Cambodians can now make payments in Japan by scanning JPQR codes with local apps such as Bakong or supported mobile banking platforms.
This follows the official launch of a cross-border QR payment link between the two countries.
The launch was announced at a ceremony in Osaka on 4 July 2025, attended by H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, and Ezawa Masana, Deputy Director General from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
This marks the initial phase of the cross-border initiative, enabling QR payment interoperability between Cambodia’s KHQR and Japan’s JPQR systems.
The effort is part of a broader collaboration between the National Bank of Cambodia and the Payments Japan Association, which signed a memorandum of understanding in April 2025 to implement the system.
The Payments Japan Association was designated as the project operator and is overseeing the rollout.
The initiative builds on an earlier cooperation agreement signed in December 2023 focused on unified QR code-based payments.
H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, said,
“This initiative underscores Cambodia’s advancement in establishing a digital infrastructure for cross-border transactions, fostering collaboration and mutual growth. It is more than a technical breakthrough; it serves as a bridge between our cultures, our economies, and our people.
It reflects our dedication to harness technology for sustainable and inclusive growth—and to ensure that Cambodians are fully equipped to participate in the global digital economy.”
Fukuda Yoshio, General Director of Payments Japan Association, added,
“We hereby express our profound appreciation to all stakeholders who supported the realization of this initiative, with particular gratitude to the governments of both Cambodia and Japan. Today’s announcement marks a pivotal step in this endeavor.
We anticipate that this linkage will contribute to the increase of cross-border exchanges beyond payment, creating connections and networks that would enable continued growth and prosperity for Cambodia and Japan.”
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by National Bank of Cambodia’s LinkedIn post
