MyNumber Wallet and Shizuoka Financial Group Launch Web3 Research Collaboration

MyNumber Wallet and Shizuoka Financial Group to Start Joint Research Project on Web3

Introduction

On January 5, 2026, MyNumber Wallet Inc. (headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo) and Shizuoka Financial Group (CEO: Hisashi Shibata) will initiate a collaborative research project dedicated to the societal acceptance of Web3 technology. This partnership aims to develop a Web3 wallet utilizing the MyNumber card and explore the integration of digital currencies and NFTs within regional finance.

Background

MyNumber Wallet has embraced the mission of creating a world where everyone can utilize digital assets. As part of this mission, the company has developed the MyNumber Wallet and a mini-app platform that leverages the MyNumber card. The company has conducted several experiments concerning the management of digital assets and payment systems, collaborated with cryptocurrency exchanges, and obtained ministerial certification in October 2025 under the Public Personal Authentication Services (JPKI). These efforts are designed to create a safe and secure infrastructural environment for technologies such as stablecoins, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and digital IDs.

Partnering with the Shizuoka Financial Group, a regional financial institution focused on solving local issues while balancing social and corporate value, MyNumber Wallet aims to create a safe environment for the circulation of digital currencies and NFTs within the community.

Overview of the Joint Research

The first phase of the joint research will involve experiments to issue digital currencies using the Base layer-2 blockchain developed by Coinbase, Inc. Through these experiments, the researchers will focus on creating practical applications for the locally issued digital currencies, establishing safe and efficient methods for their use.

Implementation Details

During this project, token issuance tests will be conducted, specifically:

- Payment practices within the headquarters of Shizuoka Bank.
- Token transactions limited to specific users or employees.

Primary Testing Objectives

The students will measure:

- The transferability of tokens exclusively between predefined users.
- The ability of the issuer (Shizuoka Financial Group) to comprehend and manage the transaction content.
- Identification of challenges concerning the issuance of permissioned tokens on a permissionless blockchain.

Duration (Estimated)

The research activities are scheduled to take place from January to February 2026.

Future Prospects

Insights gained from this experimental phase will provide the foundation for considering the societal implementation of new settlement and remittance services connecting local finance with Web3 technologies. Future ambitions include cashless payment solutions at local merchants, potential local currency applications, and collaboration with governmental services, aiming towards revitalizing the regional economy.

MyNumber Wallet plans to continue enhancing partnerships with regional financial institutions, government agencies, and businesses to realize a safe, secure, and easily accessible Web3 society through the combination of blockchain technology and existing public infrastructure.

Reference Information about Shizuoka Financial Group

- Name: Shizuoka Financial Group, Inc.
- Location: 1-10 Gofukucho, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka
- CEO: Hisashi Shibata
- Capital: ¥90 billion (Approx. $900 million)
- Established: October 3, 2022
- Overview: Shizuoka Financial Group operates as a banking holding company and manages Shizuoka Bank and its subsidiaries, meeting diverse financial needs of local customers as a part of a unified group. It is publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's prime market.

Reference Information about Base

- Name: Base
- Operated by: Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN)
- Overview: Base is an Ethereum layer-2 blockchain developed by Coinbase, aiming to welcome the next billion users to Web3 with a safe, low-cost, and developer-friendly platform. In the summer of 2023, Base participated in a launch initiative titled “Onchain Summer,” resulting in over 10 million NFTs minted and over 1 million wallets engaging in transactions, indicating rapid early-stage utility growth.