Netstars Unveils ‘StarPay-X’ Gateway to Integrate Web3 Finance into Mainstream Retail
Netstars, a leading provider of multi-cashless payment solutions, has launched "StarPay-X," a gateway concept designed to bridge the gap between traditional Web2 payment infrastructure and the emerging Web3 financial ecosystem.
The initiative represents a critical step for Netstars as it seeks to transition from a QR-code payment aggregator to a provider of next-generation financial infrastructure.
Bridging the Web2 and Web3 Divide
While Netstars has established a robust foundation in Web2 through its "StarPay" platform, the company noted that much of the current Web3 financial activity remains siloed within specialized technical environments. StarPay-X aims to solve this "social implementation" hurdle by connecting Web3 elements—such as stablecoins, digital wallets, blockchains, exchanges, and decentralized finance (DeFi)—directly with real-world merchant services and commercial flows.
The company stated that its goal is not merely technical connectivity, but to ensure that Web3-based finance becomes a practical tool used in everyday brick-and-mortar stores and services.
Proof of Concept at Haneda Airport
In a move to validate the concept, Netstars recently completed Japan’s first demonstration experiment for stablecoin payments in a retail environment. Conducted between January and February 2026 at select stores in Haneda Airport’s Terminal 3, the trial utilized the USDC stablecoin for merchant transactions. According to the company, the pilot provided critical data on operational feasibility and user convenience, marking a significant step toward commercializing on-chain finance.
A Multi-Chain, Multi-Wallet Strategy
Moving forward, Netstars intends to develop a "multi-chain, multi-wallet, and multi-coin" environment, ensuring that neither merchants nor consumers are restricted to a single technology or provider. To achieve this, the company is actively pursuing partnerships with several global and domestic Web3 leaders, including:
- Aptos: Utilizing its high-performance Layer-1 blockchain for enterprise-grade applications.
- Bitget Wallet: Exploring integration with its self-custodial wallet which serves over 90 million users globally.
- Canton Foundation: Leveraging institutional-grade blockchain infrastructure for reliable financial connectivity.
- Solana Foundation: Discussing the expansion of stablecoin use cases within the Japanese payment sector.
- Startale Group: Collaborating on on-chain financial infrastructure, including the use of JPYSC and USDSC stablecoins.
- WEA Japan: Partnering for the design and implementation of on-chain payment solutions.
Market Outlook
Netstars emphasized that while these collaborations are currently in the developmental and discussion stages, the StarPay-X initiative is central to its long-term vision. By acting as a mediator between existing financial systems and the new functionality offered by Web3, Netstars aims to define the future of financial services in a cashless society.
Norbert Gehrke
