Google brings Android Pay to Japan
Mobile payments could one day be the death of cash. While many people will surely be anxious regarding the disappearance of paper money, it is really not the question of "if", but "when". True, that takes away privacy, but it also limits the possibilities of secret transactions for things like illegal drugs or unregistered handguns. Not to mention, it is very convenient!
Android Pay is Google's smartphone-based mobile payment system, and it has been growing in popularity in the USA. Today, Android Pay comes to yet another country -- Japan.
"Starting today, Android Pay -- the new digital wallet for Android smartphones -- is available in Japan, helping you pay for things and earn loyalty points quickly and conveniently when you are on-the-go. We are launching with Rakuten Edy, so you can use Android Pay at over 470,000 locations in Japan that accept Rakuten Edy eMoney -- including shops like Bic Camera, Family Mart, Lawson, McDonald's and Yodobashi Camera", says Pali Bhat, Global Head of Payment Products, Google.
Bhat further says, "and there's more to come. In 2017, we plan to continue working with FeliCa Networks to support more eMoney providers and are working with payments companies like The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Visa and Mastercard in many new ways -- such as helping you speed through checkout with Android Pay in your favorite apps. Stay tuned for more announcements".
To celebrate this announcement, Google is giving away 400 yen to those that sign up in Japan. Before you get jealous, fellow Americans, please know that ¥400 is less than $3.50 USD. Not a huge amount of money, but hey -- free is free, right?
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