Understanding Why Bybit, Bitget, MEXC, and Kucoin Apps Were Removed from the Japanese App Store.
As of early February 2025, cryptocurrency users in Japan have encountered a surprising development: apps for major crypto exchanges, including Bybit, Bitget, MEXC, and Kucoin, have been removed from the Japanese App Store. This news comes in the wake of actions taken by the country’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) in late 2024, warning these platforms about compliance with local regulations.
The restriction on app downloads for these exchanges marks a significant shift in the availability of cryptocurrency-related services in Japan. Crypto aficionados who previously relied on these apps to trade and manage their digital assets are now unable to access these sites through the App Store.
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Apple’s move to restrict Japanese consumers from downloading these apps has sparked speculation about the future of bitcoin exchanges in Japan. With the FSA increasing its hold on digital asset companies, it appears that exchanges will face even more stringent inspection in the coming months.
The action has hampered numerous well-known exchanges, including Bybit, Bitget, MEXC, and Kucoin, who have been unable to provide updated iOS downloads. For users who already have the apps installed, functionality may be preserved for the time being, although it is unclear how long these exchanges will continue to function properly in the country.
Japan has long been a major player in the global cryptocurrency industry, and the decision to remove these popular exchange apps from the App Store could mark a turning point in the region’s digital asset ecosystem. Investors and users will need to keep an eye on how the legal environment changes and whether these platforms can find new methods to enter the market.
The move raises concerns about the broader ramifications for other cryptocurrency exchanges, including their capacity to comply with Japanese rules. As global scrutiny of the cryptocurrency field grows, Japan’s regulatory actions are likely to shape how other countries approach cryptocurrency legislation in the future.
To summarise, the withdrawal of Bybit, Bitget, MEXC, and Kucoin apps from the Japanese App Store is a significant step for crypto consumers in Japan and reflects the country’s rising emphasis on digital asset regulation. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these exchanges will respond to the new regulatory climate and whether they will be able to return to the Japanese market in the future.
