UPI in Japan (Image Source: iStock)
Indian visitors travelling to Japan will soon enjoy the convenience of making digital payments using their Unified Payments Interface (UPI) apps. This development comes after NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the global arm of India’s National Payments Corporation of India, inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NTT DATA Japan, a subsidiary of the NTT DATA Group.
Through this partnership, merchants acquired by NTT DATA will begin accepting UPI-based payments, allowing Indian tourists to scan QR codes and pay instantly via their mobile devices.
Simplifying Transactions for Tourists and Merchants
The initiative aims to streamline payments for Indian travellers, reducing their reliance on cash or foreign exchange cards. With UPI acceptance, Indian tourists can shop and pay more conveniently throughout Japan. Masanori Kurihara, Head of Payments at NTT DATA Japan, said, “The introduction of UPI payments in Japan means Indian tourists will be able to shop more conveniently, while Japanese merchants will be able to capture new business.”
The move not only enhances the shopping experience for visitors but also opens new revenue opportunities for Japanese merchants by tapping into the growing influx of Indian tourists.
Expanding UPI’s Global Footprint
Between January and August 2025, Japan welcomed over 208,000 tourists from India, underscoring the importance of providing familiar payment options to this growing market. This marks the first introduction of UPI services in East Asia. Indian travellers currently use UPI for payments in multiple countries such as France, UAE, Nepal, Mauritius, Peru, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Qatar, and Bhutan.
NTT DATA Japan operates CAFIS, the nation’s largest card payment processing network that links banks, merchants, and ATMs across the country. The integration of UPI transactions into this system is expected to be smooth and efficient, further embedding India’s digital payment system into Japan’s retail ecosystem.
This collaboration highlights India’s expanding influence in global payments and reinforces UPI’s role in promoting seamless cross-border financial inclusion for Indian consumers abroad.
AloJapan.com