Lawson Completes JPYC Stablecoin Payment Trial at Tokyo Store, Plans USDC Test

Lawson conducted a proof-of-concept experiment for in-store stablecoin payments on August 6, 2026 at a store in Tokyo, with the aim of exploring the introduction of stablecoin payment methods. Stablecoins are digital currencies pegged to fiat currencies that maintain stable value. Previously, in-store use required dedicated terminal equipment; in this experiment, however, no dedicated terminal was used, and the payment process was completed at the POS register by scanning barcodes displayed on customers' smartphone screens. This marks the first time in Japan that a stablecoin payment proof-of-concept has been conducted at a POS register.

The experiment that day was held at Lawson's Takanawa Gateway City store in Tokyo, confirming operations including payment for merchandise using JPYC, a yen-denominated stablecoin. Lawson will verify operational processes and time requirements based on this experiment, and evaluate whether to formally introduce stablecoin payments based on the results.