NETSTARS Launches Japan’s First In-Store USDC Payment Pilot at Haneda Airport to Capture Inbound Demand
NETSTARS, a leading QR code payment gateway provider, will begin a pilot program accepting Circle's U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin "USDC" for payments at physical retail locations within Haneda Airport Terminal 3.
The initiative, claimed by the company to be a first for brick-and-mortar stores in Japan, aims to streamline transactions for international tourists and bridge the gap between Web3 assets and real-world retail infrastructure.
Bridging Web3 and Retail
As inbound tourism to Japan continues to recover, the demand for diverse payment methods has surged. While stablecoins like USDC have gained traction globally for their utility in the digital space, their integration into physical point-of-sale (POS) systems has faced technical and operational hurdles.
To address this, NETSTARS is integrating USDC acceptance into its flagship "StarPay" multi-payment gateway. The system utilizes technology developed by partner WEA JAPAN to generate payment-specific QR codes.
Under the pilot scheme, customers will display a QR code from their mobile wallets, which merchants will scan using existing StarPay terminals to process the transaction. This structure is designed to eliminate the administrative burden typically associated with handling cryptocurrency for merchants, allowing for seamless settlement similar to traditional electronic payments.
Regulatory Compliance and Market Context
The move comes against a backdrop of increasing regulatory clarity for digital assets. The company cited the passage of the "Genius Act" in the United States in July 2025 as a catalyst for global attention on stablecoin settlements. Domestically, interest in digital currency is rising with initiatives such as the issuance of JPYC (a yen-pegged stablecoin).
Addressing potential legal concerns regarding cryptocurrency in retail, NETSTARS confirmed that the scheme has been vetted by legal counsel. Attorney Otoki Shimizu noted that the project has been structured to comply strictly with Japan's Payment Services Act, utilizing a framework derived from analyzing social needs and technical capabilities.
Executive Commentary
Tsuyoshi Li, Representative Director and CEO of NETSTARS, emphasized the strategic importance of the location, "We are honored to realize in-store stablecoin payments at Haneda Airport in collaboration with Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd.," Li stated. "This pilot is a first step. By connecting Web3 with the real economy through our payment gateway, we aim to deliver new value and drive the social implementation of stablecoins, contributing to the further development of a cashless society."
Future Outlook
Following the pilot at Haneda, NETSTARS plans to analyze the results with an eye toward expanding the service to other airports and commercial facilities. The company intends to continue building the settlement infrastructure necessary to connect Web3 technologies with the physical economy.
Norbert Gehrke
