Japan introduced its first yen-pegged stablecoin under domestic regulations on October 27, 2025, as startup JPYC Inc. issued the token known as JPYC. This development highlights Japan’s efforts to blend blockchain with traditional finance, following updates to its Payment Services Act.
Regulatory Framework for Yen-Pegged Stablecoin
The launch aligns with amendments to the Payment Services Act that took effect on June 1, 2023. These rules classify stablecoins as electronic payment instruments, requiring issuers to ensure redeemability and maintain reserves in specified assets. JPYC is fully redeemable at a 1:1 ratio with the yen and backed by domestic yen deposits and Japanese government bonds.
While reports suggest reserves must exceed circulating supply by at least 1%, this specific threshold remains unverified due to lack of confirmation in primary regulatory documents or multiple independent sources.
JPYC operates on blockchains including Avalanche, Ethereum, and Polygon for efficient transactions, as noted in industry announcements. This setup aims to reduce costs compared to traditional systems, supporting uses in remittances and decentralized finance.
Issuance Goals and Business Model
JPYC Inc. plans to issue up to 10 trillion yen worth of the stablecoin over three years, focusing on international use. This target, equivalent to about $66 billion, appears in one major report but lacks a second independent confirmation, marking it unverified. To encourage adoption, the company is waiving transaction fees initially and will generate revenue from interest on bond holdings.
Japan’s major banks are also advancing in this space. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, and Mizuho Financial Group plan a joint yen-pegged stablecoin for corporate settlements, with potential U.S. dollar versions. This initiative, reported in October 2025, seeks uniform standards for interbank transfers.
Adoption Challenges and Market Context
Experts predict gradual uptake. Former Bank of Japan executive Tomoyuki Shimoda estimated it may take two to three years for yen-pegged stablecoins to gain traction, but this quote appears only in a single source, rendering it unverified. U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins dominate the global market, holding over 90% share of fiat-backed tokens as of 2025.
JPYC is not the world’s first yen-pegged stablecoin, despite some claims. GYEN, issued by GMO-Z.com Trust Company, launched in January 2021 after New York Department of Financial Services approval in December 2020. It is backed 1:1 by yen reserves but was issued from the U.S. and initially unavailable to Japanese residents. Earlier, JPYC Inc. offered a prepaid yen token in January 2021, which lacked full stablecoin regulatory status.
This launch reflects broader Asian trends, with South Korea and China exploring similar tokens. Japan’s approach prioritizes stability, potentially influencing global digital asset policies amid a stablecoin market exceeding $300 billion in 2025.
