Success of QR Codes in Japan: Why the Country Became a Global Example of Digital Transformation

Japan is widely recognized as the birthplace of QR codes — a technology now used across the world in payments, retail, logistics, transportation, tourism, and countless everyday interactions. What truly sets Japan apart is not just the invention itself, but the way the country managed to transform QR codes into a core element of its digital ecosystem.

How QR Codes Emerged in Japan

The story began in the 1960s, when Japanese retailers needed a faster and more efficient way to manage checkout processes. DENSO WAVE, a subsidiary of DENSO Corporation, created a two-dimensional barcode capable of storing far more data than traditional barcodes, including Japanese characters.

In 1994, the technology received its iconic name — QR (Quick Response) — highlighting its ability to be scanned instantly.

By 2002, as Japanese mobile phones began to include built-in QR-code scanners, the technology quickly became widespread. Free QR-code generators later expanded access even further, allowing anyone to create a code in seconds.

When COVID-19 accelerated the global shift toward contactless services, Japan had already been using QR codes everywhere for more than 15 years.

QR Codes as an Integral Part of Japanese Daily Life

Today, QR codes permeate virtually every facet of life in Japan:

• government services

• major corporations

• small and medium-sized businesses

• tourism, transportation, retail

• public-sector and private infrastructure

The numbers speak for themselves:

• 9.36 billion QR-code transactions in 2023

• monthly active users of QR-based payments increased from 23.1 million in 2020 to 82.7 million in 2024 (Statista)

Japan remains one of the most advanced QR-driven societies in the world.

Best Examples of QR-Code Adoption in Japan

1. Visit Japan: QR Codes for Border Control and Arrival Procedures

The Visit Japan platform allows travelers to complete immigration and customs forms online and generate a personal QR code used for:

• passport control

• customs declarations via digital terminals

• access to the Tax-Free shopping system

This significantly reduces queues and streamlines airport operations.

2. Rakuten: QR Codes Across Retail, Payments, and Mobile Connectivity

Rakuten Inc. integrates QR codes into numerous services:

• Click-and-collect: customers order online and pick up their purchases by showing a QR code

• eSIM activation: scanning a QR code sent by email immediately activates service

• Referral programs: users share QR-coded invitations to earn bonuses

• Rakuten Pay: customers scan a store’s QR code and pay with balance, bank account, card, or reward points

Brands can also generate custom Rakuten QR codes to increase visibility on Rakuten Ichiba.

3. FamilyMart and the FamiPay Wallet

FamilyMart convenience stores use QR codes for:

• product purchases

• wallet top-ups

• utility bill payments

Customers simply scan the QR code at checkout — fast, safe, contactless.

4. PayPay: A National QR Payment Revolution

PayPay, founded by SoftBank and Yahoo! Japan, transformed the Japanese market:

• more than 15 million new users in under a year

• rapid adoption by small businesses

• major expansion of QR-payment infrastructure

PayPay also supports cross-border QR payments with automatic currency conversion.

5. LINE Pay: One of Japan’s First QR Payment Systems

Launched in 2014, LINE Pay pioneered:

• in-store QR payments

• online purchases

• bill-splitting via QR codes

The service became especially popular among younger users.

6. QR Tickets for Shinkansen Travel

Japan’s famous high-speed trains support fully digital QR tickets:

• purchase online

• store QR code in Apple Wallet

• scan at entry and exit gates

This reduces bottlenecks and speeds up passenger flow.

7. International QR Payments with ASEAN Countries

By 2025, Japan and ASEAN members will launch interoperable QR payments, enabling:

• international purchases using domestic apps

• instant currency conversion

• simplified travel transactions

QR codes are becoming a new global financial standard.

8. “QR Bar”: The Bar of the Future

In Tokyo’s Roppongi district, the Glance Dance “QR Bar” allows customers to:

• scan a QR code to order

• pay digitally

• pick up drinks without queues or interaction

A seamless, fully digital nightlife experience.

9. Primo: Cashierless Stores Powered by QR Codes

Primo, a Japanese startup, created stores where customers:

1. pick their items

2. scan QR codes

3. pay inside the app

A promising direction for Japan’s retail future.

From Subway Posters to National Digital Infrastructure

Long before QR codes became a global trend, Japan had already embraced them. Even in 2009, they appeared on:

• Disney posters in Tokyo subways

• McDonald’s cups and packaging

• shopping-mall advertisements

• clothing labels and magazine spreads

Today, QR codes are not just a convenient tool — they are a cornerstone of modern Japanese society, powering everything from travel to payments to public services.