Evolution of Payments in Japan: Status and Next Steps

Synopsis: 

Japan is home to some of the earliest innovations in payments technology — from real-time payments to mobile wallets long before smartphones. In this panel, leaders across the payments ecosystem explore Japan’s unique payment ecosystem and its evolution.

Why did QR codes flourish elsewhere but stagnate in Tokyo? What’s behind the high fragmentation of digital payment rails? And how are embedded finance, account-to-account payments, and new regulations shaping what’s next?

Join this conversation to uncover the cultural, regulatory, and behavioural forces behind Japan’s payments paradox — and why international players eyeing the market must think local to succeed.