Visa to Launch Nationwide Cashless Payment Project in Japan by 2026

Visa's Nationwide Touch Payment Project

Visa, the global leader in digital payments, announced an ambitious plan to launch the "Nationwide Cashless Promotion Project" in Japan starting February 2026. This initiative is built on the success of their previous "Osaka Area Promotion Project," which aimed at boosting local economic growth through enhanced cashless payment options.

The Osaka Area initiative, started in April 2024, focused on partnering with local businesses such as supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, family dining chains, and public transportation outlets. These efforts were designed to integrate touch payment systems into everyday commerce and significantly increased consumer engagement with cashless transactions. As of the project's completion, more than 1.8 million new users adopted Visas touch payment system in Osaka, pushing the region's touch payment usage rate to 74%, well above the national average of 66%.

This surge in popularity was evident as the number of active Visa touch payment cards in Osaka more than doubled, while the national growth rate remained at 60%. Engaging local merchants and service providers, Visa managed to create a robust ecosystem for cashless payments where consumers could experience the convenience firsthand. This tactic not only sped up the adoption of cashless transactions but also delivered a significant impact on the local economy.

By September 2025, the number of touch payment-enabled Visa cards issued in Japan soared to approximately 160 million. With the insights gained from the Osaka initiative, Visa aims to roll out the Nationwide Cashless Promotion Project across Japan. This expansion will emphasize further support for mobile touch payments, aligning with Visa's vision of achieving a cashless society, which in turn will stimulate economic growth throughout the nation.

Understanding Visa's Touch Payment System

Visa's touch payment technology is recognized worldwide, supported by robust security certifications present in over 200 countries and regions. This innovative payment method allows consumers to complete transactions quickly and securely by simply tapping their Visa cards (credit, debit, or prepaid) or smart devices on compatible terminals. No signatures or PINs are necessary for smaller purchases, which greatly enhances the speed and ease of payment. Major retail environments like convenience stores, fast-food outlets, supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, bookstores, department stores, and various commercial facilities are embracing this technology rapidly.

Note: For transactions exceeding a specified amount, entering a PIN or providing a signature may be required for security compliance.

For further details on Visa's touch payment technology, visit Visa's official site.

About Visa

As a leading electronic payment network, Visa connects consumers, businesses, government entities, and financial institutions across more than 200 countries and regions. Their mission centers around providing the most innovative, accessible, and secure payment network to enhance economic prosperity for individuals and businesses alike. Visa believes that a more inclusive economic framework will improve lives globally, linking economic access with the future of payment. For more information, visit Visa.com (English site) or www.visa.co.jp (Japanese site).