Checkout.com forays into Japan to strengthen its global presence

By Gloria Mathias

Global digital payments company Checkout.com has announced its expansion into Japan, supported by new direct acquisition capabilities.

This move reflects Checkout.com’s continued commitment to delivering high-performance, localised payment solutions across APAC designed to meet the evolving needs of both domestic and global merchants.

To lead this expansion, Checkout.com has appointed Noriko Sasaki as Country Manager for Japan. Noriko brings over 20 years of experience in the financial services and consulting industries and has held many leadership roles at Citigroup, PwC, and Accenture. With a background in payment solutions, banking services, and enterprise transformation, she is well-positioned to lead Checkout.com in delivering tailored payment solutions that meet the specific needs of both domestic and international businesses in Japan.

‍“I believe there is a tremendous market opportunity for ecommerce in Japan, and a simple and reliable payment experience for customers is essential,” said Noriko Sasaki, Country Manager for Japan at Checkout.com. “I’m excited to lead the team and help merchants boost their sales while enabling a whole new digital experience for their customers.”

‍Armed with direct acquiring capabilities in Japan, Checkout.com is in a position to deliver significant performance improvements in acceptance rates for merchants, supported by strong relationships with local banks and issuers. Through a single integration, businesses will be able to provide customers with a greater selection of local currency and payment methods, enabling a frictionless checkout experience for customers whilst driving down transaction costs associated with cross-border FX and interchange pricing.

The opening of the new Tokyo office further enhances Checkout.com’s local presence, allowing for more personalised support for merchants. This builds on the company’s continued investment across the APAC region, following launches in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore.

‍“Our expansion in Japan marks a significant milestone for Checkout.com, and we’re thrilled to have Noriko Sasaki leading our efforts in this dynamic market,” said Brian Sze, APAC Regional Manager for Checkout.com. “Japan stands among the most sophisticated ecommerce markets in the world, and with Noriko’s leadership, we are uniquely positioned to deliver payment experiences that meet local preferences while driving growth for our merchants.”