Japan QR Code Success: What Makes It a Global Example
Take a walk through the streets of Kyoto, Tokyo, and other cities in Japan, and you will find one thing in common: QR codes.
Japan QR codes are not just functional add-ons like those in most countries in the world. They are an extension of how things work: quietly, efficiently, and intentionally.
Let's not forget Japan isn't just a fan of QR codes; it's their birthplace.
QR codes continue to dominate the country and the world as a technology born through mobile-first thinking, precision design, and a deep respect for user flow.
This article explains how Japan leads with QR-powered innovation and what other countries can learn from its quiet mastery.
Table of Contents
Japan: The birthplace of QR codes
In the 1960s, when Japanese retailers needed a solution to ease the checkout process, DENSO WAVE (then part of DENSO Corporation) developed a two-dimensional (2D) barcode that could store more data, including Japanese characters.
That’s when QR technology was born. In 1994, the company announced the release of quick response codes, which correspond to their ability to be read by machines at high speed.
Starting in 2002, using QR codes became widespread in Japan. This was accelerated by the development of mobile devices with QR code scanning features and a free QR code generator.
And when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, the rest of the world followed suit, having learned how indispensable these tools are for businesses and people’s daily lives.
To this day, Japan QR codes continue to be extremely popular worldwide. The Japanese government, private enterprises, and small businesses have leveraged QR technology to transform their functions.
Even tourists can now breeze through entry formalities through Japan entry QR codes, simplifying airport procedures upon landing.
In 2023, the country saw 9.36 billion QR code transactions. According to Statista, monthly active users (MAU) of QR codes for payments in Japan skyrocketed from 23.1 million in 2020 to 82.7 million in September 2024.
Groundbreaking use cases of QR codes in Japan
While many countries are trying to determine the role of QR codes, Japan has already integrated them into daily business.
Here are some key players in the Japanese market showcasing the brilliant use of QR codes to not only keep up with trends but also stay ahead of them.
Japan immigration QR code via Visit Japan Web
Visit Japan Web is a service that allows overseas visitors and people returning to Japan to perform arrival procedures, such as immigration clearance and customs declaration.
This platform lets users pre-register for entry and generate a QR code for Japan customs and immigration, streamlining the process at major international airports.
To make it even easier for those travelling to Japan to register on any device, the platform provides a QR code directing them to a mobile-optimized Visit Japan Web app.
Visitors can present the Visit Japan QR code at the immigration counter for clearance and at the electronic declaration terminal or inspection table for customs declaration.
The passengers can pass the gate after finishing the declaration at the electronic declaration terminal.
Foreigners can also use their Japan immigration QR code for the "tax-free shopping service" during their stay in the country.
Rakuten QR codes
Rakuten Group Inc. is a leading Japanese conglomerate focusing on online retail, financial, and communication services. The global company innovatively uses QR codes in various scenarios.
- Order collection: Rakuten’s click-and-collect order collection system allows customers to place an order online and collect it in person by presenting their QR code with their order confirmation details.
- eSIM activation: Rakuten Mobile lets users activate their eSIM by scanning a QR code. The QR codes are sent via email after sign-up. It is ideal for travelers since it avoids a trip to the store.
- Referrals: Rakuten's mobile referral program also uses QR codes to make sharing seamless. Users can refer their friends to Rakuten Mobile and win 7000 points per person. The referral QR codes can be shared via email, LINE, X, Viber, Rakuten Link, SMS, or others.
- Payments: The Rakuten Pay app allows users to forgo cash transactions by enabling QR scanning. Users can scan a QR code using their smartphone and enter the amount. They can pay using their current app balance, bank account, credit card, or accumulated points.
Retail and e-commerce business owners may also create a custom Rakuten QR code to expand their market reach, connect with more customers, and enhance their online visibility by linking their Rakuten Ichiba shop.
Famipay QR code at FamilyMart
Famipay is a popular e-wallet solution in Japan. It is linked to FamilyMart, one of the country's most popular convenience stores.
Users purchasing at the store can add funds to their Famipay wallet and make utility payments through their smartphones.
Famipay functions using QR codes. The users can conduct transactions by scanning a code at the point of sale.
Famipay reduces contact, simplifies the payment process, and improves security by reducing fraud risk.
With a Japan tax free QR code, tourists can instantly verify eligibility and enjoy hassle-free tax exemption while shopping.
PayPay QR code for payments
In 2018, PayPay, a joint venture between SoftBank and Yahoo! Japan, organized a cashback campaign powered by QR codes.
PayPay lets users make payments through their phones. This approach helped small businesses go cashless without the burden of high fees or complex setups.
This PayPay user acquisition strategy spotlights QR codes. PayPay gained 15 million new users in just 10 months by letting users sign up through QR codes.
The brand's campaign hit Japan and helped normalize QR code payment systems nationwide.
PayPay has an overseas cashless payment service that allows its users to check the payment amount in their local currency. This service makes shopping easy, as consumers must input the yen equivalent amount.
LINE Pay
Launched in 2014, LINE Pay is one of Japan's first QR payment systems.
LINE Pay is another of Japan QR code payment solutions that allow bill splitting, online shopping, and in-store purchases.
This solution allows users to make payments on their smartphones without installing additional equipment or introducing an application.
Shinkansen QR code ticketing
People not only use a QR code to enter Japan. They also use the technology for local travels around the country.
Shinkansen, also known as the "bullet train," is a popular mode of transport in Japan.
Customers can board the Shinkansen with a printed QR-Ticket or add one to Apple Wallet (only for iOS users).
The commuters can scan the QR code at the gate while entering and leaving the station.
From vending machines to taxi rides, Japan travel QR codes and payment QR codes have become the default for Japan’s fast-moving, contactless economy.
QR code-enabled cross-border payment
Japan QR code use cases are not limited to the country. They teamed up with ASEAN countries to launch cross-border QR payment solutions by 2025, optimizing financial transactions for international travelers.
Japan's payment QR code system has revolutionized cashless transactions by offering a fast, secure, and universally accepted solution across stores, transit, and online platforms.
This marks a significant milestone in developing seamless economic relationships with a QR code generator system, enhancing digital payment infrastructures, and reducing transactional roadblocks in bordering territories.
Glance Dance Bar “QR Bar”
Glance Dance Bar, nicknamed the “QR Bar,” is in Tokyo's Roppongi district.
At this bar, customers can simply scan a QR code and use a digital wallet or another payment method to secure the drinks. After making the payment, they can pick up the order from the bar.
Primo’s QR code for quick shopping
Primo, the Japanese startup, has launched an app that lets shoppers skip the checkout line with the help of a QR code.
The brand also introduced unmanned pop-up shops in Tokyo. At these outlets, customers can purchase, scan QR codes, and make payments.
More QR code use cases in Japan
Back in 2009, before the world went crazy about QR codes, blogger Cliffano Subagio documented how Japan uses QR codes during his trip to the country.
Disney posted posters of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Stitch with QR codes at the underground pass going to the Ikebukuro Station, effectively making people stop and scan.
QR codes were also placed on McDonald’s cups, wrappers, and paper bags. Other QR codes were spotted on snack packaging, mall posters, clothing tags, magazines, and building guides.
Today, these tiny blocks of black-and-white squares can be seen everywhere, not just in Japan but anywhere in the world, bringing users various experiences.
QR TIGER: A partner software for your brand
If you are looking for a reliable QR code solution to innovate, connect, and grow, we recommend using QR TIGER. It offers various QR code solutions, like converting a link to QR code, generating a code that fits a vCard, and much more.
This advanced QR code software lets you create visually branded QR codes, integrate them seamlessly with CRM or analytics tools, and manage everything from one easy-to-use dashboard.
1. Advanced customization options
You can design visually appealing, dynamic QR codes with a logo, frame text (“Scan me” call-to-actions), unique eye shapes and patterns, and on-brand colors.
2. Security and data privacy
QR TIGER is ISO 27001-certified and fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which means enterprise-level security and data handling.
The platform's encryption standards are higher than those of other QR code makers online.
3. API Integrations
Our QR code software allows you to easily integrate QR codes with various customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software applications, making it easier to generate QR codes for each workflow.
It is a valuable feature for businesses, especially for those using multiple programs in their operations.
4. Customer service and support
Committed to providing the best user experience, our QR code platform offers 24/7 customer service and support for software-related questions or technical issues.
This customer-first attitude makes it a hit among all the users.
Free resources, like blogs, eBooks, video tutorials, and webinars, are also available for everyone interested in QR code technology.
5. Pricing
QR TIGER is an investment for which you will be thankful.
Our platform offers free and paid plans to individuals, small and medium businesses, and corporations across various fields and industries.
Users can generate free QR codes through our freemium plan, which includes non-expiring static QR codes and up to three editable dynamic QR codes with 500 scans each.
Starting at $7 a month, you can access more advanced features like unlimited scans and downloads on dynamic QR codes, scan activity and location tracking, API integrations, and more.
Top Japanese brands using QR TIGER
It’s no surprise that Japan, the birthplace of QR codes, is leading the world in redefining how these 2D barcodes influence global commerce and travel.
The role of QR code platforms in this widespread adoption is no small feat either. Here are two Japanese brands that trusted the best QR code generator for their business.
Yamabiko Corporation
Yamabiko Corporation is a Japanese manufacturing company that manufactures power tools.
Founded in 2009, the company has three business segments: outdoor power equipment, agricultural machinery, and industrial machinery.
Village Cellars
Village Cellars fills the need for a one-stop supplier in Japan.
The company's portfolio offers various styles, price points, and regions, with over 200 current vintages. Critical to market penetration, we recognize the demand for carefully cellared older vintages.
What we can learn from Japan’s QR code usage
The rise of Japan QR codes shows the power of a simple scan in transforming everyday experiences.
For brands attempting to replicate this level of innovation, a QR code software like QR TIGER offers the flexibility, design, and analytics that make every scan count.
In a world moving towards contactless experiences, one rightly placed QR code can unlock opportunities. 
FAQ
Are QR codes popular in Japan?
Yes. QR codes are extremely popular in Japan. Due to mobile-first platforms like PayPay and LINE Pay and government-backed efforts to promote cashless transactions, QR codes are gaining immense significance in the country.
Is the QR code still required in Japan?
In Japan, QR codes are not required by law, but these tiny squares have become a significant part of the country's infrastructure.
They are widely used in services like contactless payments, ticketing, and accessing public information.
Does Japan use QR code payment?
Yes. QR code-enabled payments are well-established in Japan and continue to grow. They are extremely popular in Japanese convenience stores, restaurants, vending machines, and small retailers.
