Lawson Tests JPYC Stablecoin Payments in Japan
Japan’s third largest convenience store chain, Lawson, is set to begin a pilot program that allows customers to pay with the JPYC stablecoin. According to reports, the trial will start in early August 2026 at the company’s Takanawa Gateway City store in Tokyo. The initiative marks another step toward bringing blockchain based payments into everyday retail shopping.
KDDI and HashPort Support the Trial
The pilot is part of a proof of concept developed in partnership with KDDI, Japan’s second largest telecommunications company, and HashPort, a crypto wallet provider that supports JPYC transactions. The project aims to evaluate how stablecoin payments perform in real world retail environments and whether they can offer customers a faster and more convenient payment experience.
JPYC Expands Its Presence in Japan
JPYC became Japan’s first registered yen backed stablecoin after the country’s licensing framework for stablecoin issuers came into effect in 2023. Launched in October 2025, the digital asset maintains a 1:1 peg to the Japanese yen and runs on Ethereum, Avalanche, Polygon, and Kaia. The stablecoin is fully backed by yen deposits and government bonds, ensuring compliance with Japan’s Payment Services Act.
Lawson Continues to Embrace Digital Innovation
Lawson operates 14,697 stores across Japan and reported more than 3.02 trillion yen (approximately $18.68 billion) in net sales during the 2026 fiscal year. By testing stablecoin payments, the retailer is exploring new ways to modernize its payment systems while supporting the country’s growing digital finance ecosystem.
Stablecoin Adoption Gains Momentum
JPYC recently surpassed 2 billion yen (around $12.36 million) in onchain circulation, highlighting its growing adoption. The company has also partnered with Metaplanet and Progmat to study digital credit solutions using Bitcoin, stablecoins, and security tokens. If Lawson’s pilot proves successful, it could encourage wider use of regulated stablecoins across Japan’s retail industry.
