Going Cashless with Facial Recognition
The 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo is set to be a landmark event, not just for its innovative exhibits and cultural exchange, but also for its embrace of cutting-edge technology. In a bold move, the event will be entirely cashless, relying on a facial recognition system for both payments and visitor access management.
This system, developed by NEC Corp., is poised to be one of the largest of its kind in Japan. It aims to not only facilitate a smooth and efficient experience for visitors but also serve as a testing ground for promoting a cashless society in the country.
Visitors opting for facial recognition payments will need to register their biometric information beforehand and utilize the event's mobile payment system, Myaku-pe!. This system will be accepted at all stores within the expo, except for food trucks and other mobile vendors. While cash will not be accepted, credit cards will still be a viable payment option.
Entry to the expo will be managed through QR codes delivered on electronic devices. However, holders of season and summer passes will undergo additional facial recognition checks. This measure aims to streamline entry checkpoints by reducing staffing needs and prevent the sharing of multi-day passes.
The 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo promises to be a showcase of technological advancements and a glimpse into the future of commerce and event management. Its cashless approach, powered by facial recognition, is a bold step towards a more convenient and secure experience for visitors.