Sumitomo’s Connection with Expos
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
On July 1, 2024, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) launched “MYAKU-PE!”, a unique e-money service for Expo 2025. Developed in collaboration with Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company and NEC Corporation, the service aims to promote cashless payments in Japan, leveraging the opportunities presented by Expo 2025.
Handling cash poses significant societal challenges, requiring substantial manpower and incurring costs for tasks such as transportation, management, and tallying. While Japan’s cashless payment ratio reached approximately 40% in 2023, there remains considerable potential for improvement compared to other countries where the ratio stands at 60-80%.
MYAKU-PE! can be used not only at the Expo site but also at stores across Japan that accept Visa contactless payments and iD payments*. SMBC hopes this will encourage people who are not yet familiar with cashless payments to try MYAKU-PE! conveniently and with confidence.
MYAKU-PE! is a prepaid e-money service that can be charged via a bank account, credit card, or gift code. It can be used at stores inside the Expo site and at participating stores across Japan that accept Visa contactless payments and iD payments.
In addition to touch payments, code payments—where customers make payments by scanning a 2D barcode at stores—are also available. Inside the Expo site, face recognition payments using NEC’s technology will also be supported.
Moreover, a rewards program is available, allowing users to increase their status by charging MYAKU-PE! or by earning experience points (EXP) through participation in Expo-related events. Depending on their status, users can enjoy exclusive experiences at the Expo, such as special guided tours led by pavilion producers or priority access to pavilions.
When making a face recognition payment inside the Expo site or a code payment either inside or outside the Expo site, you will hear a special “MYAKU-PE!” sound. Enjoy this unique feature as part of your experience!
We believe that Expo 2025 will be an excellent opportunity for the elderly and those less familiar with digital technology to experience innovative solutions, contributing to the promotion of cashless payments in Japan. Through MYAKU-PE!, we hope visitors will enjoy unique experiences at the Expo site such as face recognition payments, and that this will inspire broader behavioral changes.
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