The Bank of Japan (BoJ) has embarked on experiments with blockchain technology for integration into the financial infrastructure. This was announced by the head of the regulator, Kazuo Ueda.
A test sandbox has already been launched as part of the project. In it, the central bank is testing settlements in the form of deposits in current accounts using distributed ledgers.
Developers will examine how blockchain interacts with existing infrastructure, including the national financial network BOJ-NET. The primary focus of the tests is on domestic interbank transfers and securities settlements.
The Bank of Japan will involve independent experts in the project. Ueda emphasized that the initiative is purely technical. The tests do not yet imply changes in the country’s monetary policy. The data obtained from the experiments will also be used to improve the BOJ-NET system.
The head of the regulator added that the integration of blockchain and artificial intelligence could enhance financial services through detailed transaction analysis.
However, Ueda warned of the vulnerabilities of smart contracts. According to him, errors in their code and architecture pose a direct threat to the stability of payment systems and financial markets.
Crypto Regulation
The launch of the central bank’s test platform comes amid comprehensive revisions to Japan’s regulatory framework in the digital assets sector. In 2025, the Financial Services Agency held consultations on the reclassification of cryptocurrencies “on par with securities.”
The country’s government also included blockchain and tokenization in a broad economic growth strategy.
Moreover, the integration of stablecoins is expanding in Japan. In October 2025, the company JPYC issued the country’s first “stablecoin” pegged to the yen.
Back in August 2025, Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato endorsed investments in cryptocurrencies.