Japanese Startup JPYC Prepares To Launch First Yen Stablecoin

While China is still preparing for the Yuan Stablecoin, JPYC’s upcoming launch ties Japan’s financial system to the global stablecoin market. With approval from Japan’s Financial Services Agency now secured, JPYC will be the first company allowed to issue a regulated yen stablecoin. It will be fully backed by bank deposits and Japanese bonds. The company plans to begin issuance in autumn 2025. It will be targeting up to one trillion yen in circulation within three years.

Yen Stablecoin Backed by Bonds and Deposits

Eighty percent of reserves will sit in Japanese bonds, and the rest in deposits, with more than 101 percent collateralization built in. That design gives stability and also creates a new buyer for sovereign debt. If JPYC hits its targets, it could become a major presence in the bond market, not unlike how US stablecoin issuers have become big players in Treasuries. That demand could help Japan manage its debt profile while opening new yield strategies for institutions.

Simple Business Model with Bond Interest

There are no issuance or transaction fees in coins. JPYC makes money from the interest earned on bonds. Every trillion yen issued is projected to generate around five billion yen in gross profit annually. It’s a model that scales with adoption, which is why CEO Noritaka Okabe describes the goal as becoming “Japan’s Circle.” That ambition is not just branding. Circle’s direct investment in JPYC signals real backing and makes the comparison more than symbolic.

Blockchain Networks and KYC Integration

On the technology side, the yen stablecoin will run on Ethereum, Avalanche, and Polygon. KYC is tightly integrated with Japan’s My Number ID cards, ensuring compliance but limiting early adoption to residents. Over time, Okabe expects a broader reach, with the stablecoin functioning as a digital yen usable both domestically and abroad. Point-of-sale integrations are already in motion, with convenience store demos complete and full rollout expected in 2026. For developers, SDKs in Python and Node.js are available now to embed payments directly into e-commerce systems.

Carry Trades and Cross-Border Payments

Near-zero interest rates in Japan make a yen stablecoin appealing for carry trades. Investors can borrow in yen, then put that money into higher-yield assets elsewhere, earning spreads of three to five percent. The stablecoin could also make cross-border payments easier. It would work especially across Asia, where remittances and trade often get stuck in slow, outdated banking systems. If the hurdles around interoperability are worked out, fixing these inefficiencies is where the real growth opportunity sits. 

The launch coincides with WebX 2025, Asia’s largest Web3 event. That puts JPYC on stage just as conversations about digital yen and global stablecoin adoption heat up. Industry estimates suggest the yen stablecoin market could reach 40 to 83 trillion yen within five years, so the upside is hard to ignore.

The risks are still there. Redemption under stress conditions could put pressure on bond markets. Global connectivity remains a work in progress. Yet the broader direction feels set. Japan is moving toward a future where a yen stablecoin backed by Japanese bonds not only supports its financial system but also lays the groundwork for a digital yen with real international use. JPYC’s launch, with Circle backing and regulatory clarity, could mark the beginning of that shift.