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UPCX and BitTrade to Launch a Technical Proof-of-Concept Using the UPC Crypto Asset

· 3 min read

UPCX-Platforms Pte. Ltd. (Director: Makoto Nakano; hereinafter referred to as "UPCX"), in collaboration with BitTrade Inc. (President and Representative Director: Kan Rai [関 磊]; hereinafter referred to as "BitTrade"), will conduct a technical proof-of-concept (hereinafter referred to as the "PoC") on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, to test the use of the UPC crypto asset for payments at a physical retail location.

The PoC will be conducted with the cooperation of SUSHI YONESHIMA FUKUOKA, a sushi restaurant in Fukuoka, Japan, where a payment using the UPC crypto asset will be carried out.

During the PoC, the restaurant will verify the receipt of UPC, while BitTrade will examine the end-to-end process, including the conversion of the UPC received by the restaurant into Japanese yen.

To evaluate the safety and usability of the functionality, the PoC will be conducted in a controlled, closed environment involving only a limited number of designated participants.

Shigeru Ishiba Keynote at WebX2025 UPCX Stage

Overview of the Proof-of-Concept​

  • UPC is the native token of UPCX, a blockchain developed for applications in payment systems and financial services.
  • The PoC aims to conduct a technical evaluation of crypto-asset-based payments using UPC at a physical retail location.
  • Blockchain technology enables crypto assets to transfer value regardless of time or location. However, their adoption as a payment method at physical retail locations remains limited due to challenges such as price volatility and the operational complexities associated with initiating transfers and confirming receipt of funds. To address price volatility during the PoC, the restaurant will specify the amount of UPC required for payment based on its market price on the day of the transaction.

PoC Details​

  • Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
  • Participating Restaurant: SUSHI YONESHIMA FUKUOKA
  • Location: 1F, Matsui Building, 1-16-5 Yakuin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan

Future Developments​

This PoC represents an initial step toward the development of payment infrastructure. UPCX is currently advancing the development of stablecoins on the UPCX mainnet.

Looking ahead, UPCX is also considering the introduction of foreign currencies in addition to the Japanese yen to accommodate growing inbound demand in Japan.

Through these initiatives, UPCX aims to enhance convenience for merchants while working toward the development of practical digital payment infrastructure.

About UPCX (UPC)​

UPCX-Platforms Pte. Ltd. is a global company developing an open-source payment system built on a high-speed blockchain optimized for payments and financial services, with the aim of delivering next-generation payment experiences.

Company Information​

  • Company Name: UPCX-Platforms Pte. Ltd.
  • Director: Makoto Nakano
  • Address: 8 Marina Boulevard, #11-01/02, Marina Bay Financial Centre, Singapore
  • Website: https://upcx.io/

About BitTrade​

BitTrade Inc. is a registered crypto-asset exchange service provider in Japan, offering trading services for a wide range of crypto assets through its exchange and brokerage platforms.

Leveraging its expertise in blockchain technology and robust security systems, BitTrade has also supported various businesses by providing technical solutions and related services.

In addition, BitTrade actively engages its users through promotional initiatives, including roulette-style campaigns and other customer-focused activities.

Company Information​

  • Company Name: BitTrade Inc.
  • President and Representative Director: Lei Guan
  • Address: 1-1-1 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
  • Crypto-Asset Exchange Service Provider Registration: Director-General of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau, Registration No. 00007
  • Type I Financial Instruments Business Registration: Director-General of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Kinsho), Registration No. 3295
  • Membership: Japan Virtual and Crypto assets Exchange Association (JVCEA)
  • Contact: https://support.bittrade.co.jp/hc/ja/requests/new