What began as India’s answer to digital payments is fast turning into a global phenomenon. The Unified Payments Interface better known as UPI is now accepted in over 10 countries, including Singapore, France, UAE, Nepal, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Cyprus, Malaysia, and Oman.
And now, Japan is joining that list.
The Big Move: NPCI Partners with NTT DATA Japan
NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) announced a partnership with NTT DATA Japan, one of the biggest players in Japan’s payment ecosystem.
NTT DATA operates CAFIS®, the country’s largest card payment processing network. With this collaboration, Indian tourists in Japan will soon be able to pay directly at merchant outlets by simply scanning a QR code with their UPI apps just like they do back home.
- No forex cards.
- No currency exchange.
- No hidden fees.
Why This Partnership Matters
This partnership isn’t just about convenience it’s a strategic leap. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIPL and NTT DATA lays the groundwork for UPI acceptance across Japan, enabling smoother, faster, and more secure cross-border transactions.
For India, it’s another sign that its digital public infrastructure once seen as purely domestic is now being exported as a model for the world.
A Growing Base of Indian Travellers
Between January and August 2025, over 2.08 lakh Indian visitors travelled to Japan a 36% jump from last year. With UPI acceptance rolling out, their travel experience is about to become much simpler.
As Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO of NIPL, said:
“This partnership lays the foundation for enabling UPI acceptance in Japan and improving the digital payment experience for Indian travellers.”
From Delhi to Tokyo: India’s Fintech Diplomacy
Japan’s inclusion marks a symbolic milestone UPI’s entry into one of the world’s most advanced economies. It’s not just about payments; it’s about how India’s technology is quietly shaping global fintech.
From Delhi to Tokyo, India’s digital rupee is finding new ground one QR code at a time.
