iPhone 7 Brings Apple Pay to Japan
Beginning next month, those with an iPhone 7, 7 Plus, or Apple Watch Series 2 in Japan can use Apple Pay.
In October, those with one of Cupertino's newest devices can make purchases in Japanese stores anywhere Suica, iD, or QUICPay is accepted, which covers "nearly two-thirds of all transactions at Japan's largest merchants," Apple says.
Prepaid Suica cards from East Japan Railway (JR East) launched nearly 15 years ago as a fare card for Japanese train lines, but are also accepted at stores and kiosks in the region. Going forward, users can buy or reload a Suica card or commuter pass on iPhone.
"For iPhone 7, we redesigned an entirely new experience from the ground up so our customers can enjoy the ease and security of using Apple Pay while commuting, in our app, and in stores with Suica," said Tetsuro Tomita, CEO of JR East.
Japan's major financial brands—including AEON, Credit Saison, JCB, Mitsubishi UFJ Nicos, Orient Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Card, Toyota Finance, UC Cards, and View Card—as well as carriers KDDI, NTT Docomo, and Softbank are also onboard.
Obviously, Apple Pay will also be accepted at Apple Stores, but you can also pay at 7-Eleven, Circle K, Family Mart, Lawson, Ministop and Sunkus, supermarkets such as AEON, APITA and PIAGO, gas stations including ENEOS and Esso Mobil General, retailers like BicCamera, Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Uniqlo, and local brands such as JapanTaxi and Sukiya.
"We are incredibly excited to bring iPhone 7 to customers in Japan so they can experience the magic of Apple Pay," company CEO Tim Cook said in a statement. "Apple Pay will transform your daily routine, from making your commute easier and more convenient than ever with Suica … to using your favorite cards to make secure and private purchases with a single touch."