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Stablecoin issuers could soon become significant players in Japan’s government bond market, potentially influencing the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) monetary policies, according to Noritaka Okabe, CEO of JPYC Inc., Japan’s first domestic issuer of yen-backed stablecoins.
JPYC launched its yen-pegged stablecoin, also called JPYC, on October 27, marking a major step forward for Japan’s digital finance ecosystem. Despite Japan’s continued reliance on cash and credit cards, the company has issued approximately 143 million yen worth of tokens, with 4,707 account holders as of November 12. JPYC aims to issue up to 10 trillion yen (about $66 billion) in stablecoins within three years, reinforcing the yen’s presence in a global market dominated by U.S. dollar-backed assets.
Okabe emphasized that while dollar-pegged stablecoins currently make up 99% of global supply, a strong yen-based stablecoin is crucial for Japanese firms to reduce currency hedging and transaction costs in international trade. JPYC’s structure allows full conversion to yen and is backed by domestic savings and Japanese government bonds (JGBs). The firm plans to allocate 80% of its reserves to JGBs and 20% to bank deposits.
As stablecoin issuance grows, Okabe predicts these entities could become major JGB holders, filling a gap left by the BOJ’s tapering bond purchases. This shift could complicate the central bank’s control over interest rates, as stablecoin demand would dictate bond purchase volumes.
The BOJ still holds about 50% of Japan’s 1,055-trillion-yen bond market but is gradually scaling back stimulus. Okabe revealed that policymakers have already inquired about JPYC purchasing longer-term JGBs, which the company may consider.
Japan’s top banks, backed by regulators, are also exploring stablecoin issuance, signaling the nation’s push toward digital currency innovation amid global financial transformation.
