# JCB and Circle to Test Stablecoin Payments in Japan JCB and Circle have signed an agreement to test stablecoin payments in Japan. - **Source:** [Cointelegraph.com News](https://brifing.si/source/2e81e982-0137-4db0-8ac2-351f37085775) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5a7d0bf5-76f1-4dc9-ba51-88aff1cc8560 ## JCB and Circle Collaboration Japan's largest payment network JCB has signed a memorandum of understanding with Circle to test stablecoin payments. This collaboration will explore the use of USDC in cross-border payments and merchant transactions. ## First Step: Proof of Concept In the initial phase, JCB's internal cross-border fund transfers will be tested using USDC through a proof of concept. This aims to evaluate the feasibility of stablecoin infrastructure. ## Stablecoin Payments at Merchants JCB and Circle will also assess stablecoin payments at Japanese merchants for international visitors. This could be a significant step for the tourism and retail sectors. ## Interoperability Across Blockchain Networks The companies will evaluate technologies that support interoperability across multiple blockchain networks. This could enable broader use of stablecoin payments. ## Stablecoin Adoption in Japan Japan is one of the first major economies to establish a legal framework for stablecoin payments. Several companies have begun testing stablecoin-based payment systems this year. ## Future Potential JCB and Circle will assess additional applications of stablecoin infrastructure for cross-border payments and merchant services. This could mark a significant milestone in financial technology. ## Sources covering this story - https://cointelegraph.com/news/japans-jcb-signs-mou-with-circle-to-explore-usdc-payments-and-cross-border-settlements?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._