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  "description": "Japanese credit major JCB and banking group Resona Holdings have announced the launch of a full-scale project to commercialize Ultra-Wideband (UWB) payment technology.\n\nThe partnership aims to supersede current Near Field Communication (NFC) and QR code standards by introducing a \"hands-free\" payment ecosystem. Under the proposed timeline, the companies intend to begin small-scale commercial operations in 2027, with a full market rollout targeted for 2028.\n\n\nMoving Beyond the \"Tap\"\n\nWhile curren",
  "path": "/jcb-and-resona-target-2028-for-commercial-rollout-of-worlds-first-ultra-wideband-payment-system/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-04T23:02:42.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.fintechobserver.com",
  "tags": [
    "JCB and iMago launch “Chikazuite-Check” using UWB/BLE technologyJCB and iMago have launched the “Chikazuite-Check” project to provide a new shopping experience using UWB (Ultra Wide Band) and BLE…Japan FinTech ObserverNorbert Gehrke"
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  "textContent": "Japanese credit major JCB and banking group Resona Holdings have announced the launch of a full-scale project to commercialize Ultra-Wideband (UWB) payment technology.\n\nThe partnership aims to supersede current Near Field Communication (NFC) and QR code standards by introducing a \"hands-free\" payment ecosystem. Under the proposed timeline, the companies intend to begin small-scale commercial operations in 2027, with a full market rollout targeted for 2028.\n\n### **Moving Beyond the \"Tap\"**\n\nWhile current contactless methods require consumers to physically hold a device near a terminal or scan a code, UWB technology leverages short-range wireless communication with high-precision location detection. This allows for transactions to be processed while the user’s smartphone remains in a pocket or bag.\n\nAccording to the joint announcement, the project seeks to capitalize on the high penetration rate of UWB-enabled smartphones in the Japanese market. The initiative is being touted as the world's first full-scale project committed to the practical application of this specific payment architecture.\n\n### **Operational Efficiency and Data Integration**\n\nBeyond friction-less payments, the collaboration highlights the potential for value-added services driven by UWB’s data transmission capabilities. JCB and Resona envision a system that automates the exchange of granular customer data—such as loyalty points, receipt preferences, and even allergen information—simultaneously with the payment.\n\nFor merchants, the technology offers operational benefits including:\n\n  * **Labor Savings:** Automating checkouts to address Japan’s chronic labor shortages.\n  * **Precision Marketing:** Delivering personalized coupons or advertisements via smart displays based on the customer's exact location within a store.\n  * **VIP Service:** Alerting staff to the presence of high-value customers to provide personalized assistance without verbal cues.\n\n\n\n## Sign up for Japan FinTech Observer\n\nCutting through the noise of Japanese Finance & FinTech\n\nSubscribe\n\nEmail sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup.\n\nNo spam. Unsubscribe anytime.\n\n### **Strategic Roadmap**\n\nThis announcement serves as an acceleration of the strategic partnership the two companies formed in January 2024, known as the \"Hands-free Payment\" project.\n\nThroughout 2026, JCB and Resona will collaborate with the FiRa Consortium—an industry body dedicated to UWB standardization—and various technology vendors to conduct proof-of-concept testing. These tests will focus on validating user experience and refining store payment operations ahead of the planned 2027 soft launch.\n\nBy establishing an open infrastructure, the project aims to create a payment environment compatible with competitor solutions, signaling a push for UWB to become a universal standard in next-generation retail infrastructure.\n\n* * *\n\nJCB and iMago launch “Chikazuite-Check” using UWB/BLE technologyJCB and iMago have launched the “Chikazuite-Check” project to provide a new shopping experience using UWB (Ultra Wide Band) and BLE…Japan FinTech ObserverNorbert Gehrke",
  "title": "JCB and Resona Target 2028 for Commercial Rollout of World’s First Ultra-Wideband Payment System",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-04T23:02:42.606Z"
}