Japan’s First Approved Stablecoin Receives Investment from Circle

Japan's financial regulator is set to register JPYC as a licensed money transfer service provider this month, paving the way for the distribution of the country's first approved stablecoin. The yen-pegged digital asset, issued by Tokyo-based fintech JPYC Inc., represents a strategic step in modernizing Japan's payment infrastructure while maintaining strict regulatory compliance.

Circle Ventures, the investment arm of USDC issuer Circle, participated in JPYC's Series A funding round in 2021 alongside several Japanese listed companies. The stablecoin operates as a prepaid payment instrument with 1:1 yen backing, offering a regulated alternative for digital transactions. JPYC CEO Norikata Okabe confirmed the investment structure and disclosed the company's partnership with Simplex for trading system development.