Based on various data and our own research, a clear trend has emerged: the proportion of cashless payments is higher in urban areas.
While this is a broad generalization, the regions leading the way in adoption include Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa, and Chiba in Eastern Japan, and Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, and Aichi in Western Japan and other areas.
The reasons for this likely include large populations, a high number of stores and the resulting intense competition, and the fact that urban areas attract many international tourists (inbound visitors).
From a minimalist’s perspective, regions where cashless payments are fairly widespread are truly ideal environments. To keep a minimalist wallet slim, the widespread adoption of cashless payments is essential. After all, when payments are primarily made via smartphones or cards, the very opportunities for the contents of your wallet to increase or decrease become fewer.
That said, even in urban areas, there are places that only accept cash—perhaps because they’re budget-friendly—so I think a minimalist wallet comes in handy in those situations. Most thin, compact wallets and mini-wallets in Japan are designed with coin compartments in mind, so you won’t have much trouble even if you find yourself using coins occasionally.
Currently, the cashless trend is steadily gaining ground even in areas outside urban centers. Regardless of where you live, preparing now to streamline your finances with a minimalist wallet might pay off in the long run.
Even I, designer Sola, used to carry a regular, thick wallet until the mid-90s, and looking back now, I sometimes wonder how I ever managed to use such a thick, cumbersome wallet.
Related Article: Why Do We Still Need a Place to Store “Small Change” in a Compact Wallet, Even in the Cashless Era?
