Did you know? Airdrop-related tokens listed on Coincheck!

"Get new crypto assets just by holding them."

Many of you might be interested in airdrops, attracted by such appealing words. Coincheck, a major domestic exchange, has supported airdrops for its users many times in the past.

However, if you are "just waiting," you might miss out on big opportunities in the future.

That's because the world of airdrops is undergoing a major shift from an era of "just holding" to an era of "participating and contributing" to projects.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain all the information on how to acquire value from tokens related to Coincheck, from the past to the future, from the basics to the cutting edge. By reading this article, you will surely find the next action you should take.

Coincheck's Basic Role: A "Custodian" That Protects Users

The most important point to understand first is that Coincheck functions as a "custodian" for airdrops.

Even when complex technical processes or procedures are required, for airdrops that Coincheck has announced support for, it receives the tokens on behalf of the users and distributes them safely to their accounts. This significantly reduces the risk of users losing their right to receive tokens, even without specialized knowledge.

However, there are several patterns to their response, and not all airdrops are treated the same. They can be broadly classified into the following two categories:

1. Airdrops directly supported by Coincheck: Cases where holding assets on the exchange is the condition, and Coincheck handles the process up to distribution. For details on HFs, click here.
2. Airdrops not directly involved with Coincheck: Cases where the token itself is listed on Coincheck, but the distribution conditions depend on activities outside the exchange, such as owning NFTs.

First is the basic "holder airdrop," where you can get new tokens "just by holding" the target crypto asset at a specific date and time. In this type, Coincheck handles the complex procedures on behalf of the user, so we basically just need to wait.

Major Past Cases and Lessons Learned

• NEM (XEM) → Symbol (XYM) A classic pattern commemorating a major blockchain update. However, due to regulatory review in Japan, it took about 11 months from the rights confirmation to the distribution.

• Bitcoin (BTC) → Stellar Lumens (XLM) An unusual case where a surprise distribution was made in 2019 to those who held BTC in 2017, more than two years later. It was a symbolic event showing that Coincheck manages user assets with integrity.

"FLR," the Turning Point of an Era

• Ripple (XRP) → Flare (FLR) This airdrop was the most important case, signaling a transitional period between old and new models.
  • First 15%: Was automatically distributed just by holding.
  • Remaining 85%: Could not be received unless the user sent it to an external wallet and performed specific actions (wrapping or claiming).

This case, which brought home the reality that "you can't get all the assets you're supposed to get just by waiting," was a premonition of the future of airdrops.

Upcoming Holder Airdrops to Look Forward To

• IOST Foundation's Long-Term Program: Based on a snapshot taken in March 2025, tokens are scheduled to be distributed in 8 installments over 4 years. It's gaining attention as a new model that rewards long-term holders.
• Lisk's (LSK) New Token: Coincheck has officially announced its "intention to support" it, raising expectations for a future distribution.

This is where it gets interesting. For many of the popular Web3 tokens listed on Coincheck, you actually get nothing just by holding them.

The "place" where value is created is outside the exchange, and "active participation and contribution" to the project is the key to rewards. Let's look at this new reward model through five case studies.

[IMPORTANT] The rewards introduced below cannot be received unless you use a self-custody wallet like MetaMask and directly use the services of each project.

5 Case Studies

1. Basic Attention Token (BAT)

   • How to get: You can get BAT as a reward for viewing ads on the privacy-focused browser "Brave."

2. The Sandbox (SAND) / Decentraland (MANA)

   • How to get: You can get tokens and NFTs as rewards by playing games, participating in events, or owning virtual land "LAND" within the metaverse.

3. Immutable (IMX)

   • How to get: IMX was retroactively distributed as a token of contribution to users who had been playing the NFT game "Gods Unchained" from its early days.

4. Axie Infinity (AXS)

   • How to get: You can get rewards by winning in the game or participating in promotional activities such as friend referrals.

In this model, Coincheck's role becomes the "exit (exchange)" to convert the acquired tokens into Japanese Yen, or the "entrance (gateway)" to buy tokens to participate in projects.

Airdrops have "pitfalls" that can cause you to lose out if you overlook them.

• Caution 1: "Regulatory Lag" Means Distribution Takes Time As in the XYM case, due to strict reviews in Japan, it can take several months to over a year from rights confirmation to distribution. Keep in mind that "support announced ≠ immediate distribution."

• Caution 2: Sometimes Coincheck Says "NO" There was a past airdrop for IOST holders called Donnie Finance (DON), but Coincheck decided against supporting it, stating "its safety could not be confirmed." This is proof that the exchange checks the quality to protect users.

• Caution 3: Listed ≠ Eligible As with ApeCoin (APE), if the condition is owning a specific NFT, holding the token on Coincheck will not make you eligible for the airdrop.

Now that you understand the two currents of "holding" and "participating," we propose four strategies for you to take from now on.

Strategy ①: Gather Information from "Official" and "On-the-Ground" Sources!

In addition to Coincheck's official website and press releases, directly check the official websites and communities (like Discord) of projects you're interested in. The hints for the next big opportunity are hidden "on the ground."

Strategy ②: Practice a Dual-Pronged Approach of "Holding" and "Participating"!

While holding promising tokens on an exchange, try to actually engage with their ecosystem, even with a small amount. Playing a game, trying out dApps, or creating content—active "participation" could lead to unexpected future returns.

Strategy ③: Master Self-Custody Wallets!

In the era of "participation-based" rewards, a self-custody wallet like MetaMask is an essential skill. Make sure to master the setup and basic operations now.

Strategy ④: Always Be Prepared for Taxes and Scams!

No matter how you receive rewards, they are, in principle, subject to taxation. Always keep a record of when, what, and for how much you acquired. Also, scams disguised as airdrops are becoming more sophisticated. Ignore announcements from sources other than official websites and never tell anyone your private key.

The world of crypto assets is no longer just an investment to track price fluctuations. It's a dynamic ecosystem where value is created by participating in, contributing to, and growing with projects.

Why not use Coincheck as a safe "entrance" and take a courageous step into the vast world of Web3 that lies outside the exchange? New-era wealth and excitement you've yet to discover surely await you there.