#Japan #Tokyo #POS+ #Cashless Payments

Introduction to POS+ and Restaurant Sales Trends

Pos+ Corporation, headquartered in the heart of Tokyo, has released its sales trend report for Japanese restaurants for December 2025. This data plays a vital role in understanding the evolving dynamics of the restaurant industry, focusing on cashless payment solutions that enhance operational efficiency.

As of December, POS+ reported a year-on-year sales growth rate of 102.0%, reflecting a 0.5 point increase from the previous month. This growth showcases the resilience of the restaurant sector despite market challenges and a shift in consumer behavior towards cashless transactions.

Regional Performance Insights

Breaking down the sales performance by region, the average year-on-year growth rate across Japan was 102.6%, with the Chubu region leading the surge with a noteworthy 103.6% increase. Such results underscore the critical role regional economic conditions and customer preferences play in sales trends within the restaurant business.

Cashless Payment Adoption

In terms of payment methods, the overall cashless payment penetration across Japan stood at 54.0%, albeit a 1.2-point decline compared to November. Notably, all restaurant types reported cashless transaction rates exceeding 40%, with the takeout category being the most significant, registering a 14.7% share of total transactions.

Diving deeper into genre-specific trends, cashless payment adoption was consistent across most food categories, especially outside takeout and ramen segments, where the ratios exceeded 40%. Impressively, specific genres like salad shops showcased a high cashless ratio of 22.8%, demonstrating a preference for modern payment solutions.

Year-End Comparison

When comparing cashless payment methods from November to December, a noticeable decline in adoption was observed in all but the food categories. Interestingly, credit card transactions increased solely in dining establishments, highlighting a shift towards more familiar and secure payment modes.

Among payment methods, credit cards dominated with a whopping 80.3%, followed by code payments at 14.5%. As we analyze the shift in payment preferences, it becomes clearer that credit cards remain the favored choice among consumers, even as the market fluctuates.

Conclusion

As POS+ continues to track and report on the restaurant industry's sales dynamics, the emphasis on adapting to consumer preferences and advancing cashless payment technology remains paramount. The company's commitment to supporting the Japanese hospitality sector remains unyielding, with a mission to create an efficient and hospitable experience for customers. Addressing the challenges posed by labor shortages through technology, POS+ aims to enable staff to focus on delivering exceptional service while innovating within the industry.

As we step into 2026, the developments in POS systems such as POS+ will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the evolution of dining experiences across Japan, creating a more integrated and customer-friendly landscape in the restaurant business.