Japan Smart Chain Unveils Testnet and Launches Early Preview of the Mizuhiki Suite: A Modular Trust & Compliance Tooling Layer Built on JSC

AltX Research K.K. is pleased to announce the launch of the first Japan Smart Chain (JSC) testnet and an early preview of the Mizuhiki Suite; a modular trust and compliance layer built for invited web3 developers.

JSC is a Japan-sovereign, Ethereum-compatible Layer 1 blockchain validated by domestic industry leaders. As a “compliance-first” chain, it embeds blacklist enforcement and transaction prioritization, offering trusted infrastructure for regulated digital-asset services without compromising usability.

The Mizuhiki Suite builds on this foundation, providing modular tools for on-chain identity, compliance, and risk management; enabling businesses to launch compliant digital services without fragmented off-chain processes.

[About the testnet］
The early release of the Japan Smart Chain testnet will allow developers to test existing and new applications and prepare applications for the JSC Mainnet launch, expected 2026. The testnet is currently limited to invited developers and JSC Vision Partners, and includes access to RPC Endpoint, testnet faucet for gas, a testnet block explorer, and a community forum for developers to engage with. 

We have named the first  JSC testnet “Kaigan”, symbolizing the initial phase of the Japan Smart Chain ecosystem - the moment when latent potential begins to crystallize into tangible form. The name is inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony concept 蟹眼 (kaigan), which captures the moment when water starts to boil and tiny bubbles rise—signifying the transition from stillness to motion. In the Way of Tea (茶道), this moment carries profound metaphorical significance—marking the shift from inaction to action and from silence to dynamic endeavor. To us, the testnet “Kaigan” represents that pivotal first step—where early use cases and implementation efforts begin to take shape. We view it as the moment when concept transitions into reality.

[About the Mizuhiki preview］
We are unveiling a hands-on demonstration of Mizuhiki Identity, a key component of the Mizuhiki Suite. Through this demonstration, developers will learn how to use Mizuhiki Identity for regulated on-chain activities, enabling them to build compliant applications on JSC at low cost. For example, developers can combine on-chain identity with programmable policy enforcement, enabling safe and compliant use of stablecoins, DeFi, and other regulated web3 services.

On the occasion of this milestone, Russell Cummer, Co-founder of AltX Research K.K., shared the following comments: ‘Today, we launch the Kaigan testnet and unveil the Mizuhiki Suite: the first step in a journey we’re building together with our vision partners and developers. With every line of code and every insight from our community, we’re laying the foundation for a new digital society: one defined by trust, resilience, and inclusion. Japan Smart Chain isn’t just another Layer 1:  it’s an invitation to co-create the next standard for Japan and beyond. The future is modular, compliant, and composable. Let’s shape it together.’ 

To coincide with the launch of the testnet and the demo release of the Mizuhiki Suite, we will be hosting events in Tokyo and Fukuoka. It is designed for engineers developing web3 applications using blockchain technology, as well as business leaders. 

Dates:
- August 6 – Fukuoka
- August 8 – Tokyo

Benefits:
- ​Early Access to the Testnet: You will have access to the testnet immediately after the event.
- Merch and POAP distribution: We will give away an initial batch of our merch and physical POAPs that can be - exchanged for prizes after the mainnet launch.
- Mizuhiki Identity Suite Explanation and Mizuhiki ID Demo: Explanation of JSC’s proprietary identity and compliance tooling layer and demonstration of the first-ever use case prototype (interactive).
- Roadmap Information: Disclosure of development plans through the end of 2025.
- Offline Networking: Q&A and networking with core developers and partner companies (light refreshments and drinks provided).

Register now:
https://lu.ma/spzjusr8 (Fukuoka)
https://lu.ma/450rsfoq (Tokyo)

We expect to release a public testnet in the coming months, in which case the Kaigan testnet will be gradually deprecated and replaced with the next version. We plan to launch the mainnet in 2026, alongside a variety of Mizuhiki Suite components.