Two new cryptocurrency exchanges have launched in Japan.

The Bitbox exchange, launched by the Line messenger, offers trading in 28 digital currencies, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ether and Litecoin.

The platform supports trading in 15 languages and is open to investors worldwide, except in the US and Japan, where Line is still seeking regulatory approval.

VCTRADE, launched by financial services company SBI Holdings, offers trading in three currencies: Ripple, Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash.

Trading is only available to Japanese investors.

Japan recognized Bitcoin as legal tender in 2017, sparking a surge in investor interest in digital currencies.

According to a government report, in the first quarter of this year, about 3.5 million people took part in trading on 17 cryptocurrency exchanges in Japan.