#Japan #Tokyo #Value Design #Omairi Pay #ADAPTIS

Introduction

In an effort to modernize the payment landscape at temples and shrines across Japan, NTT Data and Value Design have entered a strategic partnership to introduce two innovative cashless payment solutions: 'Omairi Pay®' and 'ADAPTIS® In-Store'. This collaboration aims to provide a seamless cashless payment experience for visitors while supporting the operational efficiency of religious institutions. The official launch of this integrated payment system is scheduled to begin on August 21, 2026, at Kotokuin Temple, known for its historical Great Buddha.

The Vision Behind the Initiative

As Japan sees an increase in cashless transactions proportionate to the rise in international visitors, the necessity for an adapted payment system within religious spaces has become apparent. Traditional methods of exchanging money at temples and shrines diverge significantly from typical commercial transactions; this uniqueness calls for a tailored approach that considers individual privacy and the sanctity of religious practices. Recognizing this gap, Value Design collaborated with the Kyoto Buddhist Association to develop 'Omairi Pay®', a cashless solution designed specifically for temples and shrines.

Enhanced Point-of-Sale Functions

The integration of 'Omairi Pay®' and 'ADAPTIS® In-Store' provides temples with a sophisticated tablet POS system capable of managing various operational tasks efficiently. By obviating the need for manual operation of payment terminals, the new system simplifies the process at various religious institutions regardless of their size. Aside from standard payment processing, the expanded POS features enable inventory management, receipt processing for temple stamps (Goshuin), and barcode reading functionalities, thus streamlining operations for clerical staff.

Meeting Diverse Payment Needs

To cater to the diverse needs of visitors, the cashless payment environment is beginning with credit card acceptance, with plans to accommodate more electronic payment methods including e-money and UnionPay in the near future. Such flexibility is crucial as it aligns with the changing consumer preferences and enhances the visitor experience, allowing for a swifter and more convenient approach to making donations or purchasing religious items.

Privacy and Respect for Belief

The innovative 'Omairi Pay®' system also places great importance on privacy and adherence to religious freedoms. The payment infrastructure ensures that specific temple names are not disclosed to the payment service providers, thereby safeguarding the identity and anonymity of users. Furthermore, the system is designed to prevent excessive transactions by limiting payment amounts, thus promoting responsible use among believers and visitors.

The Role of Each Company

Value Design will oversee the deployment and operational support for 'Omairi Pay®', while NTT Data will manage the necessary payment infrastructure, including the provision of the 'ADAPTIS® In-Store' service, featuring the compact yet powerful Sharp UA-P20NA payment terminal. This partnership leverages the strengths of both companies to enhance efficiency at temples and shrines and improve the overall visitor experience.

Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, both companies plan to expand this cashless solution across Japan, targeting a network of the 155,651 religious entities registered nationally. The aim is to contribute to a sustainable digital payment infrastructure that respects the unique dynamics of temple operations while strengthening the foundation of Japan's rich religious culture.

Conclusion

The integration of 'Omairi Pay®' and 'ADAPTIS® In-Store' is an important step towards modernizing the experience at traditional sites while preserving their sacred nature. As these innovations roll out, they hold the potential to elevate both operational efficiency and visitor satisfaction, ensuring that Japan’s temples remain accessible and relevant in today’s cashless society.