Full-scale use of the debit card system, which allows consumers to pay for purchases with ordinary bank cards, is to begin in Japan on Monday amid hopes that it will alter the deeply ingrained habit of consumers paying in cash and also become an effective business tool.
The system, called J-debit, was first introduced nationwide in January 1999 on an experimental basis with the participation of seven banks, the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry and about 10,000 shops.
From Monday, consumers will be able to pay for purchases at up to 100,000 shops nationwide with bank cards issued by 617 financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, according to the Japan Debit Card Promotion Association. The association was jointly set up in 1998 by the posts ministry and the private sector.