JPYC Submits Information on the Competitive Environment for Stablecoin Payments to the Japan Fair Trade Commission

According to an official announcement from JPYC Co., Ltd., the company submitted information to the Japan Fair Trade Commission on September 14, 2026, explaining the competitive landscape for cashless payments amid the growing adoption of stablecoin payments. JPYC facilitates payments through blockchain-based direct value transfers and does not charge merchants franchise fees, with its system already deployed in over 150 physical and online stores. Some merchants have begun offering discounts and free shipping to customers paying with JPYC, but remain cautious due to concerns about violating credit card franchise agreements. In response, JPYC stated that independent merchant pricing differentiation is a legitimate business decision. The Fair Trade Commission's 2022 report also noted that clauses universally prohibiting merchants from setting different terms for different payment methods could potentially raise issues under the Antimonopoly Act under certain circumstances.