Codes of the Rising Sun: QR Code Culture in Japan

A QR code is a 2 dimensional image containing code that can be scanned in order to access the data within. They are typically square and made up of smaller black and white squares, almost resembling a jumbled up chess or go board, though they can look different and come in a variety of colors and styles. 

QR codes are highly versatile and customizable, able to store data that can allow people to access web addresses, view videos, social media pages, restaurant menus, contact information, register for events, and more. They can be put just about anywhere you can display a simple image, like on stickers, posters, fliers, business cards, invitations, and advertisements. 

The story of QR codes actually begins in the land of the rising sun, having been created by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota. QR codes were created by the auto parts manufacturing company as a more robust replacement for the traditional bar codes that were used for tracking information. 

QR codes worked extremely well, not only for this purpose, but for many others, as they were able to store a large amount of data, could be read from almost any angle, and even still be readable if damaged. Denso Wave made the smart decision to keep the technology open for anyone to use, which greatly contributed to the widespread use of codes today. 

QR codes have gone beyond the auto industry and are used in just about every facet of modern life. Usage of codes especially exploded during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, as they were a contact free way to pay for goods, access information, and communicate with others. 

Being the birthplace for QR codes, they are very popular in the region, even more so than in America. In all the biggest cities, like Tokyo and Kyoto, you can find QR codes everywhere. 

Signs, billboards, posters and more. In arcades, ramen shops, fish markets, and even on the streets. QR codes are as common as idol statues and bright neon signs. 

Payment

Perhaps the most common and well known usage of QR codes in Japan is for payment purposes. Through apps like PayPay, Line Pay, and Origami Pay allow users to exchange cash for both goods and services all with no physical contact through the use of QR codes. 

The COVID-19 pandemic in particular led to the rapid increase in these types of apps being used, since it allowed users to buy and sell without any Physical contact, just scan a code and your set! Even years after the pandemic, these forms of payment are still extremely popular in Japan. 

Travel

Japan is big on public transport, particularly when it comes to buses and trains. Naturally, QR codes have entered this aspect of Japanese life, with codes appearing on bus and train tickets, as well as within stations for patrons to scan and pay for their rides. 

Advertising

Much like in the states, advertisers have begun using QR codes as an easy way to engage with customers after their ads have ended. Codes can be found on just about any sort of ad, like TV commercials, posters, cards, stickers, and especially on bright neon signs in the biggest cities. 

Menus 

In the states, a decent number of restaurants, both big and small, are getting rid of physical menus in favor of digital ones, accessed via QR code. Across the Pacific, however, almost all of Japan’s restaurants are now using QR code menus. This allows them to easily change menus without having to print new ones and saves them money on printing costs. 

QR code usage has exploded all over the world, but perhaps no more than in Japan. This makes a lot of sense, as the country is known for rapidly adopting new technology into daily life, not to mention the fact that QR codes were created in the country. 

You can make your own QR codes too and join the exciting world of this wonderful technology, all with the free tools available from QR Code Developer. Get started today and create your own QR codes!