MonaCoin is the first alternative cryptocurrency developed in Japan. It is based on the popular Japanese character, Mona. MonaCoin has a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism and uses a version of the Lyra2RE mining algorithm that was first used by Vertcoin.
MonaCoin has an enthusiastic user base that has developed a variety of Mona-based web applications and services. MonaCoin holders also use the coin as a tipping system.

BlackCoin is a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) cryptocurrency created in 2014. Users are rewarded for staking their coins to secure the network. BlackCoin's staking rewards vary between 1% to 8% per year.

FREE Coin is an Ethereum-based token with a focus on being inclusive and encouraging cryptocurrency adoption. Their goal is for the token's price to increase in value, until its price is close to the USD. FREE Coin's site does not provide any details about their development plan or what specific advantages their network will provide.