"Choosing a Pay and Adding Points..." The Complexity of Cashless Payments in Japan—Is Cash Necessary for the Vulnerable? Insights from International Comparisons on the "Ideal State"

Japan's cashless system is a "complex system" where multiple layers such as QR code payments (commonly known as ○○ Pay), credit cards, transportation IC cards, iD/QUICPay, and online banking intricately intertwine with a point-based economy. Meanwhile, thanks to government initiatives, the cashless ratio reached 42.8% in 2024. However, this complexity tends to disadvantage the elderly, people with disabilities, short-term visitors, and those without smartphones or bank accounts. In times of disasters, when power outages or communication disruptions occur, cash remains an essential safety net. Overseas, the U.S. and EU have established "cash acceptance obligations," China imposes penalties for refusing cash, India has unified payments under a "single system" with UPI, and Singapore integrates QR codes with SGQR, advancing a trend towards simplicity and inclusivity. This article dissects the current situation in Japan for foreign readers and proposes an implementable blueprint: **"Cash is always OK" + "Payments with a single QR code" + "Visible points."** It also provides a checklist for stores, municipalities, and payment operators to take action immediately. Japan's cashless system can evolve not only with "speed" but also with "kindness" and "preparedness."