Tokyo Metropolitan Government Launches Subsidy Program to Promote Social Implementation of Stablecoins, Offering Up to JPY 40 Million
According to the official Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) guidelines, the “Subsidy Program for Promoting Societal Implementation of Stablecoins” will officially take effect on April 15, 2026. This program provides subsidies to businesses developing use cases for Japanese yen–denominated stablecoins (SC) within Tokyo Metropolis. The maximum subsidy amount is ¥40 million, and the subsidy covers up to two-thirds of the eligible expenses incurred by the recipient.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Maintain a registered head office or branch office within Tokyo Metropolis;
- Hold the legally required licenses or have completed mandatory registration;
- Not have received commissions or financial support from the national government or other local governments in the same fiscal year;
- Have no affiliation with anti-social forces;
- Have no outstanding tax arrears or similar violations.
Eligible expenses include external platform usage fees, professional consulting and auditing fees, and system development costs—but exclude consumption tax and funds allocated for backing assets of the stablecoin.
Recipients are selected by the Governor through an open recruitment process and subsequent review by a screening committee. Review criteria remain confidential, and review outcomes are not subject to appeal or objection.
Furthermore, should a recipient fail to deliver tangible stablecoin use cases or obtain the subsidy through fraudulent or improper means, the Governor reserves the right to rescind the subsidy decision and demand full repayment. Late repayments incur default surcharges and late-payment penalties at an annual interest rate of 10.95%.
