Showcase Completes Pilot for Next-Gen Digital Wallet Using Blockchain Technology

Showcase, a company based in the Roppongi area of Tokyo, has recently concluded a pilot experiment for its next-generation digital wallet, provisionally named ProTech Wallet. This innovative digital wallet integrates blockchain technology with Japan's My Number Card, aiming to enhance the security and efficiency of identity verification processes.

Overview of the Pilot Experiment

The pilot involved the use of Showcase's identity verification tool, ProTech ID Checker, and successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of issuing and verifying digital certifications, known as Verifiable Credentials (VC), based on the results of identity checks (KYC). This approach enables users to authenticate themselves quickly and securely across multiple services without the need to undergo repeated identity verification.

The Need for Change

With the growth of online transactions in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and government services, the need for robust identity verification has become increasingly crucial. Existing processes often require users to take pictures of their ID documents or read IC chips for each service, which complicates user experience and increases operational burdens on businesses. Moreover, companies face rising costs associated with verification processes, necessitating a solution that balances efficiency and security.

ProTech Wallet aims to address these challenges by allowing users to securely store strict identity verification results from their My Number Card as Verifiable Credentials. This allows the reusability of their verified identity information across various platforms.

Key Achievements from the Pilot

1. Fast Processing: The experiment confirmed that the entire process—from reading the IC chip on the My Number Card to verifying identity information and recording it on the Solana blockchain—can be completed in under 30 seconds.

2. Data Integrity Verification: By utilizing the SHA-256 hashing algorithm, the pilot successfully detected any tampering of recorded data, ensuring high data integrity and trustworthiness.

3. Cost Reduction Potential: Initial comparisons with traditional KYC processes indicate the possibility of reducing operational costs in back-office operations, thus streamlining business workflows.

4. Enhanced User Experience: The use of VC for subsequent identity verifications simplified user interactions to a single tap, demonstrating potential improvements in convenience and decreased drop-off rates during the process.

Unique Features of ProTech Wallet

- W3C-Compliant Digital Certificates: The wallet issues digital certificates aligned with global standards, ensuring interoperability and secure sharing of identity verification information across diverse online services.
- Selective Information Disclosure: Users can disclose only necessary information depending on the context. For instance, when purchasing alcohol, users can verify their age without revealing their name or address, thus balancing privacy with convenience.
- Decentralized Security Design: The ProTech Wallet does not store personal information on centralized servers; instead, it records only hashed values on the blockchain. If a user loses their device, they can recover their wallet using their My Number Card.

Future Developments

Following the successful pilot, Showcase plans to collaborate with various sectors, including finance, entertainment, and local governments, to expand the applicability of ProTech Wallet. The company is targeting the official launch of the service by the end of 2027, contributing to the establishment of a trusted infrastructure in the digital society.

Comprehensive Total KYC Solution - ProTech ID Checker

Showcase also offers ProTech ID Checker, a total KYC service that facilitates identity verification across diverse scenarios such as banking, securities account openings, mobile contracts, and membership registrations, regardless of whether the interaction is in-person or via remote channels. Leveraging the My Number Card's IC chip for government identity verification (JPKI), along with support for driver's licenses and residence cards, the ProTech ID Checker is adaptable to various identity documents. The service is designed for low-code integration, ensuring high ease of implementation. It has been positively received by over 400 companies as per the latest data (May 2026).

About Showcase

Showcase, Inc. was founded on February 1, 1996, and is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Standard Market under the securities code 3909. The company is dedicated to its core value: "Using omotenashi (hospitality) technology to bring happiness to people," focusing on alleviating discomfort for users and enhancing their satisfaction and joy.

For more information about the ProTech ID Checker, visit Showcase's service website. For inquiries, check Showcase support.