Press Release

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (hereinafter referred to as “the Association”) will introduce full-scale cashless payments at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (hereinafter referred to as “the Expo”) site, the first time this will be attempted at a world expo. In introducing a fully cashless system, the Association will consider introducing support measures, such as the sale of prepaid cards, for those who do not have cashless payment methods, such as foreign visitors and students visiting the Expo site on school trips.
At the Expo, along with the full-scale introduction of cashless payments, the Association will introduce the “EXPO 2025 Digital Wallet” service with the aim of providing visitors with an enjoyable experience at the Expo site and encouraging their participation in SDGs initiatives and other activities in the run up to the opening.
Through this project, we aim to make the Expo site a laboratory for a cashless society and ensure smooth and comfortable operation of the site. The details of the service will be announced as soon as they are finalised.
In the future, we plan to solicit service names and service partner companies for the introduction of the service.

Full-Scale Introduction of Cashless Payment and Overview of EXPO 2025 Digital Wallet Service
▽ Full-Scale Introduction of Cashless Payments
To accelerate the adoption of cashless payment in Japan, cashless payment will be introduced on a full scale in facilities such as shops and restaurants at the Expo venue. In place of accepting cash at the Expo site, we will consider support measures such as the sale of prepaid cards for those who do not have a means of payment such as foreign visitors and for students visiting on school trips, etc.
With the introduction of full-scale cashless payments, the aim is to handle a variety of payment methods (credit cards, IC-type electronic money, and QR-type electronic money) through one of the largest number of brands in Japan. This will lead to simplified payments, shorter cashier checkout times, contactless anti-virus measures, and stronger crime prevention measures through not having cash in stores.

▽ EXPO 2025 Digital Wallet Service
As cashless payments are promoted within the Expo site, the “EXPO 2025 Digital Wallet” will be introduced as a payment method exclusive to the Expo.
EXPO 2025 Digital Wallet is a service that anyone can participate in through a smartphone. This service will be a dual method wallet app that uses server-managed blockchain*¹ Web2*² and Web3*³ management methods, depending on the services connected.
Specifically, as a programme that users can participate in before the Expo period, we will prepare Expo exclusive electronic money, points service, and NFTs *⁴・services using the blockchain. This service will allow users to become familiar with the Expo and NFTs, create various ways for people to enjoy themselves, and increase their motivation to participate in the Expo.
We aim to further expand the services of the “EXPO 2025 Digital Wallet”  in the future, connecting with the services of various operators to provide more convenient and diverse services.

　*1　Blockchain: A type of database technology for recording information that manages data in units called blocks and stores data by linking them together like a chain.
　*2　Web2: A dynamic, internet-like web services with interactive information flow.
　*3　Web3: A decentralised web service using blockchain technology
　*4　NFT (Non-Fungible Token): Irreplaceable digital data created on the basis of blockchain

　Example Services of EXPO 2025 Digital Wallet
・Original Electronic Money
　This is the Expo’s original electronic money that can be used not only inside the venue but also outside the venue. The goal is for the card to be able to be topped up and used from bank accounts, credit cards, points, miles, gift cards, etc. offered by various businesses. This will promote cashless payments both inside and outside the venue. Depending on how much electronic money you spend, you can earn a rank in the Expo Original Service (a unique user status) and receive benefits according to your status.

・Original Point Service
　A unique points service is planned that will allow people to collect points by participating in programmes run by partner companies before the Expo, and then experience and participate in a variety of Expo-related programmes both inside and outside the venue. A variety of programmes will be implemented by our partner companies, including those related to the SDGs and those that encourage behavioural change among users. We believe that this will create a variety of ways for visitors to use the Expo such as contributing to the SDGs while having fun and will also increase their interest in the Expo.

・Original User Status Service
　Depending on the usage of the EXPO 2025 Digital Wallet Service (electronic money, points service) and the membership status “EXPO 2025 Status” granted, members will receive an original NFT and Expo original services. Note that participants in the EXPO 2025 Digital Wallet will receive an original NFT regardless of their membership status.

Application Overview (planned)
Going forward, we plan to call for applications for the following services. Details of each application will be announced in due course.

・Call for names for the following services:
　Original Electronic Money, Original Point Service, Original NFT

・Call for service partner companies
　①Original Electronic Money: Cooperating companies that exchange points for electronic money
　②Original Electronic Money: Member stores that accept electronic money
　③Original Electronic Money: Cooperating companies that implement promotions using this service
　④Original Point Service: Cooperating companies related to SDGs, etc. that exchange points
　⑤Original Point Service: Cooperating stores that offer Expo-related programmes, etc.