Startale Group has launched Startale USD (USDSC), a dollar-pegged stablecoin on Sony’s Ethereum layer-2 network, Soneium, aiming to become the primary settlement currency for payments and rewards across the electronics giant’s blockchain ecosystem.
Stablecoin Meets Rewards
The launch coincides with STAR Points, a rewards program that incentivizes users to:
- Mint or hold USDSC
- Provide liquidity on Uniswap
- Interact with decentralized apps via the Startale App
Startale CEO Sota Watanabe emphasized that the goal is to make Web3 tools feel as familiar as mainstream apps, lowering the barrier to entry for everyday users.
USDSC is powered by M0, a startup specializing in modular platforms for programmable stablecoins. The framework integrates issuance, application logic, and liquidity into a single programmable system, drawing on previous partnerships with MetaMask and Stripe.
Soneium officially launched in January after a four-month test phase that attracted 14 million users and processed 50 million transactions. Developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, a joint venture between Sony Group and Startale, the network provides the foundation for Sony’s expanding Web3 initiatives.
Japan’s Stablecoin Landscape
The USDSC launch aligns with Japan’s growing digital money adoption. Regulators have approved pilot projects for yen-backed stablecoins from MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho. JPYC is already the first fully regulated yen-backed stablecoin, and RLUSD from Ripple and SBI Holdings is set to launch next year.
Circle also secured approval for USDC in Japan earlier this year, marking a milestone for international crypto firms. Sony Bank, spun out from the tech giant, plans to issue its own stablecoin for purchasing games and anime within its digital ecosystem.
Sony Bank has partnered with Bastion, a stablecoin services provider that will manage issuance, reserves, and custody for Sony affiliates at scale. Meanwhile, Startale is collaborating with SBI Holdings to build a 24/7 digital asset exchange for tokenized assets, aiming to capture a portion of the projected $19 trillion tokenization market by 2033.
Users can access USDSC features and STAR Points through the Startale App waitlist, which is now open for early registration.
The Takeaway
Startale USD and Soneium represent a major leap in mainstream Web3 adoption, combining stablecoins, rewards programs, and easy-to-use infrastructure. For users and investors, it’s a clear sign that Sony is serious about integrating blockchain technology into everyday payments and digital content.
