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.

Mindexcoin is developing a universal payment platform powered by the Ethereum based token, MIC. Their marketing materials do not clearly outline any unique selling points, or advantages, that it will provide compared to other blokchain-based payment platforms.