Reuters with the info, citing "two sources with knowledge of the matter".

  • Japan will set up a panel of experts to discuss the feasibility of issuing a digital yen
  • exploring the launch of a central bank digital currency (CBDC)
  • The Ministry of Finance (MOF) will set the panel as early as April and consist mainly of academics with expertise in digital currencies
  • The Bank of Japan plans to start a pilot programme in April to test the use of a digital yen

Also reported in Japan media.

Japan yen notes