JPYC has raised 6 billion yen ($38 million) in an extended Series B round after Tokyo-listed logistics firm AZ-COM Maruwa Holdings invested 1 billion yen. The yen-backed stablecoin is also expanding into retail, restaurant, dental-clinic and contractor payments across Japan while Metaplanet studies Bitcoin-backed credit products with the issuer.
AZ-COM Maruwa Holdings has invested 1 billion yen ($6.3 million) in JPYC. The investment pushes the stablecoin issuer's extended Series B round to a total of 6 billion yen ($38 million). That round also drew a 400 million yen ($2.53 million) investment from Metaplanet Ventures in March.
AZ-COM Maruwa moves from payment plans to investment
The investment comes weeks after AZ-COM Maruwa outlined plans to use JPYC for its own operations. Nikkei previously reported that the logistics company intends to use the stablecoin to pay transportation fees and salaries to about 2,300 business partners and individual contractors, including truck drivers. According to that report, the company expects the fee-free stablecoin to support faster settlements and allow more frequent payments than conventional bank transfers.
AZ-COM Maruwa also pointed to quicker payments as a way to strengthen ties with business partners while responding to labor shortages tied to Japan's aging workforce and tighter overtime rules. Amazon Japan is among its major customers.
Retailers and clinics are testing JPYC payments
JPYC launched last October as Japan's first registered stablecoin and has since moved into commercial payment trials. The issuer is taking part in a stablecoin pilot with convenience store operator Lawson, which this week expanded the project to add USDC and USDT alongside JPYC in a second proof-of-concept. Lawson's first trial, scheduled for Aug. 6, uses HashPort Wallet with JPYC at its Takanawa Gateway City store, while a second trial on Aug. 17 will let invited participants pay with JPYC, USDC or USDT through MetaMask at the Lawson Gate City Osaki Atrium store.
The stablecoin has also been introduced at selected Chibo restaurant locations, and several dental clinics in Tokyo and Chiba have announced plans to accept it through HashPort's payment infrastructure.
Metaplanet's backing extends beyond the funding round
Metaplanet's involvement with JPYC goes further than its stake in the Series B round. In July, Metaplanet, JPYC, Progmat and Metaplanet Securities launched a joint study to examine whether Bitcoin can support tokenized corporate bonds and other blockchain-based credit products as collateral or a credit-enhancement asset. The companies said no decision had been made on launching any product, and any future issuance would require internal approvals, technical validation and discussions with regulators.
Japan's regulated stablecoin market keeps growing alongside JPYC's expansion. SBI Group entered the market in June with JPYSC, described as Japan's first trust bank-backed yen stablecoin, while MUFG, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Mizuho Bank are developing a jointly issued yen-backed stablecoin and have said they expect to begin live transactions during fiscal 2026.
Source: JPYC Inc.
Trading involves risk.
Risk Disclaimer
