MEXC.
4. Futures and Leverage
MEXC offers futures contracts with leverage, something that is more limited or tightly regulated on Japan-based platforms. For users interested in margin trading, MEXC provides more options and flexibility.
Potential Risks for Japanese Users
Although MEXC is accessible, there are risks Japanese users should be aware of:
Regulatory tightening: The FSA could increase enforcement or impose fines on exchanges that operate without a license. Users might one day face restrictions or forced withdrawals if policy changes.
Loss of access: MEXC may voluntarily restrict Japanese accounts in the future, as Binance and other exchanges have done in the past to avoid regulatory pressure.
KYC tightening: In an effort to meet global standards, MEXC may increase KYC requirements, making it more difficult for some users to access features without extensive documentation.
Lack of local support: Users in Japan who run into issues may find it harder to resolve disputes or technical problems, as MEXC does not have a physical office or support center in Japan.
How to Safely Use MEXC in Japan
If you decide to use MEXC while living in Japan, consider these best practices:
Stay updated on Japanese crypto laws – Regulatory changes can happen quickly. Follow FSA announcements and crypto tax guidelines.
Keep tax records – Download transaction history regularly. Use crypto tax software that supports MEXC for Japanese filings.
Don’t store large amounts – Use MEXC primarily for trading, but withdraw to a personal wallet for long-term storage to reduce exchange risk.
Enable 2FA and security settings – Always use two-factor authentication, withdrawal whitelists, and strong passwords.
Use legal stablecoin on-ramps – If you need to fund your MEXC account, transfer crypto from a local exchange that supports JPY conversions.
Alternatives to MEXC for Japanese Users
If you prefer a fully licensed exchange in Japan, here are some regulated alternatives:
bitFlyer – One of the oldest and most trusted exchanges in Japan.
Coincheck – Popular for its user-friendly interface and mobile app.
GMO Coin – Backed by the GMO Group, offers solid liquidity and staking.
bitbank – Known for its low fees and strong compliance.
However, these platforms have fewer coins, limited DeFi integrations, and less flexible trading options compared to MEXC.
Conclusion: MEXC Is Available in Japan — With Caution
To summarize: Yes, MEXC is available and accessible to users in Japan in 2025. While it is not licensed by the FSA, Japanese residents can still register, trade, and use most features on the platform. That said, users must take full responsibility for complying with local tax laws and understanding the risks involved in using an offshore exchange.
For those who want access to a wider variety of crypto assets, lower fees, and advanced features, MEXC remains a compelling option — as long as it's used responsibly and with awareness of Japan’s evolving regulatory environment.
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