NPCI International has signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s NTT DATA to introduce Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in Japan. This expansion marks a significant step in UPI’s global outreach, joining a growing list of countries where UPI is accepted.
NPCI International partners with NTT DATA to bring India’s UPI digital payment system to Japan, expanding its global footprint and cross-border payment options.
India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a revolutionary digital payments system, is set to launch in Japan following a strategic partnership between National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International and Japanese technology firm NTT DATA. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on October 14, 2025, signaling a significant milestone in the international expansion of UPI services.
UPI has transformed the payments landscape in India since its inception, enabling seamless, real-time money transfers between bank accounts through mobile devices. The collaboration with NTT DATA aims to leverage the latter’s extensive technology and network infrastructure in Japan to facilitate the adoption of UPI among consumers and merchants.
According to NPCI International, the partnership will help support the rising demand for cross-border digital payments between India and Japan, fostering greater financial inclusion and convenience for users. “This MoU with NTT DATA represents a critical step towards our vision of making UPI a globally accepted digital payment platform,” said a spokesperson from NPCI International. “By expanding to Japan, we are creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers to transact effortlessly across borders.”
The rollout plan includes integrating UPI into existing Japanese payment ecosystems, allowing Japanese residents and visitors to use their mobile devices or bank accounts linked to UPI for quick and secure payments. Additionally, Indian travelers to Japan and Japanese tourists in India will benefit from the interoperability of UPI-enabled payment systems.
Currently, UPI is accepted in multiple countries including the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The inclusion of Japan enhances UPI’s presence in key global markets and supports India’s efforts to internationalize its digital payment infrastructure.
Financial experts note that Japan, a major global economy with a mature digital payment environment, presents a promising market for UPI’s expansion. With increasing bilateral trade and tourism exchanges between India and Japan, this initiative is expected to ease transactions and promote cashless economies in both countries.
The collaboration also paves the way for innovations in cross-border payments, enabling faster settlement times and reduced transaction costs. Furthermore, it will encourage greater participation from financial institutions and fintech companies seeking to offer UPI-enabled services.
As adoption grows, NPCI International aims to replicate similar models in other countries, cementing UPI’s status as one of the world’s leading digital payments platforms. The Japan launch is slated to begin in early 2026, with further details on rollout timelines and functionality expected in the coming months.
In summary, NPCI International’s agreement with NTT DATA marks a critical advancement for the Unified Payments Interface, expanding its reach into Japan and enhancing cross-border digital payment capabilities. This development complements UPI’s existing acceptance across several countries, reinforcing its growing influence in the global payments ecosystem.
