XRP has once again drawn significant attention following its recent surge in trading volume and price. After surpassing an important short-term resistance level, the cryptocurrency hit the headlines thanks to Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten’s decision to integrate XRP into its payment app. This move offers XRP new real-world utility beyond crypto exchanges and is being hailed as a significant leap for the digital asset.
Rakuten integration marks a new era
Rakuten, recognized as one of Japan’s largest online marketplaces with millions of users worldwide, has launched an integration allowing its customers to spend XRP at over five million stores. Through this update, users can not only buy and hold XRP but also convert their Rakuten loyalty points directly into the digital currency. In effect, XRP has now entered a vast consumer ecosystem via Rakuten Wallet.
The Rakuten loyalty points program is highly popular in Japan, with $23 billion worth of points currently circulating. Ripple considers XRP’s integration into this system one of its most significant adoption steps in Asia. The company highlighted that this development further strengthens XRP’s presence in the region, building on longstanding partnerships such as SBI Ripple Asia.
Technical outlook for XRP price
XRP rallied from $1.32 to $1.38, gaining strength above a short-term resistance level. Rather than a quick spike, the move has been characterized by steady buying and a sustained uptrend. At the time of writing, XRP is consolidating just below the $1.38 mark.
The price increase was supported by notable trading volume. The rise in open interest, growing institutional participation, and large-scale purchases by major investors have played a key role in supporting the uptrend. Nevertheless, XRP still trades within a broad downward channel. The current structure has not fully turned bullish, so investors remain cautious with long-term positions.
The partnership with Rakuten is expanding real-world use cases for XRP and reinforcing Ripple’s position in the Asian market, which is seen as a significant milestone in the company’s strategic objectives.
Critical levels: Price ranges to watch
For investors, the $1.37 level is critical. Holding above this point is essential for further upward movement. The $1.40 to $1.42 range is seen as the next real test for the market, and a breakout here could trigger a fresh wave of gains.
Conversely, dropping below the $1.32 to $1.30 band could nullify the recent rally and pull XRP back into its previous sideways trading range. Additionally, continued outflows from ETFs and recent realized losses in the market underscore lingering uncertainty—despite the recent positive short-term momentum, the overall trend remains mixed.
