CBDC Trials and Research in Japan Yet to Garner Widespread Recognition: Exploring the Details

Recent findings suggest that the concept of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) has yet to permeate mainstream awareness in Japan, with less than 20 percent of the population familiar with the term, according to Kazuo Ueda, Governor of the Bank of Japan (BoJ). During a recent address, Ueda highlighted this lack of familiarity, revealing that an additional 20 percent of Japanese residents, while having heard of CBDCs, lacked a comprehensive understanding of their underlying concepts. Recognizing the significance of this awareness gap, Ueda embarked on an informative discourse elucidating the potential benefits and cost-effective attributes of CBDCs compared to conventional cash notes.

Echoing sentiments of many central bankers worldwide, Governor Ueda underscored the potential advantages of a national CBDC, emphasizing its capacity to expedite larger denomination payments and its role in bolstering financial inclusion.

Furthermore, he extolled the convenience and efficiency of CBDCs, noting their reliance on digital wallet storage as opposed to the physical storage requirements of traditional cash notes. Ueda’s remarks underscored the transformative potential of CBDCs in modernizing payment systems and adapting to evolving consumer preferences in an increasingly digital-centric world.

Ueda’s address also shed light on the ongoing global exploration of retail CBDCs, including initiatives within Japan, which seek to align digital currencies with the roles and functions traditionally fulfilled by cash.

Notably, he highlighted the unique characteristic of cash as a direct liability of the central bank, drawing a sharp contrast to existing digital payment methods. With CBDCs positioned as potential successors to traditional cash, Ueda’s remarks underscored the pivotal role of central banks in navigating the transition towards digital currencies while preserving the integrity and efficacy of monetary systems.

As per the BoJ governor – money has a nature of undergoing changes which is what is happening now with the onset of digital currencies like the CBDCs. Built on blockchain networks and issued by the central banks, CBDCs are the virtual symbol of fiat currencies. The R&D and trials around CBDCs have been heated up around several parts of the world, especially in Asia.

Japan, last July, kicked off a series of discussions with 60 companies on a pilot programme for developing a digital yen. Several large Japanese banks as well as tech majors like Sony and Toyota’s Lawson were also made part of this project. The Japanese CBDC entered its trial phase around April last year through where the BoJ wished to analyse the technical feasibility and use-cases of the digital yen. Japan could see a wider roll out of its digital JPY by 2026.