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Japanese logistics group AZ-COM Maruwa Holdings plans to use the yen-backed JPYC stablecoin for payments to about 2,300 transport partners and independent drivers. The company expects faster and more frequent payments to help it attract workers as Japan’s logistics sector faces persistent labor shortages.
The planned rollout could become Japan’s first large corporate use of the regulated stablecoin. AZ-COM Maruwa is also considering a business partnership with JPYC and an investment of more than ¥1 billion, or about $6.2 million.
JPYC Will Be Used to Pay Drivers and Contractors
AZ-COM Maruwa plans to use JPYC for outsourcing fees and compensation paid to companies and individuals that provide transportation services. The group’s payment network includes subcontracted carriers and independent truck drivers.
Stablecoin payments could reach recipients more quickly than conventional bank transfers and may be sent more frequently. The planned system would also remove bank transfer fees, although the companies have not explained whether drivers could face costs when converting JPYC back into yen.
The logistics company has not announced a detailed launch date. It has also not disclosed whether all 2,300 partners will join immediately or whether the payment system will begin with a smaller trial.
Faster Payments Could Support Driver Recruitment
Japan’s logistics industry has been trying to improve efficiency as an aging workforce and tighter limits on drivers’ working hours reduce available capacity. Companies are increasingly adopting technology and changing payment systems to manage the shortage.
More frequent payments could make contract work more attractive to drivers who currently wait through fixed monthly settlement cycles. Faster access to earnings may also help smaller transport companies manage fuel, maintenance and other daily operating costs.
The stablecoin will not directly increase the number of available drivers. Its value to AZ-COM Maruwa will depend on whether simpler payments help the company retain partners and recruit additional transport workers.
JPYC Maintains a One-to-One Yen Value
JPYC began issuing its regulated yen-backed stablecoin in October 2025. Each token is designed to maintain a value of ¥1 and is supported by reserves that include bank deposits and Japanese government bonds.
The stablecoin operates on public blockchain networks including Ethereum, Avalanche and Polygon. Users can receive and transfer the token through compatible digital wallets, while JPYC’s platform supports issuance and redemption.
JPYC had issued approximately ¥1 billion to ¥1.3 billion before the logistics plan emerged. A ¥1 billion commitment from AZ-COM Maruwa would therefore represent a major increase in corporate demand for the token.
AZ-COM Maruwa Plans Deeper JPYC Partnership
AZ-COM Maruwa operates transportation, warehousing and third-party logistics services across Japan. The Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed group was founded in 1970 and counts large retailers, including Amazon Japan, among its customers.
The proposed investment would give the logistics group a financial interest in JPYC’s wider adoption. The companies also plan to explore ways to connect logistics operations with blockchain-based commercial payments.
Neither company has disclosed the proposed investment terms. They have also not explained how JPYC will handle the larger issuance volume, reserve requirements and redemption demand created by the rollout.
Corporate Use Will Test Stablecoin Demand
JPYC has previously appeared in retail payment tests and financial service projects. The AZ-COM Maruwa plan would move the stablecoin into routine business payments across a large contractor network.
The rollout will provide an early test of whether Japanese companies and workers are willing to use regulated stablecoins for ordinary settlements. Adoption will depend on wallet access, accounting procedures, tax treatment and how easily recipients can convert JPYC into bank deposits.
