Japan accelerates stablecoin merchant payments, JCB to test USDC payments for tourists

According to ChainCatcher, citing CoinPost, JCB has partnered with a Circle-affiliated company and plans to test USDC payments at a Tokyo store popular with foreign tourists within this year, with the aim of evaluating expansion to more participating merchants.

This pilot aims to reduce currency exchange steps for tourists and lower payment fees. JCB has previously cooperated with Digital Garage and Resona Holdings to test in-store payments using USDC and JPYC. Japan has recently accelerated stablecoin merchant payment trials, including Lawson’s plan to test JPYC in-store settlements in August.