Japan Advances Stablecoin Payments with Lawson Trial and Netstars Launch
Vexoda Newsroom
Japanese companies are pushing forward with the integration of stablecoins in retail settings. Lawson will test payments at a Tokyo store, while blockchain firm HashPort partners with telecom KDDI for
In Japan, the adoption of stablecoin technology is gaining momentum as major companies begin to explore its integration into everyday retail transactions. The latest development involves Lawson, one of Japan's leading convenience store chains, which will test yen-stablecoin payments at a Tokyo location starting in August 2026.
The trial has been organized through an agreement between Lawson and HashPort, along with telecom group KDDI. Participants will use HashPort’s non-custodial wallet for transactions, while the store processes payments via HashPort's point-of-sale system to avoid the complexity of managing crypto wallets directly. This pilot aims to assess how stablecoins can be smoothly integrated into Japan’s retail infrastructure.
Meanwhile, blockchain company Netstars has launched a merchant service called Stablecoin Pay on Monday, which supports USDC, USDT, and JPYC through the Solana and Polygon networks. Using MetaMask as the wallet of choice, merchants can accept payments in these stablecoins without needing to hold or manage crypto assets themselves. The service is designed to be compatible with existing payment terminals, allowing for a seamless transition.
These developments come after Japan introduced regulatory frameworks for stablecoins on June 1, 2023, following the amendment of relevant laws and regulations. This includes the registration requirements for businesses acting as intermediaries under the Financial Services Agency’s oversight. The introduction of USDC distribution in March 2025 and JPYC's launch in October that same year further solidify Japan's stance on stablecoin adoption.
The broader implications are significant, especially considering how stablecoins can enhance payment systems while reducing operational complexity for merchants. By allowing payments in dollar-denominated stablecoins but processing them in yen, Netstars’ service removes the need to manage exchange rates or hold crypto assets directly, which could be particularly beneficial for businesses operating across different currencies.
Traders and investors should keep an eye on how these pilots evolve and whether they lead to wider adoption. The success of such initiatives could drive further innovation in payment systems and potentially influence other countries' approaches to integrating stablecoins into their economies.
Source: Cointelegraph. Summarized and rewritten by the Vexoda Newsroom. This is market news, not financial advice.