Payke, a smartphone app designed to bridge the language barrier for international travelers shopping in Japan, has seen tremendous success since its launch in 2015. As of January 2024, it has been downloaded over 4.5 million times, with 99% of users coming from outside Japan. This speaks volumes about the app’s impact on the global shopping experience in Japan.
Payke provides users with comprehensive information about products, including their characteristics, raw materials, and user reviews. This information is available in six languages – Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, English, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese – giving users the freedom to explore products in their preferred tongue.
The app’s core function lies in its ability to help travelers understand product information, even if they don’t speak Japanese. By simply scanning a product’s barcode, users can instantly access details, enabling them to make informed purchasing decisions. This makes Payke a valuable tool for enhancing the shopping experience for foreign visitors.
The Inspiration Behind Payke: A Story of Insightful Observation
The genesis of Payke is rooted in a simple, yet profound realization. Keisuke Furuta, the app’s creator and CEO of Payke, Inc., observed during his previous role in promoting Japanese specialty products that product samples alone did not generate significant interest. However, when provided with information about the products in their native languages, customers became more engaged and sales soared.
This pivotal insight highlighted the crucial role information plays in driving purchasing decisions. Furuta recognized the potential to use technology to bridge this communication gap, allowing international travelers to discover and purchase products with ease. This realization spurred him to establish Payke, Inc. in 2014 and launch the Payke app the following year.
Payke’s Growth and Impact on Inbound Tourism
Payke’s success story is closely intertwined with the rise of inbound tourism in Japan. The app covers an extensive range of products, spanning over 500,000 consumer goods from more than 1,300 companies, making it a comprehensive resource for international shoppers.
Payke’s impact on inbound tourism is undeniable. In 2020, the app received the coveted Diversity Tokyo App Award for excellence in the app category. This award recognizes Payke’s contribution to promoting diversity and inclusion in Tokyo.
The recent recovery of inbound tourism, following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, has further solidified Payke’s position as a crucial tool for foreign visitors.
Statistics reveal a significant surge in Payke’s popularity: The number of international Payke users has risen by 20% compared to October 2019, a clear indication of the app’s growing influence among travelers.
Word-of-Mouth Marketing and Payke’s Social Media Presence
Payke’s popularity has transcended the app itself, reaching new heights through social media. Travelers who have used Payke during their trips to Japan are actively promoting the app on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, spreading the word about its usefulness for navigating Japanese shopping experiences.
This organic word-of-mouth marketing has amplified Payke’s reach, placing it at the forefront of conversations about Japan travel in various languages.
This social media momentum is further fueling Payke’s growth and solidifying its position as an indispensable tool for international travelers.
Beyond Travelers: Empowering Businesses with Invaluable Insights
Payke’s impact extends beyond individual shoppers; it also empowers businesses to tailor their strategies for inbound tourism. The app provides valuable data insights for businesses, allowing them to understand which of their products are popular with travelers of specific nationalities.
This information enables businesses to optimize their sales strategies. For example, they can create multilingual point-of-sale displays highlighting popular products among certain nationalities, leading to increased sales and customer engagement.
Payke’s data-driven approach empowers businesses to make informed decisions about their marketing and product offerings, further enhancing their appeal to international travelers.
Future Plans: Expanding Functionality for a Seamless Global Shopping Experience
Payke is committed to continuous innovation and improvement, with a focus on expanding its functionality to meet the evolving needs of its users. The app is exploring new features such as halal certification marks to cater to Muslim users and a service that allows users to purchase products they discovered in Japan after returning home.
Payke is also considering introducing features that Japanese users can utilize when traveling abroad. These plans demonstrate the app’s ambition to become a truly global platform, facilitating seamless shopping experiences for individuals worldwide.
The Future of Payke: A Bridge Connecting Cultures and Businesses
Payke is poised to become an integral part of the inbound tourism landscape, acting as a crucial bridge between foreign travelers and Japanese businesses. As international travel continues to rebound, Payke’s ability to provide accessible product information and insightful data for businesses will become increasingly vital.
The app’s user-friendly interface, multilingual support, and commitment to innovation make it an invaluable resource for both international shoppers and Japanese businesses striving to capitalize on the growth of inbound tourism. Payke’s journey from a simple idea to a globally recognized app is a testament to the power of understanding customer needs and harnessing technology to create seamless experiences. As Payke continues to evolve and expand its reach, it has the potential to transform the way people shop and connect in a globalized world.
