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A customer uses his mobile phone at a supermarket checkout in Tokyo. REUTERS / Tetsushi Kajimoto

Even in Japan, more and more purchases are settled by "smartphone" rather than cash.

With our correspondent in Tokyo, Bruno Duval

The electronic purse knows no borders. In Japan, electronic payments increased by 15% in one year. A small revolution because, until now, the Japanese had always favored payment in cash. And for good reason: in this very safe country, there is little risk of being robbed of his wallet, so it is filled without fear of big cuts. But habits are changing.

The Japanese fans of e-wallet are rather young, urban, well-off and, of course, ultra-connected. Like these Tokyoites. " In the supermarket, it's very rare that I settle in cash. Most of the time, I use my smartphone . It's a lot more convenient, "says a woman. " No longer having to give change to each customer, it saves the cash staff time that is understaffed given the shortage of manpower, " says a man. " My lunch tray, at noon in the office, I order and pay by smartphone , then it is delivered to me , says another. It is convenient. " Every electronic payment gets a discount. A rebate of only a few yen, but it's still taken, "says yet another.

20% of purchases

But some are struggling to take the plunge. " When I pay in cash, I visualize what I spend, so I better manage my budget, " says this Japanese. " My age, technique, it's not my strong, reacts one last. I would have a hard time managing these e-payment applications. Settling in cash is really what suits me best. "

28% of the Japanese are over 65 years old and many of them are keen to continue paying cash. In the archipelago, 80% of purchases are still settled in cash. That's three to four times more than in China and South Korea.