Arcoiris to Launch Blockchain-Based Local Currency Pilot for Yaeyama Token (YAE) on June 1, 2026

On June 1, 2026, Arcoiris LLC (Ishigaki Branch: 427-2 Tonoshiro, Tonoshiro Store 2F, Ishigaki City, Okinawa; Representative Partner: Harumasa Yoshida) will launch a pilot program for the blockchain-based local currency “Yaeyama Token (YAE).” The service uses the Solana blockchain to integrate QR code payments with points and stamp card functions, creating a new payment platform that allows users to participate in the local economy with just one smartphone. Details are available at https://yaeyama.asia/web/yaeyama_coin_lp3.php. Arcoiris developed Yaeyama Token (YAE) to address the challenge faced by small and medium-sized local stores that cannot easily build their own points programs or payment infrastructure. In addition to QR code payments that can be used in a similar way to services such as PayPay, the platform enables each store to operate its own stamp card and points card system free of charge, improving convenience for tourists, residents, and participating merchants on Ishigaki Island. Merchant development will leverage the company’s local food-focused Instagram account, “@ishigakigohan” (https://www.instagram.com/ishigakigohan/). Yaeyama Token (YAE) offers three functions: QR code payments, stamp cards, and points cards. It is designed specifically for domestic and international tourists visiting Ishigaki Island, as well as local residents. Because it operates on the Solana blockchain, all transaction records are tamper-resistant and highly transparent, providing stronger security and reliability than existing local currencies or paper stamp cards. Ten stores will participate in the pilot, with service beginning in the Ishigaki Island area on June 1, 2026. The platform aims to build a new local economic model by enabling users worldwide to purchase YAE and bring spending into the island from outside. Participating stores include KLATCH COFFEE, Hareemi, Ishigaki Stand Hitotsunagi, COMPLEX RENT A CAR, Neo-earth cafe-Roots, Itazura Shisa no Cafe, Dolphin AQUA Esthe Nail Oil Treatment, Ishigaki Island Adventure Kenken Tour, Sorari Inc., and Kaarayaa Salon Minsaa. Yaeyama Token (YAE) is designed at a rate of 1 YAE = 1 yen, and membership registration is free. For users considering early adoption, a campaign will begin on May 20, 2026, offering 500 YAE, equivalent to 500 yen, free of charge to 30 newly registered trial users. The transaction fee is only 0.5% of the payment amount, achieving an industry-low cost compared with credit cards, which typically charge 3% to 5%, and common QR code payment services, which charge around 1.5% to 3%. Going forward, Arcoiris plans to use data obtained from the pilot to expand Yaeyama Token (YAE) across the entire Yaeyama region and Okinawa Prefecture, ultimately aiming to popularize it as a globally shared local currency platform centered on tourist destinations. Related materials include the system overview at https://h-ecocard.com/yaeyama/system.pdf, the white paper at https://h-ecocard.com/yaeyama/hp_con.pdf, an English pitch video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZntXLAbLJK4, a customer operation video at https://youtu.be/djk7xZnlNKE (Android users should use Chrome), a stamp card operation video at https://youtu.be/n-Pm8JgH94I, and an administrator operation video at https://youtu.be/TuZiBzU8-sU. Harumasa Yoshida, Representative Partner of Arcoiris LLC, commented that although Ishigaki Island is one of Japan’s leading tourist destinations, it faces a structural issue in which local consumption tends to flow outside the island. Yaeyama Token uses blockchain technology to create a mechanism for returning tourism spending to the local economy. Another major feature is that small and medium-sized stores can introduce digital payments, points, and stamp cards with no initial cost. Through this pilot, the company hopes to work with local communities to energize the Yaeyama economy. In the future, it plans to expand across Okinawa and then to tourist destinations worldwide, growing the platform into one that changes the way local economies function.