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eMoney News

Japan - 'ahead of the rest for technology'
16 Nov 2009

UK Managing Director of technology firm NEC David Payette has told the Guardian that the Japanese tend to think they are always six months to five years ahead in most technologies.

"If you want to glimpse the future, take a plane to Tokyo, where tomorrow has already arrived," the newspaper states.

In Japan, cards placed in the back of mobile devices allow consumers to pay for a wide range of items such as taxi journeys and food - all users need to do is wave their handset in front of a sensor.

Use of such technology is prevalent in the Asian country and the publication indicates that the devices may be helping develop a cashless society.

In the UK, eMoney network sQuidcard is also playing its part in this switch to a cashless society.

Adam Smith, Chief Executive Officer of sQuidcard, stated that the UK came a step closer to achieving this when his company provided the ITSO-enabled technology for Bolton Council to launch a multi-purse smart card to its local people earlier this year.

Cardholders can pay for items in Bolton retailers, local authority services and bus travel - all with the same smart card.