credit card
bitbank and Epos Card - the fintech arm of retail giant Marui Group - have launched the "EPOS CRYPTO card for bitbank", debuting as the first credit card in Japan to allow consumers to settle monthly liabilities directly from cryptocurrency exchange holdings. According to research conducted by both
payments
Digital Garage and its subsidiary, DG Financial Technology (DGFT), have launched new digital wallet functionality integrated into their "Cloud Pay Business" DX solution. Developed in collaboration with group company Pocket Change, the platform aims to unify payments, loyalty programs, and customer management to drive digital transformation (DX) for
loyalty
SMBC Group and its subsidiary, Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company (SMCC), have officially completed the consolidation of V Point Marketing, taking control of one of the leading players in Japan’s competitive loyalty program and data marketing landscape. The move follows a strategic agreement first announced in October 2025. Effective March
loyalty
PayPay Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Card (SMCC), and CCCMK Holdings announced the launch of a mutual point-exchange program. Starting March 24, 2026, users will be able to convert "PayPay Points" and "V Points" at a 1:1 ratio, effectively bridging two of the country’s largest consumer
loyalty
SBI VC Trade, a consolidated subsidiary of SBI Holdings operating a cryptocurrency exchange business, has launched the "Sapporo Draft Beer Black Label THE BAR Renewal Campaign" in collaboration with Sapporo Breweries, as part of a proof-of-concept experiment aimed at "expanding brand experiences." This campaign commemorates the
credit card
Nudge has partnered with HashPort, provider of the Web3 wallet "HashPort Wallet" chosen by 1 million people, to begin offering the "HashPort Card" through the next-generation credit card "Nudge". With this card, JPYC (Japanese Yen stablecoin) is provided as cashback by HashPort according to
cashless
JR East initially introduced the concept of "Suica Renaissance" in December 2024. At the time, it stated: "JR East will progressively upgrade Suica's functionality over the next 10 years, transforming it into a digital platform as part of its mid-to-long-term business growth strategy, "Beyond
stablecoin
HashPort has signed a capital and business alliance agreement with KDDI. Under this alliance, HashPort conducted a third-party allotment capital increase to KDDI. As a result, KDDI acquired more than 20% of HashPort's issued shares, making HashPort an equity-method affiliate of KDDI. Going forward, both companies will leverage
payments
PayPay Corporation has launched "PayPay Gift," which allows users to send digital gift certificates to friends and family for use at partner stores. Senders can set the gift certificate amount in 1-yen increments as desired, and send them with personalized messages such as "Thank you" or
loyalty
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company, Culture Convenience Club, and CCCMK Holdings have reached an agreement regarding the capital restructuring of CCCMKHD, which operates "V Point." Sumitomo Mitsui Card will acquire additional shares of CCCMKHD, making CCCMKHD a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Card. Also, through CCCMKHD&
credit card
High-end credit cards have recently become extremely popular in Japan, offering a variety of lifestyle benefits, rather than just loyalty points acceleration. For example, NTT Docomo has been successful with its Platinum card offerings (call us happy customers). Japan Airlines is taking the concept one level beyond, aiming for a
payments
Digital Garage has acquired additional shares of Pocket Change, making it an equity method affiliate of Digital Garage. At the same time, Digital Garage has concluded a capital and business alliance with JCB, a shareholder of Pocket Change, and the three companies have also signed a capital and business alliance.