Japanese retailers prepare for bitcoin payments
Japanese electronics retailer Bic Camera has partnered with Tokyo-based bitFlyer, the largest Japanese bitcoin exchange, to encourage adoption of the virtual currency after the country's government made it a valid payment method on 1 April. In a trial starting on 7 April, the bitFlyer payment system will launch at Bic's flagship Tokyo store and another outlet in Shinjuku. Meanwhile, restaurant and retail point of sale platform AirRegi will also launch bitcoin payments at its 260,000 points of sale. 
TOKYO -- Two Japanese retailing groups soon will accept bitcoin payments, a move that is likely to promote wider use of the virtual currency among domestic consumers.

Electronics chain Bic Camera is teaming up with Tokyo-based bitFlyer, which runs the largest Japanese bitcoin exchange. This Friday, they will begin a trial run of bitFlyer's bitcoin payment system at Bic Camera's flagship shop in Tokyo's Yurakucho district and at Bicqlo Bic Camera, the hybrid outlet with Uniqlo located in Shinjuku.