Japan’s Lawson convenience store chain will begin a trial of yen-denominated stablecoin payments at its Takanawa Gateway City store in Tokyo’s Minato Ward starting early August 2026. The test will integrate JPYC, a stablecoin pegged to the Japanese yen, directly with Lawson’s point-of-sale (POS) system, marking what the company describes as Japan’s first stablecoin payment trial connected to a POS system.
Customers will display a barcode from a supported mobile wallet, which a store employee scans using the existing POS terminal. Digital asset wallet provider HashPort will then use the transaction data to update the customer’s JPYC balance in real time. This integration allows Lawson to manage purchase details—including product quantities and timestamps—alongside regular sales data, enabling a direct comparison with traditional card and QR payment flows.
The trial will evaluate system stability, transaction speed, and how well the process fits into normal store operations without slowing customers or burdening staff. Lawson will decide on a wider rollout after assessing these factors. JPYC Inc. began issuing the stablecoin in October 2025, backing it with yen deposits and Japanese government bonds. The token is designed to support payments and transfers under Japan’s regulated framework, with waived transaction fees to encourage adoption.
Japan’s major banks, including MUFG, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho, are also developing yen-based stablecoins, with live transactions expected during fiscal 2026. Meanwhile, Ripple and SBI launched the dollar-backed RLUSD in June 2026 after receiving regulatory approval. Lawson’s trial, however, stands out for its direct POS connection at a top-tier retailer, signaling a potential shift toward everyday stablecoin use in Japan’s retail sector.
