capital markets
The Japan Securities Clearing Corporation (JSCC) is moving to modernize the architectural backbone of Japanese finance, announcing a strategic initiative to implement a blockchain-based settlement layer. In collaboration with Mizuho, Nomura, and technology partner Digital Asset, the JSCC is transitioning toward a more resilient, instantaneous clearing environment. By utilizing the
blockchain
Digital Asset Markets and Intertrade (TSE: 3747) have developed a new token issuance and distribution infrastructure designed to facilitate the multi-chain expansion of the "Zipangcoin" series. The Zipangcoin series, issued by Mitsui & Co. Digital Commodities, consists of three commodity-linked crypto assets: Zipangcoin (ZPG), Zipangcoin Silver (ZPGAG), and
tokenization
Progmat, the leader of Japan’s “Digital Asset Co-Creation Consortium” (DCC), has published an interim summary detailing a comprehensive strategy to move traditional securities—including blue-chip stocks and investment trusts—onto blockchain infrastructure. The report, titled "On-chain-ification of All Securities," outlines both a product framework for "Japanese-style
payments
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
stablecoins
Tokyo-based software developer Asteria Corporation (TSE: 3853) has partnered with blockchain engineering firm Angoya to launch "JPYC Explorer," a specialized audit-support tool for the Japanese yen-pegged stablecoin, JPYC. Slated for release on April 1, 2026, the new platform targets a critical bottleneck in the institutional adoption of digital
stablecoins
The MoneyX 2026 conference has signaled a definitive shift from blockchain experimentation to a high-velocity era of implementation. As global finance navigates the transition to an on-chain operating system, we identified ten imperatives discussed at MoneyX that define the strategic landscape. 1. The Ascension of the AI Agent as Economic
trade finance
Vlightup, a Tokyo-based FinTech firm, has officially launched a "Next-Generation Trade Finance Global Settlement Platform" built on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). The new service aims to synchronize information and fund movement in Letter of Credit (LC) transactions, targeting what the company describes as the "last friction"
regulation
At a Japan Blockchain Association webinar held on February 18, 2026, Startale Group's Sota Watanabe and Kengo Masuyama discussed the evolving landscape of blockchain regulation in both Japan and the United States. The speakers highlight how US legislative drafts, such as the Lummis-Gillibrand and Clarity Acts, are moving
stablecoins
LINE NEXT announced today the integration of the yen-denominated stablecoin JPYC into its upcoming Web3 wallet, "Unify" in order to accelerate the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency in Japan. The announcement, made during the WebX conference, signals a transition from experimental blockchain projects to tangible implementations, leveraging the ubiquitous
stablecoin
SBI Holdings and Startale Group officially unveiled "JPYSC" on Friday with a view to bridge traditional banking with the burgeoning Web3 economy, branding it as the first Japanese Yen stablecoin backed by a trust bank. The strategic alliance positions JPYSC as a fully regulated digital asset designed for
stablecoin
JPYC Inc., the issuer of the Japanese Yen-pegged stablecoin "JPYC," has completed the first close of its Series B funding round, raising a total of 1.78 billion yen (approx. $11.8 million USD). The round was led by Asteria Corporation, with participation from a diverse consortium of
tokenization
Progmat has entered into a strategic partnership with Ava Labs (Avalanche) and blockchain interoperability startup Datachain, aiming to accelerate the "financial on-chain" ecosystem by migrating Progmat’s Security Token (ST) platform from a private ledger to the Avalanche public blockchain ecosystem. From Private Consortium to Public Ecosystem Progmat,