There has been explosive growth in international customers engaging with businesses in Japan over the last few years*. Beyond the huge ups and downs of the tourism industry, there has also been a constant rise in long-term foreign residents who are contributing to local economies all over Japan**. However, language and cultural barriers are still common, and smooth communication and business is not always possible.
Technology gives us a way to break through any barrier however, and opens up new opportunities, for both a buyer and a seller.
For that reason, PayPay can now be used in English. Starting today, with the release of version 2.36.0, we now provide our interface in English for those who choose. This makes it easy for our international friends, colleagues and customers to make a payment, send money or order at any PayPay merchant.
English support is provided on all core functions of PayPay, giving you the ability to register and edit account details, link a bank account or credit card, make payments, check your balance and send and receive P2P payments. Not all functions are yet supported, but we have ensured that there is nothing in the way of a great payment experience. Over the coming weeks you will see more of PayPay become available in English, expanding what you can do even further.
By going cashless, you are not only benefiting from fast, secure payments at a store, but are doing so in a way that is personally empowering. That might be in accessing a cash back deal, better managing your finances, instantly sending money to a friend, or simply seeing transaction information in a more familiar language.
English language support in PayPay is the latest step we are taking to open up these tools further. It helps more people use PayPay in more ways, but it also crucially helps businesses – especially those that deal with international customers.
Infact, we have always approached payments in Japan from an international perspective. Our team is international, and it is a core part of who we are as a company. This is the latest step we are taking to define what is possible for businesses and individuals. It comes not long after we added the ability for PayPay merchants to accept payments from the most popular digital payment platforms in China and Korea, and there are more updates planned for the future.
This year the Olympics were due to be held, and with that, a continued increase in tourists. Things didn’t work out as expected, but the charms of coming to Japan, be it for business or pleasure remain, and with the Olympics rescheduled for next year, there is sure to be a return to strong international connections.
*Source: Immigration Bureau, Statistics of Foreign Residents
Use of PayPay in English still requires a Japanese cell phone number, and either a bank account from a supported Japanese Bank, a credit card issued in Japan, or access to a Seven Bank ATM.