Experience JPYC Payments at Lawson: Paying with Stablecoins at Convenience Stores

In-Store Stablecoin Payment Demonstration Report

On August 6, 2026, Lawson conducted a demonstration of in-store stablecoin payments using POS registers at its Takanawa Gateway City store in Minato, Tokyo. The wallet used was HashPort's "HashPort Wallet," along with the yen-denominated stablecoin "JPYC." The CoinPost editorial team also completed a transaction on-site. By displaying a barcode on a smartphone for the register to scan, the payment was completed smoothly.

Japan's First Direct Connection to POS Registers

This demonstration was conducted to explore the introduction of stablecoin payments at Lawson stores, in collaboration with HashPort, a company providing payment infrastructure and services utilizing digital assets, and Canal Payment Service Co., Ltd. According to Lawson, this is the first attempt in Japan to demonstrate stablecoin payments directly through POS registers. Previously, using stablecoins in retail stores required separate payment terminals or displaying QR codes apart from the regular register. In this case, users displayed a barcode on their smartphones, which was scanned directly by the POS register, allowing the gateway operator to exchange payment information with the wallet provider. There was no need to add a separate terminal for stablecoins at the register.

The demonstration was scheduled for two days. On August 6, the HashPort Wallet and JPYC were used at the Lawson Takanawa Gateway City store. On August 17, the demonstration will take place at the Lawson Gate City Osaki Atrium store, using MetaMask to test three types of stablecoins: USDC, USDT, and JPYC. Participation is limited to stakeholders, and general customers will not be involved. The verification items include requirements for integration with the POS system, examination of register operations, payment processing time, and wallet usability.

Payment Completed in Approximately 5 Seconds with Barcode Display

The actual procedure is almost identical to existing code payments. Customers present their items at the register, open the wallet app on their smartphones, and display the payment barcode. The staff then scans it. The payment was processed on the Polygon network, and it took about 5 seconds from scanning to the completion screen.

Receipt Shows "Stablecoin" as Payment Method

The receipt received after payment indicated "stablecoin" as the payment method. The date was August 6, 2026, and the amount was 322 yen. It recorded a purchase of one item subject to a reduced tax rate, a common shopping record. Stablecoins were listed in the same section as credit cards and electronic money, formatted the same way. This single line encapsulates how blockchain-based assets are treated as a payment method within convenience store transactions.

Attendees from Various Companies Gathered at the Site

On the day of the event, executives and representatives from the companies involved in the demonstration gathered. Among them were Ryo Saito, President of Canal Payment Service Co., Ltd., which handles the payment gateway; Noritaka Okabe, President of JPYC Co., Ltd., which issues JPYC; Yoshida Yoshihiro, CEO of HashPort, which provides the wallet; and Taro Tamura, Head of the Financial Company and Marketing Strategy Division at Lawson. Other stakeholders also attended, creating a crowd in the store, including media representatives.

Second Phase on August 17 and Beyond

The second phase of the demonstration is scheduled for August 17. At the Lawson Gate City Osaki Atrium store, MetaMask will be used to test USDC, USDT, and JPYC, similarly verifying payments linked to POS registers. Unlike the demonstration on the 6th, this phase will include not only yen-denominated stablecoins but also US dollar-denominated stablecoins. Lawson plans to conduct additional demonstrations in August 2026, continuing to explore the potential for stablecoin payments in stores. All demonstrations are limited to stakeholders, and no timeline has been provided for when general users will be able to use stablecoins at the store.