Lawson plans to pilot JPYC stablecoin payments at a Tokyo convenience store in August, marking what it says is Japan’s first POS-linked stablecoin payment test. The experiment could help move yen stablecoins from financial pilots into everyday retail use.
Key Takeaways
Lawson will pilot JPYC stablecoin payments at a Tokyo store in August using POS integration. Lawson is one of the “big three” convenience store giants in Japan, alongside 7-Eleven and Familymart.Hashport powers the test, moving yen stablecoins closer to everyday retail payments.Lawson will assess the pilot before deciding on a broader rollout across its stores.The pilot is expected to begin in early August at Lawson’s Takanawa Gateway City store in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, according to the Nikkei. The company will work with digital asset wallet provider Hashport to allow shoppers to pay for goods through smartphone electronic wallets.
POS Integration Puts Stablecoins Into Daily CommerceThe key feature of the pilot is not only that JPYC can be used for payment, but that it connects with Lawson’s existing store management infrastructure.
The company plans to evaluate the stability of the POS integration and the time required to complete payments before deciding whether to expand the service more broadly.
Banks and Retailers Move Toward Commercial UseJPYC use cases are already beginning to spread in Japan.
Chibo, an okonomiyaki restaurant operator, started accepting JPYC at some stores in April. Dental clinics in Tokyo are also planning to introduce JPYC payments in partnership with Hashport.
