Is Japan Finally Going Cashless? The Pros and Cons
AdvancedJapan & Culture
Is Japan Finally Going Cashless?
From cash country to card country?
Model script
Good afternoon, everyone. Japan has long been known as a country that loves cash. But when I visited my grandmother in Fukuoka last year, even she paid for her groceries with her phone. Today, I'll look at how fast Japan is going cashless, and the pros and cons.
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Useful phrases
has long been known as
Has had this reputation for a long time.
going cashless
Changing to payments without cash.
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01Is Japan Finally Going Cashless?
Good afternoon, everyone. Japan has long been known as a country that loves cash. But when I visited my grandmother in Fukuoka last year, even she paid for her groceries with her phone. Today, I'll look at how fast Japan is going cashless, and the pros and cons.
02The Numbers
According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, cashless payments made up forty-two point eight percent of consumer spending in 2024. That passed the government's goal of around forty percent.
Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), "2024 Ratio of Cashless Payment Among the Total Amount Paid by Consumers" (March 2025)
03How People Pay
Most of it is still credit cards, about eighty-three percent of cashless payments. QR code payments on smartphones are around ten percent, followed by electronic money and debit cards.
Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), "2024 Ratio of Cashless Payment Among the Total Amount Paid by Consumers" (March 2025)
04Pro: Convenience and Speed
The advantages are easy to see. Paying with a card or phone is faster, there's no heavy coin purse, and visitors from abroad don't need to carry large amounts of yen.
05Pro: Help for Small Shops
Cashless payments can also help shops. Staff spend less time counting cash at night, and sales records are created automatically, which helps shops with only a few staff.
06Con: Not Everyone Can Keep Up
However, there are real concerns. Some older people find apps confusing and prefer cash. Small shops pay fees on every card payment. And in an earthquake or power outage, cash may be the only thing that works.
07Finding the Balance
In my view, the goal shouldn't be a completely cashless Japan. Shops should keep accepting cash, communities could offer simple classes on payment apps, and families should keep a little cash at home for emergencies.
08Conclusion
To conclude, Japan is changing faster than many people expected. The challenge now is to enjoy the convenience without leaving anyone behind. Thank you.
Cover photo by geralt on Pixabay