Japan's antitrust watchdog Thursday unveiled draft guidelines for the law governing smartphone software services of U.S. tech giants Google LLC and Apple Inc., aiming to promote competition from smaller firms.
This used to be the case 15 years ago, but unless you go to some tiny independently owned place, you can usually pay with credit card or suica. If not, then with one of those QR code payment options. I rarely carry cash anymore.
If there’s one thing Japan loves, it is economical competition. There are like 40 different ways to pay at a shop, it’s absurd.

And yet everyone will pay with cash.
based
This used to be the case 15 years ago, but unless you go to some tiny independently owned place, you can usually pay with credit card or suica. If not, then with one of those QR code payment options. I rarely carry cash anymore.
That’s not absurd, that’s awesome
It can be both!
Absurdly awesome!
I can’t pay with interpretive dance?! I shall not be frequenting this establishment. Good day to you.
There is a DDR cabinet in the arcade that will turn your Dance into Tickets which are accepted.
This is one of the most Japanese things I have ever heard.
Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu
Wow, all of that and no crypto. That’s impressive.
Japan is permanently in the '90s (and I love it).
I’ve seen the phrase “Japan has been stuck in the year 2000 since 1980”
It’s almost like Japanese boomers keep maintaining the status quo at the expense of younger generations.
That’s hardly a bad thing unless you can’t use the most common way (e.g. paying by credit/debit card) in shops.
With that many options, it’s your bad if the card doesn’t work. Wow haha