Many cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, making them less practical for everyday transactions compared to fiat currencies like the USD or JPY. To address this, stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies or commodities—were developed.
USDT (Tether) is the world's first stablecoin, designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the USD. This guide covers its features, benefits, risks, and how to buy it.
Key Takeaways
- USDT is a USD-pegged stablecoin backed by fiat reserves.
- Largest stablecoin by market cap (~$22 trillion JPY as of July 2025).
- Widely used on global exchanges and decentralized platforms (DEXs).
- Not available on Japanese exchanges; must be purchased via overseas platforms or DEXs.
What is USDT (Tether)?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Tether |
| Symbol | USDT |
| Price | 1 USD/USDT |
| Market Cap | ¥22.6 trillion JPY (July 2025) |
| Issuer | Tether Limited |
| Availability | Not listed on Japanese exchanges |
USDT, launched in 2015, is a fiat-backed stablecoin issued by Tether Limited. It ranks as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, trailing only Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Why Use USDT?
- Price Stability: Low volatility vs. other cryptocurrencies.
- Liquidity: Dominates trading pairs on global exchanges.
- Multi-Blockchain Support: Issued on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and other chains.
Risks and Concerns
- Centralization Risk: Tether Limited controls issuance, raising transparency questions.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: Stablecoins face tightening global regulations.
- Low ROI: Unlike volatile assets, USDT offers minimal price appreciation.
Where to Buy USDT
Since USDT isn’t available on Japanese exchanges, follow these steps:
Step 1: Buy Bitcoin/ETH on a Local Exchange
👉 Coincheck (Recommended for low minimum investments of ¥500).
Step 2: Transfer to an Overseas Exchange
- Top Picks: Binance, KuCoin, or decentralized platforms like Uniswap.
Step 3: Swap for USDT
Trade your BTC/ETH for USDT on the chosen platform.
Alternatives to USDT
| Stablecoin | Backing | Market Cap (JPY) |
|---|---|---|
| USDC | USD | ¥8.8 trillion |
| DAI | Crypto | ¥769 billion |
| PYUSD | USD (PayPal) | ¥133 billion |
FAQ
1. Can I buy USDT in Japan?
No—purchase via global exchanges after buying BTC/ETH locally.
2. How to cash out USDT?
Convert to BTC/ETH → Send to a Japanese exchange → Sell for JPY.
3. Is USDT safe?
While widely used, its centralized model carries inherent risks.
Final Thoughts
USDT’s stability makes it ideal for trading and DeFi. Start with a small purchase via 👉 Coincheck and explore global platforms for USDT trading.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investments involve risk; conduct thorough research.