Japan to allow wage payments to digital wallets from April

TOKYO, Oct 27 (Japan Today) - Japan is planning to start allowing companies to pay wages to digital payment apps like PayPay and Rakuten Pay from April, the labor ministry said Wednesday, in a bid to promote cashless payments as a way to stimulate the economy.

The maximum balance of such digital wallets will be set to 1 million yen, with employees able to use the funds to make purchases or remittances directly.

The upper limit was determined amid concerns that app users cannot be protected sufficiently. Unlike banks, operators of the apps are not subject to the nation's deposit insurance system, which covers principal of up to 10 million yen in case of bankruptcy.

The ministry on Wednesday approved a draft revision to a relevant ordinance.

While the revised ordinance is expected to come into effect in April, its implementation is unlikely to begin until several months later. Screening of app operators must be completed first, and companies considering digital wage payments also have to obtain consent from employees, the ministry said. ...continue reading

Tokyo Cedar Pollen Season Starts Record Early Since 1985

Cedar pollen dispersal in Tokyo began on January 8th, marking the earliest start since monitoring began in 1985, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Man Rescued After Tree Collision at Niigata Ski Resort

A snowboarder in his 50s was dramatically rescued two hours after colliding with a tree at a Niigata ski resort, with the tense and timely operation captured on camera.

Nintendo to Launch Switch 2 in 2025, Teaser Video Released

Nintendo announced on January 16th that it will release the successor to the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2, sometime in 2025.

Avalanche in Aomori: Foreign Skiers Involved, One Injured

An avalanche occurred near a ski resort in Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture, involving 13 people, mostly foreign tourists. All were safely evacuated, with one person sustaining minor injuries.

Japanese Lunar Lander Resilience Launched From Kennedy Space Center

A rocket carrying the lunar lander developed by Japanese space venture ispace was successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center in the United States.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Japanese Lunar Lander Resilience Launched From Kennedy Space Center

A rocket carrying the lunar lander developed by Japanese space venture ispace was successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center in the United States.

Japan Airlines to Launch 'Sharkskin' Aircraft

Japan Airlines has unveiled an aircraft featuring a sharkskin-like coating. By reducing air resistance with this special surface texture, the airline expects to cut fuel consumption by approximately 119 tons per aircraft annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 381 tons.

Sony Unveils 'XYN', Featuring Groundbreaking 3D Technology

At CES, the world's largest cutting-edge technology trade show, Sony Group has unveiled a new device aimed at expanding its entertainment business. The device generates 3D computer graphics (CG) using standard cameras.

2025 Starry Sky Highlights: Meteor Shower and Mars Close Encounter

2025 marks the start of the 7th year of Reiwa, the 37th year of Heisei, and even the 100th year of Showa. The new year begins with two major celestial events in January—a striking meteor shower and Mars making a close approach to Earth, remaining visible throughout the night.