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Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Naver Pay's overseas QR payments soar amid travel boom
Internet giant Naver's payment platform Naver Pay said Sunday its overseas QR payment service is experiencing explosive growth as more Korean travelers opt for digital wallets abroad. The transaction volume for its overseas QR payment service surged by 70.7 percent in the first quarter compared to the previous quarter, the platform operator said. The spike is largely driven by a sharp increase in Korean tourists using the service in Japan, China and Thailand, the operator added. The number of new overseas users rose by 67 percent on-quarter, signaling a shift in consumer behavior as contactless payments become a norm among young travelers. Naver Pay's integration with PayPay, Japan's leading QR payment network, expanded the number of affiliated merchants by nearly 3 million, significantly boosting usage. Popular retail chains like Don Quijote and Sugi Pharmacy saw sustained increases in Naver Pay transactions. In China, Naver Pay remains the only Korean mobile wallet partnered with all three major local platforms — WeChat Pay, UnionPay and Alipay Plus — enabling seamless usage across most of the mainland. In May alone, transaction volume in China rose 40 percent compared to April. Notably, the number of users in their 20s more than doubled, with high activity concentrated in youth-frequented destinations such as Shanghai Disneyland, Darunfa Mart and Sunrise Duty-Free. Thailand also showed a strong performance, with QR payment volumes increasing 26 percent in May from April, especially in major tourist hotspots. Currently, Naver Pay supports QR payment in 65 countries and regions, the most extensive overseas coverage among all Korean digital payment platforms.
Tokyo Weekender
28-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tokyo Weekender
Japan Supermarket Guide: Navigate Tokyo's Aisles Like a Local
For newcomers to Tokyo, shopping for groceries in Japan can feel like entering an alternate universe. The neat rows of unfamiliar products, the meticulous packaging and the sheer variety of items you've never seen before can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you're a long-term expat or a short-term visitor, mastering the art of Japanese supermarket shopping will transform your daily routine and deepen your connection to local culture. From understanding shopping etiquette to finding the best deals and discovering hidden culinary gems, here's everything you need to know to navigate a Japanese supermarket with confidence. List of Contents: Understanding Japan's Unique Supermarket Culture Your Guide to Tokyo's Major Supermarket Chains Navigating Japanese Supermarket Sections Like a Pro Special Dietary Needs in Japanese Supermarkets Making Your Japan Supermarket Experience Seamless Related Posts Understanding Japan's Unique Supermarket Culture What Makes Japanese Supermarkets Different Japanese supermarkets operate on principles that might surprise first-time visitors. Unlike the sprawling warehouse-style stores common in other countries, most Tokyo supermarkets prioritize efficiency, freshness and customer service over sheer size. You'll notice smaller shopping carts, impeccably organized displays and an emphasis on seasonal products that reflects Japan's deep connection to nature's rhythms. The concept of freshness here goes beyond simple expiration dates. Many supermarkets receive multiple deliveries throughout the day, and it's common to see staff constantly restocking shelves and rotating products. This commitment to quality means you'll often find very fresh produce, meat and fish, and bento boxes prepared just hours before your visit. Perhaps most notably, Japanese supermarkets embrace the art of convenience without sacrificing quality. The prepared food sections, known as sozai areas, offer high-quality meals at reasonable prices, making them a lifeline for busy Tokyo residents and a culinary adventure for visitors. However, much like most products in Japan, pre-prepared foods and produce is often highly packaged. Make sure to wash and recycle plastics after use to eliminate contributing to waste. Essential Shopping Etiquette and Payment Methods Before diving into your shopping adventure, understanding basic supermarket etiquette will help you blend in seamlessly. Always bring your own shopping bags, as plastic bags now cost around ¥3-5 each following Japan's environmental initiatives. Most supermarkets provide packing areas where you can organize your purchases after checkout — never pack at the register, as this holds up the line. Payment methods have evolved significantly in recent years. While cash remains king, most major supermarkets now accept IC cards like Suica or Pasmo, credit cards and mobile payment systems like PayPay. Many stores also offer tax-free shopping for tourists, though minimum purchase requirements apply. Don't miss out on point cards and loyalty programs, which can provide substantial savings over time. Most supermarket chains offer their own point systems, and signing up is usually free and straightforward, even with limited Japanese language skills. Your Guide to Tokyo's Major Supermarket Chains Budget-Friendly Options for Everyday Shopping For cost-conscious shoppers, several supermarket chains offer excellent value without compromising on quality. Life Supermarket strikes an ideal balance between affordability and selection, with locations throughout Tokyo that stock everything from basic ingredients to international products. Their house-brand items provide particularly good value for staples like rice, seasonings and household goods. OK Supermarket has gained a devoted following among Tokyo residents for its impressively low prices. While the stores might look less polished than their competitors, the savings are genuine and significant. Their bulk-buying power translates to prices that can be 20-30% lower than other chains, making them a favorite among families and budget-conscious expats. Gyomu Super , originally designed for restaurant suppliers, now welcomes individual customers seeking wholesale-style savings. Their frozen food selection is particularly impressive, and they've recently expanded their halal and international offerings. The large package sizes might seem daunting, but the per-unit savings are substantial for households or shared living situations. International and Specialty Supermarkets Tokyo's international community is well-served by several supermarket chains that cater specifically to foreign tastes and dietary requirements. National Azabu stands as the gold standard for expat shopping, offering an extensive selection of imported products from around the world. From American breakfast cereals to European cheeses and Middle Eastern spices, their Hiroo flagship store feels like a global food market. Nissin World Delicatessen excels in premium imported meats, wines and specialty ingredients that are difficult to find elsewhere in Tokyo. Their butcher counter offers cuts prepared to international standards, and their cheese selection rivals that of many European delis. While prices reflect the premium positioning, the quality and selection justify the cost for special occasions or hard-to-find ingredients. For coffee lovers and international snack enthusiasts, Kaldi Coffee Farm provides an affordable gateway to global flavors. Their stores combine coffee sales with imported foods, spices and pantry staples from around the world. The prices are reasonable, and their seasonal selections often feature trending international products before they appear in mainstream stores. Premium and Gourmet Options At the luxury end of the spectrum, Seijo Ishii has built a reputation for curating the finest Japanese and international gourmet products. Their prepared foods section rivals high-end restaurants, and their wine and cheese selections are among Tokyo's best. While prices reflect the premium quality, the experience offers a glimpse into Japan's sophisticated food culture. Depachika , the basement food floors of department stores like Isetan and Mitsukoshi, represent the pinnacle of Japanese food retail. These aren't traditional supermarkets but rather collections of specialty food vendors offering everything from handcrafted wagyu beef to artisanal sweets. The presentation alone is worth experiencing, with food displayed like precious jewels and service that exemplifies Japanese hospitality. Navigating Japanese Supermarket Sections Fresh Produce and Seasonal Shopping Japanese produce sections reflect the country's deep appreciation for seasonality and quality. Fruits are often individually wrapped and priced as premium products — don't be shocked to see perfect apples selling for ¥200-300 each or premium melons commanding thousands of yen. This isn't a tourist markup; it reflects genuine quality standards and the cultural value placed on perfect produce. Understanding seasonal shopping will enhance both your culinary experiences and your budget, ensuring peak flavor with better prices. Look for locally grown products marked with kokusanhin (国産品), which often offer better value than imported alternatives while supporting Japanese agriculture. packs of miso line the shelves of a japanese supermarket Essential Japanese Pantry Staples Building a Japanese pantry starts with understanding the fundamental ingredients that form the backbone of local cuisine. Rice remains central, with various types available from everyday short-grain varieties to premium brands that can cost significantly more. The condiment section reveals the complexity of Japanese flavors. Beyond basic soy sauce, you'll discover different varieties for different uses — light soy sauce for delicate dishes, dark for richer flavors and tamago kake gohan shoyu specifically for rice with raw egg. Miso paste comes in white (shiro), red (aka) and mixed (awase) varieties, each contributing different flavor profiles to soups and marinades. Dashi forms the foundation of Japanese cooking, available as instant powder, concentrated liquid or traditional kombu seaweed and bonito flakes for making from scratch. Understanding these basics transforms your ability to create authentic Japanese flavors at home. Ready-Made Meals and Bento Culture The prepared food sections of Japanese supermarkets deserve recognition as cultural institutions in their own right. The variety and quality of ready-made meals rival many restaurants, offering everything from traditional Japanese comfort foods to international cuisines adapted for local tastes. Timing your visit can yield significant savings on prepared foods. Many supermarkets begin marking down bento boxes, sushi and other perishables around 7 – 8 p.m., with discounts ranging from 20-50% off original prices. This practice, known as 'time sale,' reflects the Japanese commitment to freshness while providing budget-conscious shoppers with excellent deals. Special Dietary Needs in Japanese Supermarkets Vegan and Vegetarian Shopping Strategies Navigating Japanese supermarkets as a vegan or vegetarian requires awareness of hidden animal products, particularly dashi (fish stock) which appears in many seemingly vegetarian items. However, the situation has improved dramatically in recent years, with most major supermarket chains now offering dedicated plant-based sections. Tofu varieties extend far beyond basic silken and firm types, including flavored options, fried preparations and specialty items like yuba (tofu skin). The frozen section often contains surprisingly good plant-based alternatives to meat, including soy-based karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken) and hamburger patties that have won over even non-vegetarian customers. Natural food stores like Bio c' Bon and sections within major supermarkets cater specifically to health-conscious and plant-based shoppers. These areas stock organic produce, plant-based milk alternatives and imported health foods that might be difficult to find elsewhere. Finding Halal Options Tokyo's growing Muslim population has prompted major supermarket chains to expand their halal offerings significantly. Aeon and Gyomu Super now feature dedicated halal sections with certified meat, seasonings and processed foods clearly marked with halal certification symbols. Reading ingredient labels becomes crucial for Muslim shoppers, with particular attention to gelatin sources, alcohol-based flavorings and meat derivatives. Many Japanese products that appear vegetarian may contain pork-derived ingredients, making careful label reading essential. Specialized stores like National Mart focus exclusively on halal products, while some Gyomu Super locations have expanded their halal frozen food selections to include internationally sourced items that meet strict halal standards. Reading Japanese Food Labels for Allergies Japanese food labeling has become increasingly comprehensive, with clear marking of major allergens including eggs, milk, wheat, shrimp, crab, peanuts, buckwheat and walnuts. The allergen information appears in a separate section marked 'アレルゲン' (allergen) or '特定原材料等' (specified raw materials). Key phrases to recognize include '原材料名' (ingredients list), '賞味期限' (best-by date), and '保存方法' (storage method). Translation apps can help decode unfamiliar ingredients, though learning basic allergen terms in Japanese provides faster, more reliable results. Many supermarkets now employ multilingual staff or provide translation services for customers with severe allergies, recognizing the importance of clear communication around food safety issues. Making Your Japan Supermarket Experience Seamless Modern technology can bridge language barriers and enhance your shopping efficiency. Google Translate's camera function works remarkably well for reading product labels and ingredient lists in real-time. For more specialized needs, apps like Payke provide detailed product information in multiple languages by scanning barcodes. Payment apps like PayPay not only streamline checkout but also offer regular cashback promotions and discounts at participating supermarkets, adding another layer of potential savings to your shopping routine. Many international supermarkets offer online ordering with same-day or next-day delivery, particularly valuable for heavy items like rice, cooking oil, and beverages. The delivery fees often become economical when ordering in bulk or during promotional periods. Some services specialize in international products that might not be available in local stores, bridging gaps for expats seeking comfort foods from home while exploring Japanese culinary culture. Mastering Japanese supermarket shopping opens doors to authentic local experiences while making daily life in Tokyo more enjoyable and affordable. From understanding the cultural significance of seasonal shopping to finding the best deals on quality ingredients, your grocery shopping adventures will become opportunities to connect with Japanese food culture in meaningful ways. Related Posts Japanese Milk: Navigating the Dairy Section of Your Local Supermarket Japan's Plastic Footprint Is Larger Than You May Think What Is Miso? How To Make and Use Japan's Magic Paste
Japan Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Cashless payments top 40% of consumer spending in Japan
Cashless payments, primarily those made through credit cards, electronic money and QR codes, are becoming increasingly widespread in Japan. Such payment methods now account for over 40% of all personal spending in the country, reflecting a growing trend of consumers carrying little or no cash with them when going out. A number of issues still need to be addressed, however, especially a growing risk of unauthorized use of cashless payments and the potential disruption of services during disasters. In late March, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reported that cashless payments in Japan totaled ¥141 trillion ($980 billion) in 2024, marking an 11.3% increase from the previous year. The share of such payments in personal consumption surpassed 40% for the first time, reaching 42.8%. The government's target of around 40% of spending to be made via cashless payments by 2025 was therefore achieved ahead of schedule. Cashless payments have continued to grow steadily year by year, with the total for 2024 reaching 3.7 times the ¥38.3 trillion recorded in 2010. A breakdown of the 2024 figures shows that credit cards accounted for the largest share of the total, at 82.9%, while payments based on QR or other codes have expanded rapidly, making up 9.6%. While electronic commerce has grown, an increasing number of brick-and-mortar stores now accept contactless credit card payments and smartphone-based apps such as PayPay, creating an environment more conducive to cashless shopping. The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated the adoption of cashless payments, as consumers sought to minimize physical contact during in-person transactions. From a global perspective, however, Japan's cashless payment penetration remains relatively low. According to the Payments Japan Association, South Korea recorded by far the highest share of cashless payments in 2022, at 99.0%. Japan also trailed significantly behind China's 83.5%, Singapore's 65.6%, Britain's 64.2%, and the United States' 56.4%. The government aims to raise the domestic share of cashless payments to 80% to put the country's rate among the highest globally. Officials note that expanding cashless payments will not only enhance user convenience, but also help reduce cash-handling costs and alleviate labor shortages. Still, achieving the government's target will require overcoming several challenges. One major hurdle is the high cost borne by retailers, including expenses for installing cashless payment equipment and the commissions charged by service providers. The government has called on related industries to collaborate on easing financial burdens wherever possible. In addition, credit card fraud remains a serious concern. According to the Japan Consumer Credit Association, losses from unauthorized use reached a record ¥55.5 billion in 2024, with over 90% of the total attributed to stolen card numbers. In response, eight credit card companies in Japan announced a joint initiative in March to crack down on phishing websites. Moreover, natural disasters can pose a significant risk to cashless payment systems. A powerful earthquake that struck Hokkaido in 2018 triggered a regionwide power outage, the first of its kind in the country. With cash registers unable to read product information or verify credit card details, cashless payments could not be made at many stores. People without cash were unable to purchase essentials such as food and beverages, underscoring the risks of relying too heavily on cashless payments. In a report released in late March, the government announced new damage forecasts for a potential large-scale earthquake along the Nankai Trough, off the Pacific coast from central to western Japan. The report warned of the possibility that many consumers could become "shopping refugees," stranded without access to essential goods due to power outages and communication failures. The report emphasized that measures to ensure the continuity of payment systems "must be implemented on an ongoing basis." It also cautioned that system failures "could affect not only disaster-hit regions but the entire country," effectively urging consumers to keep cash on hand in case of emergencies.
15-05-2025
- Business
S'tomo Mitsui, SoftBank to Form Payment Service Alliance
News from Japan Economy Technology May 15, 2025 21:36 (JST) Tokyo, May 15 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co. and mobile phone carrier SoftBank Corp. said Thursday that they have agreed to form a comprehensive partnership in the digital financial service field. Under the deal, the PayPay mobile payment service of a SoftBank affiliate will be available for transactions, including payment and loading, on the Olive general financial app of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., which, along with Sumitomo Mitsui Card, is under the wing of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. The partnership between the two payment service giants will allow customers to exchange V points, earned mainly through credit card use on Olive, and PayPay reward points, merging the two sides' huge customer bases. The deal is a major development in intensifying competition to attract customers to so-called economic blocs of affiliated services with reward point programs. "We'll realize a grand coalition that would lead our country's shift to a cashless (society)," Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group President Toru Nakashima said. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
15-05-2025
- Business
Sumitomo Mitsui, SoftBank to Collaborate on Digital Payment Services
News from Japan Economy Technology May 15, 2025 19:03 (JST) Tokyo, May 15 (Jiji Press)--Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co. and mobile carrier SoftBank Corp. said Thursday that they will form a comprehensive partnership in the digital finance service area. Under the alliance, the PayPay mobile payment service of a SoftBank affiliate will be available for transactions, including payment and charging, on the Olive general financial app of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., which is under the wing of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. along with Sumitomo Mitsui Card. The powerful partnership between the two major groups will allow customers to exchange V points, earned through credit card use on Olive, and PayPay reward points, merging the two sides' customer bases. With the increasing adoption of cashless payment, competition in the reward point system field is expected to intensify. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
