MV Capital - Japanese Logistics Firm AZ-COM Maruwa to Pay 2,300 Partners With JPYC Stablecoin

AZ-COM Maruwa Holdings plans to use the yen-pegged stablecoin for faster, fee-free settlements with contractors including truck drivers, marking a major corporate adoption in Japan

Major Logistics Player Embraces Digital Payments

AZ-COM Maruwa Holdings, a prominent Japanese logistics company that provides services to clients including Amazon Japan, is set to introduce payments in JPYC, a yen-backed stablecoin, to its network of approximately 2,300 partner firms and independent contractors.

The initiative targets outsourcing fees and compensation, particularly for truck drivers and small logistics operators within the company's nationwide delivery operations. By leveraging the stablecoin, the firm aims to enable more frequent and immediate settlements compared to traditional monthly bank transfers.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Japan's logistics sector faces persistent labor shortages driven by an aging workforce and new regulations limiting truck drivers' overtime hours. AZ-COM Maruwa views faster payments as a way to improve cash flow for smaller partners and strengthen relationships with contractors.

JPYC transactions eliminate standard bank transfer fees and support instant processing, potentially allowing the company to pay partners more regularly. This approach positions the stablecoin as a practical tool for operational efficiency in high-volume, lower-value business settlements.

We will continue to advance the integration of logistics and commercial payment flows with JPYC.Noritaka Okabe, CEO of JPYC Inc.

Investment and Partnership Plans

Alongside the payment rollout, AZ-COM Maruwa is considering a strategic investment exceeding 1 billion yen (approximately $6.2 million) in JPYC Inc., the issuer of the stablecoin, as well as a broader business partnership.

The move would represent one of the first large-scale corporate implementations of a regulated yen stablecoin for routine business-to-business payments in Japan.

JPYC Stablecoin Background

JPYC maintains a 1:1 peg to the Japanese yen and is backed by reserves exceeding 100% of its issuance, held primarily in yen deposits and Japanese government bonds. JPYC Inc. registered as a funds-transfer operator and launched the token in October 2025.

The stablecoin operates across multiple blockchain networks, including Avalanche, Ethereum, Polygon, and Kaia, providing flexibility for transfers and redemptions through its dedicated platform.

This development occurs amid growing experimentation with yen stablecoins in Japan, including retail trials and infrastructure projects, as companies explore alternatives to conventional banking rails for speed and cost savings.