Japan’s stablecoin payment ecosystem is taking a significant step forward with two major developments: a trial by convenience store giant Lawson and the commercial launch of a multi-stablecoin payment service by Netstars. These initiatives highlight the growing integration of digital currencies into Japan’s retail infrastructure, backed by a regulatory framework that has been in place since June 2023.
Lawson trials yen stablecoin payments
Japanese convenience-store operator Lawson plans to test yen-denominated stablecoin payments at a single location in Tokyo’s Takanawa Gateway City area in August 2026. The trial is conducted in partnership with blockchain company HashPort and telecom group KDDI. Participants will use HashPort’s non-custodial wallet to make purchases, while the store uses the company’s point-of-sale system to process transactions without having to open or manage any crypto wallets itself. The trial aims to assess how stablecoin payments can fit into a standard convenience store checkout flow, testing integration requirements, operational processes, payment processing times, and wallet usability. Success could pave the way for broader adoption across Lawson’s network of thousands of convenience stores nationwide. HashPort emphasized that the pilot shields merchants from the operational complexity typically associated with accepting digital assets, as all fiat conversion and settlement is handled behind the scenes.
Netstars launches Stablecoin Pay
Separately, Japanese payments company Netstars officially launched its Stablecoin Pay service on Monday, opening applications from merchants who wish to accept multiple stablecoins as payment options. The initial rollout supports USDC, USDT, and the yen-denominated JPYC, operating on the Solana and Polygon networks. MetaMask is the supported wallet at launch, with Netstars pledging to add more wallets and blockchains in the future. Merchants can use their existing payment terminals in most cases, and all product pricing, sales records, and settlement are handled in Japanese yen, even when customers pay with dollar-denominated stablecoins like USDC or USDT. This eliminates the need for merchants to hold cryptocurrency or manage exchange rate risk. Netstars set the merchant payment fee at 0.98%, which is competitive with traditional card processing fees. The commercial launch follows previous trials conducted by Netstars, including USDC payments at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport from January to February 2026 and at a trading-card store in Himeji from April 2026. Those pilots helped validate the technology and refine the merchant experience before the public rollout.
Japan’s regulatory foundation for stablecoins
These developments are built on Japan’s pioneering regulatory framework for stablecoins, which took effect on June 1, 2023, with amendments to the Payment Services Act and related laws. The rules created clear regulatory categories for fiat-linked stablecoins, requiring any intermediary to register with the Financial Services Agency (FSA). This framework has given companies the legal clarity needed to develop and deploy stablecoin products for consumers and merchants. In March 2025, regulatory approval was granted for the distribution of USDC in Japan, and in August 2025, JPYC registered as a fund transfer service provider, enabling its full launch in October 2025. The JPYC stablecoin, which is pegged to the Japanese yen, has emerged as a native digital currency for domestic use cases, complementing international stablecoins like USDC and USDT.
Implications for retail and the broader ecosystem
The move from limited pilots to a merchant-facing service marks a maturation of Japan’s stablecoin market. By leveraging existing point-of-sale infrastructure and non-custodial wallets, companies are lowering barriers for merchants while giving customers more payment choices. The Lawson trial is particularly notable because convenience stores are deeply embedded in Japanese daily life, serving as hubs for everything from groceries to bill payments and package delivery. If successful, the trial could accelerate adoption across the entire retail sector. Netstars’ service, meanwhile, offers a plug-and-play solution for any merchant, from small independent stores to large chains. The support for multiple blockchains (Solana and Polygon) also reflects a trend toward multi-chain interoperability, allowing merchants to cater to users of different networks without added complexity.
Background on key participants
HashPort is a Japanese blockchain company focused on enterprise solutions, including non-custodial wallets and payment infrastructure. Its partnership with KDDI, one of Japan’s largest telecom carriers, adds credibility and network reach. KDDI has been actively exploring Web3 and blockchain applications, including digital identity and tokenized assets. Lawson, with over 14,000 stores across Japan, is one of the country’s “three great convenience store chains” alongside 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. Its involvement in stablecoin payments signals major retail interest in digital currencies. Netstars is a payment processing company that already handles millions of transactions annually across various payment methods. Its Stablecoin Pay service is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing merchant systems, requiring minimal technical changes.
Future outlook
Japan’s stablecoin ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly. The combination of clear regulation, increasing merchant adoption, and consumer-facing wallet solutions is creating a fertile environment for growth. In addition to retail payments, stablecoins are being explored for remittances, corporate treasury, and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. The Lawson trial and Netstars launch are just the beginning of what could be a broader shift toward digital currency usage in everyday commerce. As more companies enter the space and regulatory clarity deepens, Japan is positioning itself as a global leader in stablecoin-based payments.
Source:Cointelegraph News