August 20, 2026, 7:53 a.m. (JST)
[Japan] The Blockchain Promotion Association (BCCC), a general incorporated association, announced that it has added the Japanese yen-pegged stablecoin “JPYC” as an option for annual membership fee payments starting in July 2026. The supported wallets are unWallet and HashPort Wallet, and the supported stablecoin is JPYC (other stablecoins will be considered in the future).
Since the enforcement of the amended Payment Services Act in June 2023, the regulatory framework surrounding stablecoins in Japan has been established, including their legal status and mechanisms to ensure safe circulation.With the issuance of the Japanese yen-denominated stablecoin “JPYC” set to begin in October 2025—and its total issuance having already surpassed 3 billion yen (as of May 30, 2026)—stablecoins are said to have moved beyond the pilot phase and are becoming increasingly widespread as a means of payment and remittance in daily life and business.
With the aim of expanding the potential of blockchain as social infrastructure, the BCCC issued “Zen”—Japan’s first stablecoin with a stable exchange rate against the yen (JPY)—in July 2017.This pilot project was conducted with a total issuance of approximately 850 million yen of “Zen” and the participation of about 10 BCCC member companies. Based on the insights gained from this project, the “Stablecoin Subcommittee” (now the Stablecoin Promotion Subcommittee) was established in February 2020, and the organization continues to promote technological awareness.
Against this backdrop, to further accelerate the adoption of stablecoins, the BCCC is adding the Japanese yen-denominated stablecoin “JPYC” as a payment method for annual membership fees. This is reportedly the first such initiative by an industry association. (paymentnavi Editorial Team)
