The Bank of Japan (BoJ) has indicated that regulated stablecoins and a central bank digital currency (CBDC) can coexist, and has given the clearest signal so far that Japan will launch a digital yen. BoJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda spoke about the potential for stablecoins to carry out conventional payment functions and their use in settlements. He also spoke of technological progress that could soon see Japanese businesses using stablecoins and a CBDC for cross-border transactions, potentially helping to streamline the conventional banking system. The BoJ has been working on a prototype digital yen for over two years and Kuroda suggested that Japan would "have to realize" a CBDC "in the future."

In PoC Phase 1, which started in April 2021, the central bank focused on basic CBDC transactions, such as issuance, payout, and transfer. The PoC Phase 2 started in April 2022, where the bank implemented more complex functions. Moreover, it confirmed that the CBDC system’s processing performance could be maintained.

We have extracted some key comments from the Liaison Council members, with regards to cost, pilot participation, technology and the financial intermediary function, and added our comments.

Ethereum rose back above the $1,200 level on Tuesday, as the dollar rebounded following the latest Bank of Japan (BOJ) policy decision. The bank adjusted its yield curve control, which increased its cap on the 10-year government bond, allowing moves of up to 50 basis points (bps), up from 25 bps. Bitcoin also rose on the news, climbing closer to $17,000

The Bank of Japan will work with several unnamed financial institutions to stress test a central bank digital currency. Tests will include how deposits and withdrawals can work, and also what happens when no internet access is available. 

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) has planned experiments on a digital yen with three megabanks and regional banks in the country, Nikkei reported on Wednesday.