Eng 
日本語 
Although Japan is well-know for its cash-based economy, mobile payment systems in Japan have been steadily on the rise. There are many different smart wallet systems available in Japan. Today, we would like to introduce the most popular mobile Payment Services in Japan.
To find out more about all cashless payments in Japan, head to our full guide.
1. PayPay
PayPay, established in 2018, is the largest Japanese mobile payment application using QR code and barcode as base of payment. It is a joint venture of SoftBank group and Yahoo Japan. PayPay has more than 41 million registered users, let’s discover its benefits!
English Accessibility: X – English description only available on website.
Benefits:
1. Available at stores all over Japan
- PayPay can be used at over 3.4 million stores nationwide, including convenience stores, drug stores, and restaurants. Available also for online services and bill payments.
2. Spend and save on shopping
- Earn on PayPay bonuses your purchase. Check our campaigns and coupons to save more!
3. Safe & secure payments
- In order for our users to feel safe using PayPay, we have measures in place to protect information and prevent unauthorized use, in addition to a compensation system※.
4. Share your balance with friends and family
- You can easily send your PayPay Balance to friends or family who live afar. No need to bother with cash anymore.
5. Besides shopping
- From paying utility bills, ordering delivery, to the investment experience, you can use a variety of functions from the PayPay app!
Ways to Register:
Signing up is simple & easy, and can be done in as little as one minute!
2. Line Pay
Line introduced Line Pay worldwide on December 16, 2014. The service allows users to request and send money from users in their contact list and make mobile payments in store. The service has since expanded to allow other features such as offline wire transfers when making purchases and ATM transactions like depositing and withdrawing money. Unlike other Line services, Line Pay is offered worldwide through the Line app.
English Accessiblity: O
Benefits:
1. Any LINE user can easily sign up.
2. Make an easy and quick payment from LINE Pay Merchant.
3. Various campaigns and point benefits
4. Make payments safely!
- A 5-step security procedure will protect your important payment information so it is not leaked.
Ways to Register:
Convenient sign up to be a LINE Pay member
3. D-Barai 【d払い】
“d Barai”was released by NTT DOCOMO, INC. in April 2018. Since then, it has been leveraging the advantages of its “d POINT” loyalty program to increase the number of merchants and expand its service lineup. From autumn 2019, the company plans to add a wallet feature – allowing users to send money- and a mini app which can access to merchant’s services without leaving the d Barai app.
English Accessibilty: X
Benefits:
1. Wide Availability
- You can use D-barai at stores, online, and even for utility payment.
2. Choice of payment methods
- d-barai can be paid together with your monthly cell phone bill. You can also pay by credit card, bank account, or ATM.
3. Full of useful functions
- You can make reservations for various services, place orders, and use special coupons with just one app. More convenient functions will be added in the future.
Ways to Register:
4. Rakuten Pay
Rakuten Pay is an electronic payment service provided by Rakuten, Inc. and its subsidiary, Rakuten Payment, Inc. They aim to offer a wide range of transaction services tailor-made to satisfy the needs of their customers. Under the slogan of friendly, convenient and secure transactions and through services focused on ease of use, Rakuten aims to create a better everyday life for their customers.
Rakuten is also known for its large ecommerce marketplace that rivals amazon in Japan.
English Accessibility: X
Benefits:
1.Quick Payments
- Make quick payments at stores and earn Rakuten Point just with your smartphone. You can use Rakuten Pay not only in the stores, but also from home! Use Rakuten Pay App to make your life more convenient!
2. Expansion of Usage
- Rakuten Pay is expanding the number of stores where you can use it! You can use Rakuten Pay at various stores such as convenience stores, drugstores, and supermarkets.
3. Send Rakuten Cash
- Use Rakuten Pay to send cash to your friends and family.
4. Usage of Rakuten Points
- You can earn Rakuten points based on the amount of your bill. Using the points earned, you can use them at stores or in other Rakuten services.
Ways to Register:
5. Apple Pay
Apple Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service developed by Apple Inc. that allows users to pay in person, via iOS apps, and on the web using Safari. It works on iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and Macs. It is not compatible with any client device not manufactured and marketed by Apple Inc.
English Accessibility: O
Benefits:
1. Faster and easier than using cards or cash.
- Apple Pay is already on your device. Apple Pay is built into iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad. There is no separate app to download, no complicated processes to complete, and no hassles.
2. Safer than touching buttons and exchanging cash.
- Tap More. Touch Less. Apple Pay works right from your device, helping you avoid touching buttons and terminals, handling cards, and exchanging cash. You can keep your hands clean and are less likely to pick up- and spread – germs.
3. Privacy and security built in.
- Personal data Protected. When you make a purchase, Apple Pay uses a device-specific number and unique transaction code. Information Is stored only for troubleshooting, fraud prevention, and regulatory purposes.
4. Apple Cash
- Use Apple Cash with Apple Pay. Apple Pay powers Apple Cash, which works a lot like a debit card and lets you send and receive money right in Messages. Just set up your Apple Cash card in the Wallet app and send money to your squad for brunch — or ask them to pay you back.1
Ways to Register:
6. Google Pay
Google Pay is a digital wallet and online payment system created by Google to support in-app, online, and in-person contactless purchases on mobile devices, allowing users to pay with their Android phones, tablets, or watches.
English Accessibility: O
Benefits:
1. Simple way to send or receive money with anyone
- Send or receive money with zero fees, straight from your bank account to almost anyone. You can send or receive money even if your contact is not on Google Pay. Split lunch with a friend, pay the rent, or send money to mom.
2. Shop, Recharge, and More
- Recharge your mobile in a tap and finish with those monthly bills on Google Pay. Now you’re free to go shopping – online, or in a store. We’ve got you covered with easy access to past transactions, so you’re always in control.
3. Endless Rewards
- Earn scratch cards and other rewards as you use Google Pay. You don’t need to hunt for coupon codes. If you win, your rewards go straight into your bank account.
4. Security and Safety
- Google Pay protects your money with a world class security system that helps detect fraud and prevents hacking. Safeguard your account with your screen lock, such as your fingerprint. If you need assistance, please visit ‘Help and Feedback’ in the app to connect with a support specialist
Ways to Register:
Today, we looked through Top 6 Mobile Payments you can use in Japan. These recommended mobile payments are what Japanese people use most and usable in lots of stores compared to other mobile payments. Although some applications do not provide English version, the Japanese used in these applications would not be in difficult level of Japanese so no worries!
Mobile Payment Related FAQs
Does Japan accept mobile payment?
Japan is well known for its cash society, but in recent years more and more places start accepting mobile payment services. Although places like food restaurants may not accept anything but cash.
Can I use apple pay in Japan?
Apple pay is a mobile payment embedded in your phone and apple watch. Many convenience stores and other shops are starting to accept apple pay as a new cashless payment method. It is also a measure of stopping Covid.
What is paypay?
Paypay is the largest Japanese mobile payment application using QR code and barcode. You can send money to your friends and enjoy many store discounts with the app.
Does Japan only accept cash?
Japan has lots of shops, especially restaurants, that accept cash as the only form of payment, but most of the places accept credit cards. Also a rising number of stores accept mobile payments as a form of payment method.
