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# Japan’s New Digital Currency Body Launches Full Operations to Advance Tokenized Deposits and On-Chain Finance
- URL: https://www.fintechobserver.com/japans-new-digital-currency-body-launches-full-operations-to-advance-tokenized-deposits-and-on-chain-finance/
- Published: 2026-10-06T22:47:16.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-06T22:47:16.000Z
- Author: Norbert Gehrke
- Tags: payments, tokenized deposits, policy, industry association

Japan’s newly established Digital Currency Innovation Organization (DCIO) has launched full-scale operations on October 1, 2026, marking an evolution from the original Digital Currency Forum founded in 2020\. 

The Tokyo-based organization aims to build a secure, efficient, and internationally competitive digital payment infrastructure. The DCIO's primary focus will be the deployment of tokenized bank deposits and the advancement of "on-chain finance"—integrating digital settlement systems with supply chains, administrative processes, and commercial transactions.

Formally established in July 2026, the DCIO was founded by digital payment platform provider DeCurret DCP and GMO Aozora Net Bank. Under its Articles of Incorporation, the association operates under a non-profit distribution structure running on an April–March fiscal year.

The entity establishes a two-tiered membership structure, distinguishing general participating corporate members from voting members who hold governance rights at the general assembly.

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## Leadership and Industry Backing

The association is chaired by Eijiro Katsu, former Vice Minister of Finance and Special Advisor to Internet Initiative Japan (IIJ). Former Bank of Japan (BOJ) Payment and Settlement Systems Department Director Hiromi Yamaoka serves as Vice Representative Director, alongside Senior Managing Director Yosuke Hayama of DeCurret DCP.

The leadership team features executives from major Japanese financial institutions, including Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Mizuho Financial Group, Japan Post Bank, SBI Shinsei Bank, and GMO Aozora Net Bank. The group also plans to expand its board to include regional banks and IT infrastructure providers.

In addition, the body has assembled a panel of high-level advisors:

- **Executive Advisors:** Former BOJ Governors Haruhiko Kuroda and Masayoshi Amamiya, alongside former Financial Services Agency (FSA) Commissioner Hideki Ito.
- **Special Advisors:** CEOs and leadership from Japan’s top banking groups, including Hironori Kamezawa (MUFG), Masahiro Kihara (Mizuho), and Toru Nakashima (SMBC).

## Strategic Roadmap and Committee Structure

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/46/cb/46cbd57f-e0e8-41a4-a1e2-710103a4267b/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-07-at-7.44.49.png)

As private-sector digital currencies gain momentum globally, the DCIO aims to serve as a neutral platform to shape regulatory dialogue, formulate policy recommendations, and establish technical standards. The organization will also represent Japan in setting global standards and ensuring interoperability across public, private, and cross-border settlement platforms.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/46/cb/46cbd57f-e0e8-41a4-a1e2-710103a4267b/content/images/2026/10/b27abd3b-cc77-4d0e-95cf-9519681d94f9.jpeg)

Operations will be divided into three specialized committees:

1. **Banking Committee:** Focuses on market environment, regulatory design, and standardization for tokenized deposits.
2. **Technology Committee:** Addresses technical specifications, security, and infrastructure standardization.
3. **User Committee:** Evaluates practical use cases across B2B commerce, regional economies, and public sector integration.

Over 40 financial institutions and corporations have already joined or are considering membership, with the full member list scheduled for public disclosure scheduled for October.

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[DeCurret raised JPY 6.35bn to strengthen DCJPY networkDeCurret Holdings raised a total of JPY 6,35bn from a total of 13 companies including Internet Initiative Japan as the largest shareholder…![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/46/cb/46cbd57f-e0e8-41a4-a1e2-710103a4267b/content/images/icon/Newsletter-Small-c065de08-f235-4f0d-bf22-494a004a4f1c.png)Japan FinTech ObserverNorbert Gehrke![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/46/cb/46cbd57f-e0e8-41a4-a1e2-710103a4267b/content/images/thumbnail/1-1euxlrofrqrxbioxvrqybw-799e120a-c0be-4d04-9bf9-d7f13e8a85ec.png)](https://www.fintechobserver.com/decurret-raised-jpy-6-35bn-to-strengthen-dcjpy-network/)