Okonomiyaki Specialty Store 'Chibo' Starts PoC for Stablecoin Payments, Building a Next-Gen Store Model Integrating Payments and Customer Data

Chibo Corporation (Headquarters: Naniwa-ku, Osaka, President & CEO: Kanji Nakai, hereinafter 'the Company'), which operates the okonomiyaki specialty store 'Chibo', will collaborate with Hash Port Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) to start a Proof of Concept (PoC) for stablecoin payments on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as a pioneering initiative in the industry.

This initiative is implemented as part of the Company's next-generation digital strategy. By integrating payments and customer data, we aim to build a new store operation model.

Overview of the PoC In this PoC, we will introduce payments using the Japanese Yen-pegged stablecoin 'JPYC' by utilizing the Web3 wallet 'Hash Port Wallet'.

- Elimination of Payment Fees: Users can make payments using their own stablecoins at the target stores with zero payment fees. - Issuance of Original SBTs: Customers who make a stablecoin payment will be issued our original SBT (Soulbound Token). - Visualization of Customer Data: The issued SBT functions as a digital certificate linked to visit and usage history. This enables data accumulation and is expected to be utilized for sophisticated future marketing strategies and promoting repeat visits.

Target Stores We will initially start operations at the following two stores. - Chibo Sennichimae Main Store - Chibo Yurakucho Bic Camera Branch

Background and Purpose Our company has consistently focused on creating new customer experiences through digital technology, including initiatives related to the Osaka Kansai Expo and loyalty programs utilizing NFTs (SBTs).

There are three main purposes for this PoC. - Improvement of Convenience and Cost Optimization: In addition to improving convenience by diversifying payment methods, we will verify the optimization of the store's cost structure and the actual operation of a new payment infrastructure. - Direct Acquisition of Customer Data: By directly acquiring data originating from payments, we aim to create value that transcends the traditional framework of restaurant operations. - Verification of Future Business Expansion: We will advance verification regarding the potential of next-generation business expansion utilizing stablecoins.

Future Developments Through this PoC, we will verify usage status and operations, and we will consider expanding this model to other stores in the future. In addition, we aim to further develop loyalty measures utilizing SBTs to provide a new dining experience for domestic and international customers, while also examining the possibility of utilization in global expansion with an eye toward linking with our overseas business.