“Despite being the birthplace of payment technology like the QR code, Japan is still stubbornly addicted to using cash: Around 80% of people in the country say they choose it over debit cards or payment apps for small purchases. The generous rewards programs that Chuken promotes are a way for digital payment companies to encourage consumer adoption. But the incentives have also given rise to an enthusiastic poikatsu, or ‘point activities,’ subculture that wants to max out as much as possible.”
December 2020, Rest of World
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