Japan’s First Yen Stablecoin Goes Live with Major Institutions Onboard

The newly launched token, JPYC, is backed by a mix of bank deposits and Japanese government bonds. Its 1:1 exchange rate with the yen aims to ensure price stability while offering the speed and efficiency of blockchain transactions.

A New Platform for Issuing and Redeeming Stablecoins

Alongside the token launch, the company introduced JPYC EX, a purpose-built platform for minting and redeeming JPYC. The service is fully compliant with Japan’s Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds, featuring mandatory identity verification and transaction tracking.

Through JPYC EX, users can send yen via traditional bank transfers, receive JPYC in their registered wallets, and later convert it back to cash seamlessly. JPYC said this model could become a blueprint for regulated stablecoin systems in Japan.

Ambitious Goals for Japan’s Digital Economy

JPYC President Noriyoshi Okabe called the project a “turning point” in Japan’s financial evolution. The company envisions stablecoins as part of the country’s future payment infrastructure, targeting an issuance balance of 10 trillion yen within three years.

This long-term vision aims to blend traditional finance with blockchain innovation, creating what JPYC describes as “a new form of social infrastructure” based on digital money.

Competition Heats Up in the Yen Stablecoin Market

While JPYC holds the first-mover advantage, it won’t be alone for long. Monex Group has revealed plans for a similar yen-pegged token, and Japan’s “megabanks” — Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho — are developing a shared stablecoin framework through MUFG’s Progmat platform.

This wave of activity suggests Japan is preparing for an era where stablecoins could support both domestic and cross-border settlements at scale.

Regulators Open to a Broader Crypto Integration

Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is reportedly reviewing regulations that could allow banks to hold and invest in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC). If enacted, these changes would position Japan as one of the first major economies to formally integrate crypto assets into its banking system.

Globally, the stablecoin sector has ballooned past $308 billion, led by dollar-pegged giants USDT and USDC. Japan’s new entrants may mark the beginning of a regional alternative — a move to reduce reliance on U.S.-denominated digital assets.

A Digital Yen for the Next Decade

JPYC’s launch signals more than a technological achievement — it represents Japan’s intent to modernize its monetary ecosystem. With major institutions now moving toward blockchain adoption, the country could soon redefine how digital money operates within a regulated economy.

As the race for stablecoin dominance accelerates worldwide, Japan has officially joined the competition — with the yen finally stepping onto the digital stage.