Japan Payment Innovation Meetup 2025

Welcome to the Japan Payment Innovation Meetup 2025!

Japan's credit card market is vast ($800bn/year), and cashless ratio has been growing rapidly hitting 43% last year. This event gathers Japan's payment giants, collectively dominating the market, to host Silicon Valley startups and companies for collaborative networking. Connect directly with key industry players and gain valuable market insights to accelerate your entry to and growth in Japan!

JCB was founded in Japan in 1961 and is a global credit card brand used in over 160 countries. JCB operates its own issuing, acquiring, and branding in-house. With 169 million cardholders and 56 million merchants, JCB delivers high-quality, responsive payment solutions worldwide as part of its growth strategy. We are eager to have innovative solutions which help retailers or enterprises to utilize our asset, global merchant network.

MUFG NICOS - The core company of the payment business of MUFG, Japan‘s largest financial group - notably deliver industry-leading fraud prevention through aggressive AI adoption among Japan payment company. Building on that, we're exploring enterprise solutions to modernize and improve operational efficiency across functions, welcoming exploratory conversations with startups.

Orico - Founded in 1954, Orico is a leader in Japan’s financial services serving both consumers and businesses. We manage 1.78 million auto loans, the largest volume in Japan, alongside credit cards, corporate payment solutions, and loan guarantees for banks. In our credit card business, we pioneered Japan’s first stablecoin-linked card. Leveraging our strengths in credit assessment, collections, and operations, we are creating bold new business models for the future.

SMCC, founded in 1967, was the first company to issue Visa cards in Japan and Asia, showcasing its innovative leadership in the payments industry. It has forged strategic partnerships with global pioneers like Square and Stripe, delivering cutting-edge payment services. Recently, SMCC launched "Olive," a comprehensive financial service platform featuring "Flexible Credentials". We are also expanding non-financial businesses through strategic partnerships, the most recent one includes a partnership with Hopper (HTS).

• Date: October 3, 2025
• Time: 12-4pm PDT
• Location: 717 Market St, San Francisco

• Targeted Networking – Engage with experienced corporate executives, representatives, investors, and high-growth peer founders.
• Investor & Founder Insights – Gain first-hand knowledge from industry leaders.
• Private, High-Caliber Environment – Designed for meaningful discussions and long-term connections.

• Curated Networking – Engage with a carefully selected group of corporate executives, founders, and investors.
• Investment and Growth Opportunities – Gain direct access to key decision-makers for partnerships and market expansion to Japan.
• Confidential and Exclusive Setting – An intimate, off-the-record environment designed for open discussions.
• Exceptional Networking Experience – Sushi paired with Japanese sake and whiskey will be served, curated for an unforgettable night.

Don't miss this opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, learn from top speakers, and stay ahead of the curve in the world of payment technology. Sushi and Japanese sake will be served during the networking! See you there!

Digital Garage (DG) is one of the largest Payment Service Providers leading fintech industry in Japan. DG partners with global payment companies for Japanese local payment and leads QR code payment. DG's Global HQs is based in San Francisco, operates dg717 coworking space to collaborate with AI, Crypto and Fintech community both enterprise and startups.

Info: Registration for the event starts at 3pm.

Info: Light refreshments will be served at the welcome reception!

Info: Brent Wu, Partner at Geodesic Capital, will give a keynote presentation in which he will cover Japan's fintech and payment landscape, collaboration with Japanese corporates, and opportunities and challenges for Japan market entry.

Info: The four hosting companies (JCB, MUFG NICOS, Orico, and SMCC) will be pitching current challenges and solutions they are looking for.

Info: Join us to expand your professional circle and forge new connections with industry leaders while enjoying sushi and Japanese sake!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

717 Market St, 717 Market Street, San Francisco, United States