AZ-COM Maruwa HD to use JPYC for partner payments
Logistics major AZ-COM Maruwa Holdings will introduce a stablecoin pegged to fiat currency for payments such as outsourcing fees to about 2,300 partner companies, including individual truck drivers. Use of stablecoins, which had been limited to financial transactions, will now extend to corporate payments as well.
Adopts JPYC
AZ Maruwa will use JPYC, issued by fintech company JPYC in Tokyo's Chiyoda ward. It is expected to be the first large-scale corporate use of JPYC in Japan. AZ Maruwa is also considering a business tie-up with JPYC and an investment of just over 1 billion yen.
Supports faster payments
AZ Maruwa handles 3PL, or third-party logistics, under comprehensive outsourcing contracts for delivery work for Amazon Japan in Tokyo's Meguro ward and logistics operations for client companies. It will introduce JPYC for payments such as outsourcing fees and wages to sole proprietors who directly handle transport.
JPYC can be converted to cash immediately and does not incur bank transfer fees. Using this feature, the company aims to increase transfer frequency from previous levels and support smaller logistics operators that often face cash flow challenges. In the logistics industry, staffing shortages are becoming more severe amid aging workers and the 'Logistics 2024 problem', caused by tighter overtime regulations for drivers. AZ Maruwa will promote speedy payments through JPYC as an advantage for its contract partners.
Ahead in the US
Stablecoins are based on blockchain, or distributed ledger, technology and are designed to track the value of fiat currency on a one-to-one basis. Their use is advancing in the United States. Stripe, the US electronic payments giant that develops payment systems, launched a service in 2025 that allows companies to receive payments in stablecoins. Coinbase Global, a major US cryptocurrency exchange operator, also launched a stablecoin-compatible payment platform for operators of e-commerce sites.
Enjoyed this article? Share it with your network!