Japan Bitcoin Industry Co., Ltd. has launched a self-custodial Bitcoin payments platform created to assist Japanese businesses in selling goods to international fans who frequently face barriers from conventional payment networks.
Unveiled this week at the Bitcoin Asia conference in Hong Kong, JBI introduced Aurora with the goal of connecting with an unserved customer base.
The concept is straightforward: while Japanese content such as anime, manga, and games enjoys a tremendous global audience, the existing payment systems have failed to keep pace.
Aurora seeks to bridge this divide by enabling international buyers to make payments using Bitcoin via the Lightning Network. Simultaneously, it provides Japanese merchants with a straightforward point-of-sale and API layer to handle invoicing, payment monitoring, and system integrations.
Data from JBI indicates that the international market for Japanese anime content grew 26% year-over-year to reach ¥2.17 trillion in 2024. Despite this demand, numerous overseas fans continue to face difficulties purchasing digital merchandise, streaming subscriptions, and limited-access drops because of geographic payment limitations.
A foundational design principle of the platform is that JBI maintains no custody of the funds. Every merchant operates an individual self-custodial Lightning node, allowing them to collect Bitcoin straight from buyers.
JBI notes that this architecture provides companies with a more favorable regulatory position since the firm does not act as a custodian. At the same time, JBI manages complex operational challenges—such as node availability, liquidity management, accounting, auditing, and fiat conversion—that have traditionally deterred enterprises from independently adopting Bitcoin payments.
According to JBI, Aurora benefits from the insights gained through its established consumer service, UseBitcoin.jp, which has enabled users to purchase digital gift cards (including Kyash, au PAY, and V-Preca cards) via Lightning payments over the past two years.
The firm is encouraging media representatives, potential merchants, and wallet providers to reach out to the team during Bitcoin Asia 2026 in Hong Kong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aurora?
Aurora is a self-custodial Bitcoin payments platform launched by Japan Bitcoin Industry Co., Ltd. to help Japanese companies sell content to international fans using the Lightning Network.
Why was Aurora created?
It was built to solve geographic payment restrictions that prevent global anime, manga, and gaming fans from easily purchasing Japanese content through traditional payment systems.
How does Aurora handle funds?
JBI never touches the money; merchants operate their own self-custodial Lightning nodes to receive Bitcoin payments directly from customers.
Where was Aurora unveiled?
The platform was introduced at the Bitcoin Asia conference in Hong Kong.
