Japan’s Central Bank to Start CBDC Feasibility Tests Next Month Onwards

Bhushan Akolkar
March 27, 2021 Updated July 23, 2022
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As the CBDC developments catch pace worldwide, the Bank of Japan is making its own moves. On Friday, March 26, the Japanese central bank said that it will start the feasibility study and test of its own CBDC – Digital Yen – starting next month.

The announcement comes just a day after the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) said that there must be global rules in place for the working of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). The BoJ said that its current decision to accelerate its CBDC plans comes amid swift moves from China and other countries in the fray.

However, the Japanese central bank said that it “currently has no plan to issue central bank digital currency,” or CBDC. However, it gearing up with the initial preparations and staying prepared in case there’s a need for a fast roll-out of the virtual currency, reports local news publication The Mainichi. 

The central bank will first test the technical feasibility and features required for the launch of the CBDC. Japan intends to make its CBDC friendly with mobile payments systems.

BOJ to Launch A Pilot Program for CBDC

On Friday, BOJ Executive Director Shinichi Uchida conducted an online meeting including some top representatives from the financial and fintech sector. Just like China, the Japanese central bank is also considering the launch of a pilot program involving the end-users and the payment service providers in the future. Speaking about the CBDC plans, Uchida said:

“There is a reasonable possibility for CBDC to provide a means of payments and for such systems to become global standards. We believe that initiating experiments at this stage is a necessary step”.

Joining the BoJ for the CBDC feasibility study will be the Japanese Bankers Association, the Fintech Association of Japan, the Finance Ministry and the Financial Services Agency. Earlier this week, China called for global rules on CBDC in a proposal to the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) and said that the Digital Yuan will co-exist with local payment giants like WeChat Pay and Alipay.

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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Bhushan is a seasoned crypto writer with over eight years of experience spanning more than 10,000 contributions across multiple platforms like CoinGape, CoinSpeaker, Bitcoinist, Crypto News Flash, and others. Being a Fintech enthusiast, he loves reporting across Crypto, Blockchain, DeFi, Global Macros with a keen understanding in financial markets. 

He is committed to continuous learning and stays motivated by sharing the knowledge he acquires. In his free time, Bhushan enjoys reading thriller fiction novels and occasionally explores his culinary skills. Bhushan has a bachelors degree in electronics engineering, however, his interest in finance and economics drives him to crypto and blockchain.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.