UPI Launches in Japan: A Game-Changer for Indian Tourists Using QR Code Payments!
UPI in Japan: India’s revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is continuing its global expansion, with Japan being the latest nation to adopt the seamless payment technology. This significant development marks a new chapter in digital convenience for Indian travelers. In a strategic move, NIPL, the international wing of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has signed a landmark agreement with NTT Data Japan. This partnership will empower Indian tourists to make hassle-free payments directly from their mobile phones across Japan.
How UPI Will Work in Japan
Under this new agreement, Indian visitors will be able to use their existing UPI-enabled apps for shopping and other services in Japan. The process is simple and familiar: just scan a QR code at merchant locations to complete a transaction. This integration effectively eliminates the need for tourists to carry large amounts of cash or rely on forex cards, making their travel experience smoother and more secure.
The move is set to benefit both tourists and local businesses. According to Masanori Kurihara, Head of Payments at NTT Data, this collaboration will make it significantly easier for Japanese vendors to transact with the growing number of Indian tourists. This partnership is also expected to provide a substantial boost to Japan’s tourism sector, which saw over 280,000 Indian visitors between January and August 2025 alone.
UPI’s Expanding Global Footprint
Japan joins a growing list of countries that have embraced India’s digital payment marvel. The UPI service is already operational in several nations, offering a testament to its robust and user-friendly design.
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- UAE
- Nepal
- Mauritius
- Peru
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Qatar
- Bhutan
Looking ahead, the NPCI has ambitious plans for 2025, aiming to introduce UPI services in 4-6 new countries. This planned expansion includes key markets like Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations, further solidifying UPI’s international presence.
| Metric | Statistic (as of July 2025) |
|---|---|
| Active UPI Users in India | Approx. 491 million |
| Connected Merchants in India | Over 6.5 million |
| Share of Digital Transactions in India | Approx. 85% |
| Share of Global Real-Time Payments | Accounts for 50% |
India’s Digital Prowess on the World Stage
The widespread adoption of UPI in India has been phenomenal, driven by its simplicity, security, and extensive reach. The platform now accounts for about 85% of all digital transactions in the country and an incredible half of the world’s total real-time digital payments.
This expansion into Japan is more than just a technological partnership; it’s a reflection of India’s growing digital and economic influence on a global scale. By providing a seamless, reliable, and fast payment solution for its citizens abroad, India is not only enhancing travel convenience but also opening up new dimensions for international commerce.
