payments

NETSTARS, imToken Sign MOU to Explore In-Store Stablecoin Payments Across Japan and Asia

Tokyo-based payment gateway operator NETSTARS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore’s imToken to explore integrating the non-custodial Web3 wallet with NETSTARS’ "Stablecoin Pay" infrastructure. The initiative aims to advance real-world stablecoin adoption at physical retail locations in Japan and examine broader expansion opportunities across Asia.

The proposed collaboration seeks to connect imToken’s non-custodial wallet—which currently serves over 20 million users across 150 countries—with NETSTARS’ "StarPay-X" gateway concept. If implemented, the integration would allow domestic users and international travelers in Japan to complete everyday in-store merchant transactions using stablecoins.

NETSTARS Context: Building on its "StarPay" multi-cashless platform, NETSTARS launched "Stablecoin Pay" in July 2026 to support payments across multiple blockchains, wallets, and coins. This was followed by an August 2026 point-of-sale proof-of-concept trial at Lawson retail stores utilizing USDC, USDT, and JPYC.
imToken Context: Established in 2016, the Series-B blockchain technology firm provides non-custodial wallet services supporting multiple networks, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Agreement Scope: The MOU serves as a framework to evaluate potential integration and market opportunities; it does not constitute a formal commitment to launch a specific commercial service.

BOJ Rate Hike Path Exposes Generational Divide in Japanese Household Wealth

As expectations grow for the Bank of Japan to accelerate its monetary tightening cycle—with policy rates anticipated to reach 1.25% in September 2026 and rise above 2.0% by fiscal 2028—the macroeconomic balance sheet for Japanese households appears positive on the surface, but hides significant structural pressures

Japan’s Pension Giant Steps Outside Normal Schedule, Igniting Speculation Over Asset Allocation Review

In an unusual move, Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) convened a Board of Governors meeting during the mid-August summer holiday period. The session—held on August 21, 2026, and disclosed via an agenda release on August 31—marks the first time since 2019 that the board has

Japanese Yields Near 3% Threshold as Market Weighs BoJ Rate Hikes and Fiscal Risks

Japanese long-term government bond yields have pushed near the 3% level, with 10-year yields touching roughly 2.9% in mid-August. The move reflects rapid market repricing of Bank of Japan (BoJ) rate hikes following the July policy meeting and joint currency intervention. Overnight index swap (OIS) curves

Digital Garage Partners with SoVa to Streamline Cash Flow and Back-Office Operations for Startups and SMEs

Digital Garage (TSE Prime: 4819) announced a new strategic collaboration with tech-enabled accounting firm SoVa aimed at improving cash flow management and back-office digital transformation (DX) for startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). Through this partnership, SoVa users gain access to Digital Garage's corporate payment

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BOJ Rate Hike Path Exposes Generational Divide in Japanese Household Wealth

Japan’s Pension Giant Steps Outside Normal Schedule, Igniting Speculation Over Asset Allocation Review

Japanese Yields Near 3% Threshold as Market Weighs BoJ Rate Hikes and Fiscal Risks

Digital Garage Partners with SoVa to Streamline Cash Flow and Back-Office Operations for Startups and SMEs