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Japan tiptoes into digital finance

Bitcoin payment using cryptocurrency with Japan Yen money.
Photo: coffeekai/Getty Images

The nation is preparing the foundations for a yen-based digital ecosystem under domestic oversight.

A new token, issued by the fintech firm JPYC, is fully redeemable at par value and backed by bank deposits and Japanese government bonds. It represents one of the first attempts within Japan to place the yen on blockchain-based payment rails under the country’s updated legal framework for electronic payment