E-money transaction value Japan 2015-2024

In 2024, the value of transactions conducted via electronic money in Japan amounted to approximately *** trillion Japanese yen, marking a *** percent decrease compared to the previous year. The e-money transaction volume also decreased by *** percent year on year. 

Contactless electronic money payments

Electronic money is a contactless payment method that uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology and allows users to hold a card or smartphone near a terminal to make payments. E-money in the form of prepaid IC cards was introduced as early as 2001 as a fare collection system for public transportation and has become a widespread payment method for small amount purchases used in convenience stores and supermarkets.

Cashless payment methods

The ratio of cashless payments has experienced significant growth in recent years, reaching **** percent in 2023. ************ constituted the largest share of cashless payments, followed by ****************, and ****************. The expansion of cashless payments in Japan was supported by the government’s cashless promotion campaign launched in 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic likely played a role in accelerating this trend.